Bundi Haveli is a new property, only a year old, and is different from most Rajasthani hotels in that it doesn’t belong to a royal family. Australian businesswoman, Lulu runs it in partnership with local businessman Saleem, lending the property a certain level of international flavour. However, in its design and hospitality, it’s modelled completely on local Rajasthani tradition.

Built at the end of an alley as you enter the village of Bundi, the haveli is a bright white building, which stands in stark contrast to the muddled medley of streets outside. The village itself is completely medieval in texture, sights and sounds. If you walk up to the old fort ramparts you’ll see an intricate patchwork of faded blue houses and the reservoir along which the village is set. The best thing about Bundi Haveli is that it allows you to go back in time – to wander about in the markets and tiny shops that throng the narrow, cobbled streets and explore the many baoris or step-wells that the village is famous for. Yet, you return to a place with all the comforts of the 21st century – hot showers and air-conditioning.

The haveli is perfect for families with children, couples, and single travellers. It is an easy going place, fitted out with wonderful objects d’art on the walls (courtesy Saleem’s antique business), in little nooks and crannies of the rooms and public spaces. This makes the hotel charming and tastefully decorated without being fussy or over the top. All in all, a real treat to be in a place that suffers none of the general decay and dilapidation that some Rajasthani properties try to pass off as ‘charm’.