Oct 18, 2011 12:26 PM
13791 Views
Burja Haveli is a beautiful, restored haveli that serves as a soothing and welcoming abode for the travellers in Alwar. Its close enough to Bharatpur bird sanctuary and the famed Sariska Tiger Reserve. Adventure along with impeccable old world charm are the bonuses that come with a stay here.
Burja Haveli is a 240 year old authentic haveli that still houses the original zamindar(land owning) owner family in a seperate wing of the hotel. The structure itself is built in the traditional Rajasthani style of architecture and is delightful.
While driving from Delhi, it is located on the Alwar Rajgarh Road, accessed by the Alwar bypass. Its right next to the Burja Village and comes across as a serendipitious Oasis on the highway thats flanked all along by the charming Aravalli ranges.
On entrance there is a huge green area with shady orchards and swings that are mostly let out for evening functions and ceremonies. The haveli itself is reached by a swinging arcane gate served by a moustached darban who is very self conscious about his role at defending the ramparts of the property. The layout is around a central courtyard dotted by a fountain in the centre and green patches of shrubs.
There are some rooms on the Ground Floor and if convenient one can stay there. But if climbing is not a problem I would recommend the First Floor Super Deluxe/Deluxe rooms that one can reach by traversing a narrow stone staircase. The rooms are quite a treat, much like a Rajasthani set. There is a sitting room with TV and comfortable sitting and the inner bedroom has all the regular features along with some piquant and sweet add ons like a personalised JHAROKHA(a typical wire meshed balcony suspended in the air).
Needless to say I spent most of my time in the hotel lounging in this jharokha. The evening is esp magical with the moonlight streaming in and it was memorable to have a steaming mug of coffee with traditional Rajasthani snacks enjoying the view of the village and fields around.
The bathrooms are large, spick and span. Altogether the room and the living quarters were airy, spacious enough to house a 4-5 member family and even quite pretty with all the wall murals and the small latticed doors and windows.
The Dining area is on the ground floor and the food quality is very good. The menu is strictly vegetarian but there is enough choice to spoil even a foodie. The jodhpuri gattas, masala dal Jaipuri, mixed vegetable and the koftas were especially succulent.
Another strong positive is the friendly staff, very courteous but never obtrusive. The room servicing and the reception service were quite good.
The city of Alwar is only 15 mins drive away and its a day excursion where one can visit the Sahasmand Lake with a panorama of Chatris(umbrella like canopies), the Royal Palace, Hanuman Temple. The Hope Circus Market is the hub and its advisable to take a walking trip though this congested but spanking clean market premises. One beautiful thing about this small city is the abundance of temples at every nook and corner. In the evening the entire place comes alive with flickering lamps and aromatic incenses and one must walk down the alleys (surprisingly very very clean)inhaling the rich smells and the simplicity and the devotion of the local populace.
The Burja Haveli is not ostentatious like the Neemrana Chain. Its quiet and sober, perfect proposition for a short family outing and in close proximity to the major attractions around.
Quite an unbeatable deal..getting to experience the cushiness of a bygone era in a real haveli with all modern amenities at a user friendly economic model:)
Strongly recommended.
