02/10/2012
Fateh Bagh, Ranakpur
Time-travel to the 18th century, rediscover the Romantic Age
90 km from Udaipur and two centuries back in time stands the proud Fateh Bagh. The arresting architecture, period furniture and ethnic décor recall a gentler, more romantic time. Each room seems to have staged a story now lost in the wraps of time.
The imposing square shaped, beige walls and majestic arches, intricately carved pillars and pavilions, beautiful domes and the wonderful fountain in the foreground are all far removed from the ‘functional minimalism’ that is worshipped as design today. The palace and its hospitality are recreated history.
There is much to occupy you with in the present: a swim at the pool, a walk into the orchards, a visit to the famous Jain and Surya temples, exploring Ranakpur, a town outwardly stranded in medieval times.
Fateh Bagh is probably India's first attempt at 'relocating a fallen palace', faithfully preserving the rich Rajput architecture. Rawla Koshilav that flourished as a palace on the foothills of Aravallis near Jodhpur in 1802 became a neglected piece of heritage in the 20th century. In 2002, around 65,000 pieces of the crumbling palace were transported to a scenic spot in Ranakpur, amidst the orchards and on the banks of a rain fed river, to create Fateh Bagh!
