Filled with sumptuous 18th-century mansions, Nawalgarh dazzles. Make Apani Dhani your home as you explore the town, and help a new generation of artisans shine.
An eco guesthouse with heart in Nawalgarh
Apani Dhani
THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE
A stay with Apani Dhani is to celebrate the cultural heritage of Nawalgarh and the Shekhawati region, in ways that directly benefit the local community. Apani Dhani works with locals to provide services such as tours and workshops, which generate income for those employed.
Five per cent of its revenue from rooms goes towards supporting local initiatives, such as the READS Public School in the neighbouring town of Dundlod, which caters to students from low-income families.
Your relaxing stay is also low-impact — the eco-lodge uses solar power, farms organically, and recycles its waste.
Getting there
Apani Dhani is accessible from New Delhi by overnight trains that stop at Nawalgarh. The ride is about six-and-a-half hours. It is also accessible from Jaipur by road; the 140km drive takes about three hours.
About the host
Owner Ramesh Jangid is a Nawalgarh native who started running a homestay out of his home in 1985, before starting Alternative Travels, a travel company specialising in fair and responsible tourism. He and his family continue to live on the Apani Dhani compound, and he is especially proud of his homemade bread!
Traveller's Notes
Meals served at Apani Dhani are strictly vegetarian; consider eating outside occasionally if this does not suit your tastes.
Take advantage of the opportunity to immerse yourself in local life and culture, and sign up for the workshops. The lodge has a yoga hall and can host residential yoga programmes for groups with an instructor of their own.
Nawalgarh, though well-touristed, is a town that respects and upholds its culture. Tourists are requested to dress in accordance with the local norms i.e. not wear revealing attire. Do check with the host about the likely weather conditions at the time of your travel. Summers and winters can be extreme.
The region of Shekhawati is rich in cultural heritage, and it will be worth one's time to visit the neighbouring towns of Jhunjhunu, Sikar and Churu.
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