Desert Hermitage

Origin & History

There are many places to satisfy the needs of the physical body, but, few that cater to the spiritual body. Desert Hermitage as a concept was developed by Brig. (Retd.) Udai Singh, a recipient of Mahavir Chakra during the 1971 Indo Pak war. A vedanta scholar and disciple of yoga, he decided to settle down in his native village Garha in the Thar desert.

He wanted to provide visitors and friends an insight into the village life of the desert inhabitants. With blessings of H. H. Maharaja Gaj Singhji and other prominent friends he launched the project in 1993. Thus began its journey and soon it became famous and played host to several well known personalities from all walks of life.

Lonely Planet, the travel guide, dedicated a paragraph on this remote place. However, tragedy struck soon after. Brig. Udai Singh was diagnosed to be suffering from blood cancer in 1999. Desert Hermitage was forced to shut during its infancy.

There is a story behind the tagline' million star resort'. Once an American couple had booked this place during mid nineties. When they arrived, they were a bit perplexed by the surrounding etc. He approached them to understand their apprehension. Shaking off their embarrassment the guest asked the star classification of the place. Brig Udai Singh, had no clue about the question, and, probed deeper. The American prodded with, 2star, 3star hotel etc.

Being a wise man, Brig. Singh understood. Pointed towards the sky and said - 'a million stars' !!

In 2014, Karan Singh Bhati the son of Brig. Udai Singh, and a hospitality professional was goaded by his friends to relaunch the experience named Desert Hermitage. After a painstaking three year period of renovations and upgradations the experience is ready for relaunch.

Late Brig.(Retd.) Udai Singh, MVC

Location

Desert Hermitage is located in village Garha, tehsil Shergarh, district Jodhpur. It is 90 kms from Jodhpur and between Jodhpur - Jaisalmer. Refer MAP for directions.
SHERGARH
Shergarh Tehsil/Taluka falls under Jodhpur district. It is probably the only Taluka/Tehsil of Jodhpur that has Rajput community in majority.

It has the second highest concentration of army veterans in India and the natives of this area constituted the largest number of soldiers in the Jodhpur State forces. Sardar Infantry, the fighting force of Jodhpur State, comprised largely of these natives. Desert Hermitage, in a humble way, is a tribute to the unsung heroes of Shergarh as well as the war heroes from Marwar.

CHARACTERISTICS OF VILLAGE GARHA
Village Garha is spread over 100 Square kms. It is surrounded by barren sand dunes from three sides and the village is situated almost on their lap. Garha offers peaceful, serene and clean air, away from the noise and pollution, to those seeking it.

Accommodation

The resort has 4 villas & 5 cottages

DESCRIPTION OF COTTAGES

Each cottage is approximately 450 square feet and consists of a circular elegantly designed bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Bedroom has king size four poster double bed, coffee table with two easy chairs, study table, lounger cum sofa, LED color tv with multi channel set top box, telephone, wardrobe and luggage rack. Tea/coffee maker and two bottles of mineral water are provided. Bathroom has European toilet, shower enclosure, wash basin with hair dryer and shaving mirror. Running hot and cold water.

Tiger's Den

This cottage is named after Brigadier Udai Singh, nicknamed the tiger by his Gorkha Regiment. It is a circular cottage, 400 square feet in area, handmade in various forms of wood.

Description of Villas

These are situated in a separate enclosure and are tastefully done by incorporating natural elements consisting primarily of stone and wood.

Each villa is approximately 800 square feet. It consists of an elegantly furnished bedroom with ensuite bathroom and two private sit- out areas. Bedroom has king size double bed, coffee table with two easy chairs, study table, LED color tv with multi channel set top box, telephone, wardrobe and luggage rack. Tea/coffee maker and two bottles of mineral water is provided. Private sit- out has a coffee table, two easy chairs and a fireplace.

Bathroom has European toilet, shower enclosure, wash basin with hair dryer and shaving mirror. Running hot and cold water. Each of these four villas is dedicated to the martyrs of Indian Army belonging to Shergarh.

