Standing for 3 centuries, this palace-turned-hotel may be grand in size but has a humble, understated feel to it, with less of the extreme opulence one might find elsewhere in Rajasthan. There’s plenty to occupy guests for several days and the views over the surrounding countryside are fabulous.

Strategically located on a hill overlooking the town of Deogarh and its lovely lake, with the Aravalli Hills just visible in the distance, the palace complex is fascinating to explore with its multiple archways, courtyards, balconies, turrets, nooks and crannies and 50 guest rooms of all shapes and sizes.

Run in hands-on fashion by descendants of the original owners, there is a lovely atmosphere here which is upheld and complemented by the very amiable staff and the friendly inhabitants of the surrounding village.

The rooms are small compared to other palaces and the staircases just wide enough to fit one person at a time, though a newly fitted lift is a welcome addition for elderly visitors. Patterned bed sheets and richly coloured walls bring life and character to the rooms, each of which is unlike the last and reflective of a different era.

The palace offers a host of activities for guests, many of whom will be from tour groups on a circuit of Rajasthan. Spending two days, three at the most, is ideal unless you have time to kill and visiting the cities in the region is not a priority.

Easily accessible from Udaipur and Jodhpur, Deogarh can be a stop en route to Nathdwara, Ranakpur, Ranthambore or just a great pit stop on any trip across the state.