RARE India has expanded its portfolio of experiential hospitality properties by adding Shri Joraver Vilas, a heritage palace in Santrampur, Gujarat. The latest addition strengthens the company’s collection of boutique luxury properties while promoting heritage tourism and authentic cultural experiences across India.
Located in the Mahisagar district, approximately three hours from Ahmedabad and about 145 kilometres from Vadodara Airport, Shri Joraver Vilas has served as the royal family’s residence for nearly a century. The intimate five-suite property offers guests an immersive experience rooted in history, architecture, and royal hospitality.
Maharana Saheb Shri Joraver Singhji built the Art Deco palace in 1926 as a private retreat. Today, HH Maharana Paranjayaditya and Maharani Mandakini Kumari continue to host guests, preserving the palace’s legacy while offering personalized hospitality that reflects the traditions of the Santrampur royal family.
The boutique heritage property features five individually designed suites, each decorated with carefully preserved antique furniture and period-inspired interiors. In addition, guests can enjoy landscaped gardens overlooking a private lake, while the restored Art Deco architecture enhances the property’s historic charm.
Dining forms a key part of the guest experience at Shri Joraver Vilas. Visitors can enjoy meals in the Kapchi Room, known for its intricate coloured mirror work, or dine at the scenic Neem Chowk lakeside courtyard. The culinary offerings celebrate traditional home-style recipes inspired by the regional cuisines of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, providing an authentic taste of western India’s rich culinary heritage.
Beyond the palace, guests can explore the surrounding forests and visit nearby heritage attractions, including the Rajmahal and Panchratan Mandir. The property also offers a variety of curated experiences such as birdwatching, lakeside walks, boat rides, and excursions through the region in the royal family’s restored 1970s vintage jeep, allowing visitors to discover the area’s natural beauty and cultural history.
Commenting on the partnership, HH Maharana Paranjayaditya, Shri Joraver Vilas, Santrampur, said, “Shri Joraver Vilas has always welcomed guests the way we welcome family. This palace was built as a personal home, not a grand official residence, and that is how it has always felt. We are deeply pleased to be part of the RARE India family, which shares our belief that the best hospitality comes from genuine care for the people who walk through the door.”
Sharing her views on the addition, Shoba Rudra, Founder, Rare India, said, “Shri Joraver is one of our earliest members and covers a region that has shown rural India in all its rawness. A true hidden gem, not many people know about Joraver, and that is exactly why it is RARE. Just across the border from Udaipur and not too far from Ahmedabad, the list of things to do is unique, and the stay is intimate.”
The partnership reflects the growing demand for experiential luxury travel, where travelers increasingly seek authentic cultural experiences, heritage stays, and personalized hospitality over conventional accommodations. By adding Shri Joraver Vilas to its curated portfolio, RARE India further strengthens its position as a leading promoter of boutique heritage hotels and immersive travel experiences across India.
Moreover, the addition highlights Gujarat’s expanding appeal as a heritage tourism destination. With its royal residences, historical landmarks, traditional cuisine, and natural landscapes, the region continues to attract domestic and international travelers looking for unique luxury experiences beyond mainstream tourist destinations.
As experiential travel continues to gain momentum, the collaboration between RARE India and Shri Joraver Vilas is expected to introduce more travelers to Santrampur’s rich royal heritage while preserving one of Gujarat’s lesser-known architectural and cultural treasures for future generations.
RARE India’s partnership with Shri Joraver Vilas reinforces the growing importance of heritage hospitality in India’s luxury tourism sector. By combining royal heritage, personalized hospitality, authentic regional experiences, and cultural preservation, the collaboration offers travelers a distinctive stay while promoting sustainable heritage tourism in Gujarat.