Dining

THE GORKHA

A multi cuisine restaurant named after the legendary Gorkha Rifles of Indian Army. The term Gorkha denotes a member of Hindu people descended from Brahmins and Rajputs who live in Nepal.

ALFRESCO RESTAURANT

A casual dining area on the rooftop, ideal for star gazing.

PATIO

A large patio in front of the cottages, ideal place for breakfast, snacks and tea/ coffee.

Reception Cum Library Lounge

This lounge is named after Sam Maneckshaw – The legendary Field Marshal of Indian Army and the architect of the famous victory in 1971. He too hailed from the Gorkha Rifles.

Activities

SAND DUNE DINNER

The highlight of Garha is the candle lit dinner on 200 feet high sand dunes under the star lit sky. An unforgettable experience of nature.

JEEP SAFARI

Add to your thrill with a camel ride or a jeep ride.

CAMEL SAFARI

Once a major means of transport, camels, are facing extinction due to rapid mechanization of transport as well improvement in road infrastructure.

Village Visit

Garha offers an interesting insight into the lifestyle of a desert village comprising of the following:

KOTDI

Kotdi is referred to the abode of men and a part of individual household which is away from the main household (accommodating women and children). Apart from being a residence for menfolk, it also becomes a, men only, place of congregation for rituals during marriages, birth, death and other customary rituals.

DURRIE WEAVER

A popular and well acclaimed craft of a Desert Village was the blanket weaver or the durrie weaver. Earlier they were made out of sheep's wool or goat/camel hair. This has now been replaced by cotton, jute and silk. This material is first converted into a fine thread and then finally woven manually by skilled artisans on a horizontal or vertical loom. IKEA sources its Durries from Jodhpur region for its stores across the world.

COT WEAVER (CHARPOY WEAVER)

This is a traditional occupation of Meghwal community. Traditionally the cots were woven from a material drawn from a local wild plant named “Aakra”. Nowadays use of jute and cotton rags is more prevalent in weaving the cots.

BASKET WEAVER

A traditional occupation of Bhil tribe in Thar Desert, this basket is named “Odi” in local language. It is semi circular in shape and made in different sizes. It is usually carried on one's head and is mainly used to transport fodder, grains and other household items. It resembles a cane basket but is made out of a local tree named “Desi Bawal”.

WILDLIFE

Garha offers a perfect example of a harmonious co-existence among humans, animals and birds. Deers, cows, camels, desert fox, goats, sheeps, peacocks, wild owls, partridges, parrots are among several varieties living here. The fast vanishing “ Indian Sparrow” is found in abundance here.

Near By Destinations

Garha to Osian...............65 kms
Garha to Kheechan............91 kms
Garha to Pokharan............93 kms

Garha to Jodhpur.............93 kms
Garha to Ramdeora............104 kms
Garha to Nakodaji............104 kms
Garha to Jaisalmer...........185 kms

Demoiselle Cranes, Kheechan Village

Nakodaji Temple

Our Customer Say

Becky and Steve

A wonderful authentic experience If you are looking for a truly authentic Indian experience away from the tourists and touts then the Desert Hermitage is the place for you. The hotel is owned and run by the charming Singh Bhati family. We arrived at this haven of peace and tranquility at lunchtime and had a delicious meal on the terrace. As dusk approached we were taken by jeep up to the sand dunes where a table for dinner was set up, local musicians were there to play, and a camel was waiting to take us on a short walk as the sun was setting. We had dinner under the stars, and the food was cooked in the tandoor oven that was transported up to the dunes so we could enjoy freshly cooked Indian food. Mr and Mrs Singh Bhati joined us for dinner and it was fascinating to hear about village life and why the Desert Hermitage was built. This was a highlight of our three week stay in Rajastan and we would thoroughly recommend a visit.

Saurin Shah

Must visit Desert Hermitage It was an excellent experirnce at Desert Hermitage a Billion Star Resort. Own by a well experienced in Hospitalty Mr.Karansingh & Family. Visit to nereby Sand Dunes is a memory of life time. Experience and learn how the local people use rain water preservance. Food at resort is very authentic and testy. Our all good wishes.

