Sundowner at Darbari

Half an hour from Narendra Bhawan lies Darbari, a shimmering oasis where tranquil waters, emerald grasslands and weathered rocky escarpments interrupt the endless sweep of the Thar.

Among Maharaja Narendra Singhji's favourite discoveries, Darbari became the destination of choice for drives into the countryside with his nearest and dearest. As the afternoon softens towards evening, settle into traditional charpais while chaat and kebabs arrive in leisurely succession beside the water.

Here, time appears to slow. The lake catches the last of the day's light, birds return to the reeds and the desert breeze cools by a few degrees. Far removed from the bustle of the city, Darbari recalls a more gracious age, when good company, fine refreshments and an exceptional setting were considered the greatest luxuries of all.