Chhatra Sagar is the lake belonging to the Nimaj Family, which was built to store rain water used for irrigating the surrounding farmlands. A Hunting lodge was added in the 1920’s to organise shooting parties for the British officers and guests of the family.

Location and Connectivity : Located in district Pali about four hours from Jaipur and two hours from Jodhpur, Chhatra Sagar is an excellent inclusion in itineraries for an insight into rural Rajasthan, where one can visit farms and villages. It is also a great place to unwind in the tranquil environs of the lake. Accessible by good roads both from Jodhpur as well as Jaipur, Chhatra Sagar is 2 hours from Pushkar and four hours from Udaipur.

By train Chhatra Sagar can be accessed from Delhi by the Shatabdi upto Ajmer and then it is a two hours. Jodhpur is the closest airport and is a two hours drive from Nimaj.

The gorgeous hand-painted floors based on traditional henna designs are the outstanding feature of Chhatra Sagar’s 11 sumptuous tents and if you stay in one just after monsoon season (when the tents come down), it will be a newly-painted pattern. The rest of the tent will be fresh too, with a clean bathroom, complete with hot/cold running water, a dressing room and comfortable bed and at the front, facing the lake, a private porch – perfect for staying put and watching the bobbing birds.

Lotus seeds with cardamom, rosewater-and-rose-petal pudding – the time-honoured family dishes cooked with care by the gentle Nimaj ladies are exceptionally tasty, and considered some of the finest in the region. Meals flavoured with fenugreek and chillies, grown organically from fields nearby, are savoured in the open-air dining tent with vistas across the lake that are as superb as the food.

Excellent cooking demonstrations are offered by sisters-in-law Shrinidhi and Vasundhara in the family kitchen, using recipes of the region, but bearing in mind the ingredients which are easily available in western countries.

Because the family aims to help local villagers through responsible tourism, Chhatar Sagar provides a unique opportunity to really learn about rural and farming life in Rajasthan and visit the farmers’ homes. Accompanied by one of your hosts, wander on an enchanting tour of the village and farm, with its fields of wheat, mustard, cotton and chillies and vast grazing pastures, meet the villagers, and visit some of the local temples.

Other highlights include:

• Excursion by jeeps to the traditional farming & shepherd settlements – most authentic insight into rural Rajasthan
  
• Jogging tracks around the 100 years old reservoir
  
• Sundowners on the hill
  
• Guided bird watching tours and an abundance of birdwatching (from your very own sit out)
  
• Candle light dinners
  
• Stargazing
  
• Cooking demonstrations and lessons