When it comes to India’s top travel destinations, Rajasthan is always a strong contender. It offers a diverse range of experiences that appeal to all sorts of travellers. Yet, there’s a lesser-known gem in Rajasthan’s Alwar district that many of us may not be aware of.
Set between the famous Sariska Tiger Reserve and the impressive Bhangarh Fort, Ajabgarh is a place that lives up to its name—Ajab, meaning “strange” or “wonderful” in Hindi. For those looking for a Rajasthan beyond the camels and crowds, Ajabgarh is a captivating stop that offers authenticity, serenity, and unexpected delights.
Although Bhangarh is more popular among tourists, Ajabgarh offers a more soulful experience with its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and tranquil surroundings. It also features a fort, some ancient temples, and provides a glimpse into the slow-paced life of villages that most of us have only heard about.
Eco – friendly and comfortable
Ajabgarh may not be a suitable choice for travellers seeking a luxurious getaway with all amenities, but it strongly appeals to those wanting to reconnect with nature, watch a sunrise or sunset, and, most importantly, enjoy a digital detox.
One of the most memorable spots to experience this is the Chokhiwadi Forest Retreat in Ajabgarh. An eco-friendly resort that combines rustic charm with thoughtful luxury, it’s surrounded by forests on all sides. Watching the sun set behind the hills, with peacocks calling in the valley and a cool breeze on your face, is a moment that’s priceless.
Far from the maddening crowd
Surrounded by the Aravalli Hills and located near the buffer zone of the Sariska Tiger Reserve, Chokhiwadi feels like a well-guarded secret, where the forest whispers and time seems to pause. The retreat blends effortlessly into the landscape, with cottages crafted from local stone, mud plaster, reclaimed wood, and traditional lime—an intentional choice to conserve the region’s architectural heritage while prioritising eco-friendliness. Here, nature is not just a background — it is the essence of the experience.
Wake up to birdsong, not traffic. Enjoy breakfast under the Shade of Neem trees with peacocks strutting by. Watch langurs leap across the treetops while sipping locally brewed masala chai. This is not a resort where the noise follows you—it’s a retreat where the silence heals you.
Luxury with a conscience defines what makes Chokhiwadi truly unique through its dedication to mindful hospitality. There are no televisions, no flashy entertainment, and no loud music here. Instead, you’ll find handwoven and handprinted furnishings, clay artefacts, and traditional charpais in sit-out areas. Food is prepared from scratch using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients—much of it grown in the resort’s own kitchen garden.
Each of the ten rooms is unique, thoughtfully decorated with handcrafted furniture, local textiles, and nature-inspired details. At night, the property is softly lit with lanterns and solar-powered lights, allowing guests to stargaze under unpolluted skies. The resort also offers the experience of staying in high-end tents with a lovely sitting area, as well as camping opportunities for motorcyclists who prefer to camp outdoors.
While most city dwellers living a routine life would be more than happy just to sit and soak in the natural beauty Chokhiwadi also offers curated experiences that celebrate the culture and ecology of Ajabgarh. These aren’t packaged tours—they’re immersive moments.
- Guided nature walks into the forest led by local trackers reveal medicinal plants, animal tracks, a wide variety of indigenous birds, and hidden shrines.
- Sunset hikes to rocky outcrops conclude with masala chai and sweeping views of golden fields and green valleys.
- Village visits introduce guests to potters, farmers, and folk musicians, providing authentic connections rather than staged performances.
- Outdoor dining under the stars, with fire-grilled Bajra Roti, Lal Maas cooked over open fires, and home-made Ghee-laced Dal, becomes stories you’ll remember long after the trip ends.
- Stargazing beneath a dark, bejewelled night sky.
Set in a world of ‘luxury experiences”, Chokhiwadi Forest Retreat is a hidden gem offering something increasingly rare: a peaceful, natural beauty, and cultural authenticity.
Whilst most travellers flock to popular cities such as Jaipur or Udaipur, this boutique eco-retreat offers an experience that’s refreshingly authentic, deeply peaceful, and genuinely off the beaten track.
Author: Veenu Singh. She has been a travel and food writer for over two decades, writing for leading publications and major daily newspapers.
