Bassi Fort Palace, a 16th-century Rajput palace

About thirty kilometres from Chittorgarh, in the rural hinterland of southern Rajasthan, Bassi Fort Palace occupies a fort-palace built in the 16th century and linked to the Chundawat clan, a cadet branch of the Mewar Sisodia. Converted into a 3-star hotel run by descendants of the family, it preserves its original architecture, its inner courtyards and its 16 rooms fitted with Jharokhas, those sculpted stone balconies characteristic of Rajasthan.

Why stay here

Bassi Fort Palace is not a reconstructed heritage hotel: it is a Rajput residence that has remained in the same family since its foundation. The main appeal of a night here lies in this continuity, evident in the stonework, antique furnishings and spatial arrangement. It is also a useful stop for those heading to Chittorgarh or Udaipur while avoiding the standardised hotels of city centres.

• 16th-century Rajput architecture preserved (Jharokhas, sculpted facades)
• Chundawat clan heritage still present in the décor
• Quiet village setting, away from crowded tourist circuits
• Strategic position between Chittorgarh and Bassi Sanctuary

Ambiance and character

The atmosphere is that of a Rajput country palace rather than an international upscale hotel. The volumes are irregular, the corridors vaulted, the terraces overlook the village and surrounding countryside. The furnishings mix period pieces with sober reproductions. You come here for the character of the place and the silence, not for spa facilities or resort pools.

The 16 rooms

The hotel has 16 rooms spread throughout the palace wings. Each is fitted with a Jharokha, the sculpted stone balcony that once allowed court women to observe the street unseen. The rooms are spacious, equipped with basic amenities and bathrooms with hot water. The décor varies from room to room: some overlook the inner courtyards, others face outward.

Dining and services

Bassi Fort Palace's kitchen offers several registers: South Indian dishes, North Indian cuisine, Continental options and Chinese. Meals are usually taken in the palace dining room or on the terrace. A bar is available on-site, which remains relatively rare in this region of rural Rajasthan.

• Restaurant: Indian, South Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine
• Bar with cocktail selection
• Room service subject to availability
• Organisation of excursions to nearby sites

Location

Bassi Fort Palace is located in the village of Bassi, approximately 25 km from Chittorgarh and just over 100 km northeast of Udaipur. Udaipur airport is the most practical air access, count on about 2.5 hours' drive. Bassi Berisal railway station is a few kilometres away. For an itinerary in Rajasthan, the hotel fits naturally between a visit to Chittorgarh and the rest of your journey towards Udaipur or Bundi.

Around the area

The village of Bassi itself deserves a stroll: you'll find artisans renowned for hand-painted wooden toys and votive objects, a craft passed down locally for generations. In the immediate vicinity:

• Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary (dry forests, antelopes, leopards)
• Bassi Dam and Orai Dam
• Historic hunting pavilion of the Chundawat
• Chittorgarh Fort, a UNESCO site whose earliest remains date back to the 7th century
• Vindhyachal Hills Palace

To extend your experience of Rajasthan's heritage hotels, you can compare with Alsisar Haveli in Shekhawati, Amet Haveli in Udaipur or Ahilya Fort on the banks of the Narmada.

Incorporate Bassi Fort Palace into your journey

Bassi Fort Palace fits into a Rajasthan circuit that combines forts, palaces and artisans' villages. Our advisors build the itinerary according to your pace and interests. Consult our travel suggestions in India to prepare your stay.