Once home to the Maharajah of Shahpura and still managed by his descendants today, Shahpura Bagh is one of our favorite heritage properties in Rajasthan. Established in the 1630s as a summer retreat for royals and visiting viceroys, it’s now a luxury boutique hotel set in a 45-acre garden estate. Here, royal sophistication meets modern luxury: think canopied daybeds beside a large, palm-fringed swimming pool; freestanding bathtubs in candlelit bathrooms; balconies with arches looking out over manicured gardens.

Even more than the hotel itself, however, what we love about Shahpura Bagh is its connection to the local community. The Shahpura family live onsite, mingling with guests, and dreaming up immersive experiences to get you beneath the surface of their hometown. They’ll take you to nearby Dhikola Fort, lead you in a Rajasthani cooking class, introduce you to villagers in the surrounding farmlands — or just sit and chat with you over sundowners by the pool.

Midway between Jaipur and Udaipur, Shahpura is a totally idyllic place to break your journey for a taste of rural Rajasthan.