“Mountbatten Lodge”:http://mountbattenlodge.com/, which opened in October 2014, is situated half way between Jodhpur and Udaipur and provided an ideal spot for lunch when transferring between the two cities.
The owner, Reggie Singh (grandson of Maharaj Ratan Singh of Jodhpur), greeted us in a wonderful tented room filled with polo memorabilia and photographs, squashy sofas etc.
After a refreshing lime soda, we were shown to the terrace where tables were beautifully laid with natural shade being provided by a huge, old banyan tree.
Our set meal was excellent meal with tomato and red pepper soup, followed by a buffet – chicken in spinach sauce, boiled tomatoes, lentil dal, aloo potatoes, etc. and finally at the end, samosas, chicken momos and roti. Pudding was a small portion of a chocolate blancmange-type pudding followed by tea or coffee.
Reggie strolled around the tables, checking everyone had everything they needed and encouraging us to have seconds. He was a regal, statuesque man with magnificent moustache who wore brown pointed toe slippers (mojari) and a dashing black beret – not a look anyone can pull off. He puffed away on a huge cigar with Campari and orange in hand. I wish I’d taken a photo of him.
Although I have no idea why the place is named Mountbatten Lodge, it also has 4 luxury suites where Reggie has endeavored to recreate the past, the colonial times and the days of The Raj. Whilst it’s an isolated spot there are numerous activities including safari outings and champagne sunsets – we really wished we’d included a night there on our trip.
