Quote of the Week
If you wish to know the divine, feel the wind on your face and the warm sun on your hand.”
–Buddha
Dear Postcard Travellers,
Safaris are not always in Africa. This week we venture to RAAS Chhatrasagar for a luxury-tented lakeside safari in Rajasthan, India.
Find romance as you soak up mesmerising lake views from your opulent tent. Spot more than 250 species of birds, as well as jackals, foxes and wild boar on a wildlife safari, indulge in organic gourmet cuisine, and end your day snuggled by a crackling fire under star-spangled skies. This is a safari with a difference!
RAAS curates other unique sanctuaries in India, too — from Jodhpur’s first boutique hotel to magnificent palaces in Jaipur and the Aravali Hills.
Enjoy your journey to Rajasthan and beyond.
Karen Hastings
Editor, Postcard Travel Club
This week’s Featured Partner: RAAS Hotels
RAAS Hotels invites you to explore a curated collection of four unique luxury properties: Rajmahal Palace RAAS Jaipur, RAAS Jodhpur, RAAS Chhatrasagar in Rajasthan and RAAS Devigarh in Udaipur.
Each hotel seamlessly intertwines rich history with a modern aesthetic and an eco-conscious ethos. Expect a warm welcome, exquisite dining, rejuvenating spas and dedicated staff, as these properties redefine the essence of luxury.
Unique Activities
Soak Up the Serenity of RAAS Chhatrasagar
Experience the allure of Rajput luxury at RAAS Chhatrasagar. Here, opulent tents echo the romantic era of safari campaigns in far-flung lands. These mobile mini-palaces, once 'homes away from home', have evolved into a timeless retreat.
Today, the focus of RAAS Chhatrasagar is on birdlife, farming communities, rewilding and immersive experiences.
Join a knowledgeable naturalist on a gentle dawn stroll around the lake, or take an evening jeep drive through grasslands to spot some of the more than 250 bird species, as well as foxes, mongooses and herds of nilgai.
Swim in the infinity-edged pool surrounded by the sounds of nature, or enjoy a surprise sundowner in the lovely tented sitting room.
In the evenings, more beauty awaits. Gather around a blazing fire under a star-studded sky before indulging in a culinary feast—an enchanting journey where luxury meets history.
See the Winged Wonders of Chhatrasagar
Birding is a favorite activity at RAAS Chhatrasagar. Here, over 250 species of feathered beauties create a vibrant tapestry of colour and sound just waiting to be discovered.
Whether it's the inquisitive green bee-eaters, iridescent blue kingfishers, purple sunbirds, Eurasian eagle owls or Indian grey hornbills, the camp offers a magical haven for you to appreciate these winged wonders up close.
You can even go birding via boat. Cruise through the maze of mangroves to see waterbirds up close, including pelicans, flamingos, herons and spoonbills.
Sign up for a Wildlife Safari
Rewarding 60- to 90-minute wildlife safaris at RAAS Chhatrasagar immerse you in the natural word.
Not only do you have the chance to spot an incredible diversity of birds, but you might also glimpse nilgai, wild boar, jackals and more. Open-sided jeeps maximise your viewing opportunities.
Delight in the thrill of discovery as you venture into the heart of nature, led by expert guides.
You can also request a Bush Lunch or alfresco picnic to enjoy as you soak up the sights and sounds of nature.
Awaken Your Senses with Dawn Yoga
Start your day with the peaceful practice of yoga at dawn, overlooking the picturesque Chhatrasagar lake. Embrace the tranquility enhanced by the trills of the morning birds, immersing yourself in the soothing sounds of nature.
Guided by an expert instructor, the camp offers 60-minute yoga sessions on request. These classes aim to help you achieve profound muscular relaxation, slow the breath, boost willpower and creativity, calm the mind, elevate joy and encourage you to recognize the inherent divinity within every aspect of life. Namaste.
Lodging
Retire to Your Luxury ‘Tent’
RAAS Chhatrasagar beckons you to a sanctuary of luxury with its collection of 16 expansive tents, including four family tents and two twins. Perched on the eastern edge of the lake, the tents provide sweeping views of the serene natural surroundings.
Spacious and thoughtfully designed, each tent boasts contemporary elegance with soft muted colors, Jodhpur stone, teak furniture and skylights, offering a comfortable haven.
Step onto your private sit-out, sip a chilled glass of wine and immerse yourself in panoramic vistas, where the beauty of RAAS Chhatrasagar unfolds around you.
Dining
Linger Lakeside for Inspired Dining
At RAAS Chhatrasagar, the food philosophy revolves around simplicity – with fresh, seasonal and undeniably delicious cuisine.
The all-day-dining restaurant, nestled between the majestic Lake Chhatra Sagar and a serene swimming pool, offers a holistic gastronomic experience. From authentic Rajasthani delights to enticing Italian aromas and rich Indian curries, your taste buds are treated to a fusion of tradition and modernity, complemented by handpicked vegetables from the on-site organic garden.
You can also join a private cooking lesson with the accomplished chef and learn the art of preparation and presentation the RAAS way.
Cap off your evenings at the exquisite bar, where an array of herbal-infused alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails awaits.
Sustainability Story
Sustainability lies at the heart of RAAS Chhatrasagar, where 1,500 acres of former farmland have blossomed into a thriving wilderness sanctuary. In 2003, a commitment to nature's revival saw the end of agricultural practices, allowing indigenous trees and diverse flora and fauna to reclaim the land.
Local village folk are employed in the camp, sharing their Rajasthani culture with you, as well as their genuine warmth and hospitality. An organic garden also lies within the property, yielding fresh produce for the traditional recipes and regional specialties served up during your stay.
As you enjoy a hot shower, you can feel good knowing that solar power generates hot water, and the air-conditioning is regulated using a system with a Platinum LEED rating. Additionally, rainwater harvesting and recycled waste water supplement supplies.
Notably, RAAS was also the first hospitality brand in Rajasthan to remove all single-use plastic from its properties.
As you explore, witness the harmonious coexistence of wildlife amidst lush landscapes, and know that your visit contributes to the preservation of this wildlife-rich haven.
Discover More Immersive Experiences at RAAS Chhatrasagar
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