Overnight stay at Kuchesar

It had been a month of miseries. All me and my gang of girls wanted was to get away for a looong, old fashioned slumber party with bonding, good food, and a whole lot of giggles.

So I did what Trendy girls like me do: scour the net, make a few calls, and hit upon the perfect spot — Rao Raj Vilas in Kuchesar, 80 kms away from Delhi, a smallish fort, now a stylish heritage retreat!

Via the Hapur bypass, we turned into the tiny lane that leads to the retreat (be warned, the road’s not too great). The royal family of Rao Gulab Singh, whose clan has lived in Kuchesar for ever, was at hand to welcome us. There are six rooms, each with a charming, rustic feel, and we chose two suites, Maharaja Vilas and Rao Vilas.

Lunch was served by the pool, set in the middle of the courtyard. We lingered over our Breezers (you can also choose from the standard gin, whisky, rum and vodka in the cabinet), and later, pots of ginger tea. The other guests kept to themselves, and all was blissful peace and quiet.

Dinner, homey but excellent — laal maas, chicken, bhindi, sukhe aloo, raita followed by gulab jamuns and ice cream — was served on the terrace of one of our suites. A slumber party is so much more fun when you just sit around and someone else does all the work! The night was one long chat marathon.
The next day, apart from long walks around the estate, we were driven to the family’s mango orchards. With tea in thermoses, cookies and sandwiches, it was a great picnic.

Breakfast — cereal, eggs to order, parathas — was at sun-up, and we were morose. Time to return to the madding crowd. Till my best friend piped up: ‘Did I tell you I’m planning a slumber party next month?’

I’ve already packed my pjs!

Rao Raj Vilas, www.raorajvilaskuchesar.com; tariff: Rs 3,000-Rs 6,500; call 9350965541, 9837643761 or e-mail kuchesarfort@gmail.com for reservations.