Getting up in the morning listening to chirping of birds, sitting on the wooden bed of a royal Haveli room makes you smile and relive the charm of age old Indian royalty. In the interiors of Rajasthan, Castle Bera homestay is located near Jawai Bandh dam in Pali district. Thakur Baljeet Singh (also known as Winkoo Singh by close and dear ones) inherited a part of the castle, known as "The Rawala" in the region. Being a travel enthusiast, Baljeet Singh has travelled many destinations in India and abroad. After working as a marketing professional for many years, he has finally got settled in his home village Bera. Sitting in the back lawn, completely in love with his surroundings and listening to his favourite English classics he says, "This is where I enjoy myself; I have my house, beautiful nature, wildlife and people around, what else does one want."
Castle Bera is a beautiful heritage Haveli. The cream white walls of the castle standing taller than the village houses around, give a beautiful panoramic view of the village and rocky hills around. One can even spot the well-known 'Jawai Bandh Dam', which is a one of its kind man-made dam in western Rajasthan. The Haveli architecture maintains its charm with a front garden and a marble fountain in it. The four rooms available for guests are artistically designed to give a feel of the local culture and history. Two out of four rooms have balconies which overlook the beautifully maintained back garden. It is interesting how every room has black and white pictures adorning the walls of the rooms, reflecting times spent by various royal generations hunting or winning esteemed Polo competitions.
Castle Bera is not only about rejuvenating in the space you live in, but also about exploring its surroundings. The host arranges for morning and evening safaris where one can sight Leopards, Bluebull, Crocodile, Hyena, Pelican, Greylag Goose, Robin Accentor, Demoiselle Crane, Barheaded Goose, Indian Partridge etc. in their natural habitat. One can also have a village tour or make a visit to the local Devi temple in a cave, on a rocky hill.
Culture, rich heritage, nature, hospitality of its hosts and beautiful sunsets/sunrises is how one remembers Castle Bera... after living this beautiful dream.
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