Dhiren

Sheer Brilliance - Rural Living in Luxury, Home away from Home! Our stay at the resort last November was simply one to remember and relish for rest of our lives: Such wonderful hospitality - Karanji and the family awaiting our arrival and heartily greeting us... Truly a million stars resort - Dinner on Dunes par excellence with starry night sky... Delicious food, great accommodation and personalized service - Just fantastic... Karanji & Anjanaji along with Nitunjay-Richa and Digvijay - Made us feel like part of the family... Would undoubtedly recommend Desert Hermitage for peaceful, serene and blissful stay...

aneri27390

Truly a Million Star Resort I visited Desert Hermitage with my family & friends in Feb 2020. We reached there in the late afternoon and received a warm welcome from Mr. Karan Singh Bhati’s family. We were taken to our villas which were very huge and truly impressive. We quickly freshened up, had some snacks and left for our evening desert experience. Mr. Karan Singh Bhati’s younger son (Digvijay Singh) personally took us in a 4x4 jeep to the sand dunes which were approx 2-3 kms away from the property. When we reached the top of the dunes where our private dinner was set up, we were awestruck. The place was serene, peaceful and very beautiful. The view of the sunset from top of the dunes was one of the best so far. We enjoyed camel ride on top of the dunes. They provided bluetooth speakers so we connected our music and enjoyed a lot. We were then served dinner which was lipsmacking and super delicious. After a wonderful dinner, we came back to the property. Next day after breakfast (which was the best on our entire trip to Jaisalmer & Jodhpur) we had a chat with Mr. Karan Singh Bhati. The man is a real hero and his story is truly inspirational. You must meet him on your visit to Desert Hermitage. The villas, food, service, desert experience and most importantly the people of this place make it a million star resort😍

Purva shah

An Unforgettable experience It’s not just a hotel it’s an experience which stays with you for life time.. they make u feel at home... lip smacking food... and the best is yet to come... dinning at a private dune.. camel ride... sunset in desert are sooo under rated... the candle light dinner under the sky full of stars... it’s an unforgettable experience.. the best was when our 2.5 year daughter remembered the 3 dogs the owner have at Desert Hermitage and asked me “Mumma we went to the village... what were name of the dogs?? I want to go there again”...also they took us for village visit and chasing chinkara in the vicinity... it’s not a 5 star hotel, truly it’s a million star hotel

sanjay1670

Pristine Indian desert. We are keen travelers and just did 87 day road trip soon after LOCKDOWN. We stayed in close to 40 properties. Staying at desert hermitage was easily among top five. Awesome family run small place.Not touristy at all.Fine bungalows with private terraces and veranda. You cd take almost open air shower.very civilized villas in pine wood and sandstone. Tasty authentic rajasthan cuisine and dinner they organize on sand dunes is princely.I ve been to various places in thar desert but garha sand dunes are finest and untouched. U don't even see any earlier foot prints.Owner karans family has military background and he has a million lovely stories to share with you. His son Diggy is a delight. They even made our drinks complimentary which is uncommon in commercial tourist industry today.Even their 4x4 is at your disposal for dune bashing.I ve stayed in Serai..Manvar and various other places in JAISALMER but desert hermitage was an unforgettable experience. Icing on the cake is that it is less than 2 hrs drive from jodhpur. They also have 3 most gentle German shepherds. Just go there and you will be amply rewarded. Their dinner on dunes will be one of our most amazing experiences. Even a clay oven was transported just for 2 of us.once again highly recommended.

Rajiv A

Was the trip of a lifetime. The owner, Karan Singh Bhati, his wife and son all played host to our group. The food, the hospitality, the service and the attention to detail.... Were worthy of a 7 star property. Karan organised a dune top dinner.... The entire experience was simply outstanding. Highly recommend this resort 90 kms(90 mins drive from Jodhpur Airport)