ex-Marine and I were the only independent travelers at the Castle Mandawa. All the other tourists were part of a tour group. Perhaps that was the reason the Maharajah spent a considerable amount of time with us. Finished oohing and aahing over our suite, we walked back out into the courtyard where the tour group guests were loading up on camels for a desert ride out to Kesri Singh’s newly built Desert Resort, just 1km/.6 mile away from Castle Mandawa. If a person didn’t want to ride a camel, there was a camel cart available.

We had a little time before visiting the Havelis (frescoes on buildings painted by weathy merchants in the area) and he asked us if we’d like to come along with him to visit the Desert Resort in his jeep. Do bears *#!* in the woods? Singh barked a few commands to one of his omnipresent servants, and a few minutes later, the Royal jeep was pulled into the courtyard with his family crest on it…View image. Oh me…oh my…

Singh built the Desert Resort in 1985 and it was still a work in progress when we were there. Check out this link to the Desert Resort to see what it looks like now. The Desert Resort is Kesri Singh’s brainchild and was created by local village craftsmen using mud and brick. Each cottage and room had traditional touches and was furnished in a distinctive style. Filled with comfort, luxury and perfect for bird-watching, camel and horse rides or do nothing.

We relaxed at the Desert Resort for a bit and waited for the guests to arrive on their camels…View image. Before leaving, Travels With Sheila spent quality time communing with my always favorite camels…View image before returning in Singh’s jeep back to Castle Mandawa for Haveli sightseeing.

Oh…ordinary mortals. When riding in a Royal Jeep with a Maharajah, you get to reflect in his glory as all local people bow and salaam as he drives past. Can you believe it?

Note: There is new luxury, tented camp in Mandawa that looks gorgeous, the Jhajhar Hhas. Take a look at this beauty before you decide where to stay.