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Fort Pokaran; the 14th century citadel
also known as “Balagarh” stands as a paragon amidst the Thar Desert.
This monument is the premier fort of The Chief of Mighty Champawats
(the clan of Rathores) has to its erstwhile aristocratic title attached
the prestigious honour ‘Pradhan’ ( The Premier Noble ) to recognize
every Thakur of Pokaran as of the first honour in The Darbar (the court)
of the state Marwar- Jodhpur.
Surrounded with rocky, sandy and five salt
ranges, POKARAN means “the place of five mirages”.Fort Pokaran stands on
ancient trade route that carried salt, silk and spices to Persia and
beyond. Instead of winding caravans of the past, it now has trains,
buses and cars. The fort now attracts travellers to stay betwixt the
glorious history where each stone speaks out volumes of the past.
It is en route both from Jodhpur to Jaislamer and Bikaner to Jaislamer.
It indeed makes an ideal break and offers extended traditional
hospitality, which was once offered to Humayun; the Mughal Emperor in
the 16th century and later to his great grandson Akbar `II; son of the
last Mughal Emperor; Aurangzeb.
The present Thakur Nagendra Singh Pokaran
and his wife Thakurani Yashwant Kumari Pokaran have opened the imperial
gates of the stately fort to proffer the traveller a feel of royalty.
The well restored building hands out a view of the ornamentally carved,
red sandstone Mahals, the traditional Jharokas and the grand turrets,
parapets depicting Rajput and Mughal architecture. The impressive
hall;”Mangal Mahal” with four octangular Jharokas protruding out is
where our guests are served with traditional aromatic cuisines by the
family Chef.
There is an in-house “Museum” of the family collection of armoury,
garments, miniature paintings, handicrafts and the local artistry. A
feather in the cap of the Fort is “The Grand Library” consisting of
classic books dedicated to the great Rao Bhadur Rajshree Thakur Chain
Singhji Pokaran. He being the most learned Rajput noble of those times,
holds a prestigious place in the book known as "Who’s Who Of India
1946-47 edition pg.1428-29."
Services and Facilities
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19 AC Rooms ( 4 Royal Apartments, 6
Suites and 9 Deluxe Rooms ) with attached bathrooms fitted with modern
amenities
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Telephones with Direct Dialing Facility
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24Hr Room Service
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Laundry and Dry Cleaning
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Multi-Cuisine Restaurant
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Doctor on Call
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Swimming Pool
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Theatre ( Proposed )
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Billiard / Snooker Table
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Travel Counter & Taxi Services
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Credit Cards facilities
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Modern Conference Facilities
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High Tea at Turrets ( watching sun down)
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Library
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Family Cenotaphs
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Jeep Safari
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Camel ride at sand dunes
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Village safari
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Bird watching
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Desert wildlife (Desert Gazelle and
Desert Fox)
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Rajasthani Cultural program & Dances
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Craftsmen at work; carpenters, potters,
cobblers (Jutti makers), stone carvings and weavers
Activities and Excursions
Pokaran sight seeing venues are skillfully
engraved family cenotaphs. A walk through the old bazaar where the
potters make the famous terracotta pottery which floods the Delhi
markets and weavers weave shawls, blankets and durries (carpets).
This exclusive stay includes tea at the turrets while the sunsets,
traditional gala evenings on the ramparts, twinkling view of the town,
folk dancing and cultural programs organized especially by the family.
The jeep and camel-cart safaris can be customized to the tourist’s
choice, which can be a safari to the mud huts interacting with the
villagers or the wild life spots around Pokaran
Pokaran is the abode of hundreds of Damsel
Cranes, Houbara Bustard, a rare bird; The Great Indian Bustard,
Migratory Bird the Imperial Sand Grouse which takes flight right from
Siberia to the desert for food, water and to sun bathe. It is a buzz to
watch and photograph the Indian Gazelle; the “Chinkara” (deer) that is
the highlight of the jeep safari in dried salt ranges of Pokaran.
The place also homes the shrine of the deity Ramdeoji who is considered
the reincarnation of Lord Krishna. The fair Ramdeora is named after him,
held for ten days according to the lunar calendar in the month of
September is a vibrant occasion. People visit it from all religions,
caste and creed from all over India who come in colourful outfits to
offer prayers.
Fort Pokaran is a commemoration to
those great souls who thought of a life larger than life!
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