What started as a trip to Jaipur to experience the lifestyle of Thakurs living in their own Haveli turned into a beautiful relationship that engaged both father and son over time with me. Meeting Kunwar Surya Siras I found him to be a thorough professional in hospitality and tourism. My trip had glimpses of everything from experiencing their wonderful Haveli, trips on the town, visits to iconic monuments, and even a safari thrown in, thanks to his father Braj Raj Singhji.
An interesting fact is that Braj Raj is the son of Thakur Man Singhji of Siras (the last official Thakur Saheb of Siras), a seasoned tourism and hospitality professional with over 4 decades in the industry. He has led tours for some pretty impressive names, including the crown prince of Saudi Arabia and Ed Hardy. A Senior position like that of President of the Rajasthan Tourist Guide Association is no mean feat, but he is a man who is passionate about everything he does. Along with his son Surya, he has achieved another feat, turning his love for antiques and tourism into the birth of the Siras Haveli. A man of many loves, he has even co- authored a book- ‘Bollywood Showplaces’ on Cinema theatre architecture. Both Father and son are the proud owners of farms that cultivate spices and wildlife, owning numerous acres of private reserve and a lake.
Surya’s trajectory starts with his education at a premium university (Cornell). He went on to become multilingual, having worked/lived in 15 different countries. Luckily, returning to his inheritance has helped him become a professional Ornithologist and wildlife photographer who is inclined towards conservation and climate change. All the years of experience with brands like the Six Senses (Resorts & Spas), the Oberoi Group, Thomas Cook India, etc., and Surya’s passion for guest services, now drive his own property- Siras Haveli.
Living in Jaipur, in close proximity to all the royals, helped Surya secure business development projects for the Royal Family across their business verticals. He is today the Advisor, Business development and projects to HH The Maharaja Sahib of Jaipur, one of the two senior-most leadership roles within the palace conglomerate, alongside the Director of the City Palace Jaipur museum. Projects involving conceptualisation, end-to-end negotiations, analysis, development, and implementation at various stages and grades
The very Haveli- Thikhana Siras that I had the pleasure of experiencing, expressed the story of valour, battles, sacrifices and morals (a history rich in warfare). I sat down with Surya and understood that it belonged to the Rajawat Clan of Amer and Jaipur. The Rajawats are the descendants of Jhurjhar Singji (war hero), who was, in turn, the son of Raja Man Singh of Amber (the greatest warrior of all time in the Indian Sub-Continent).
Thus stands the Siras Haveli as a testament to Jaipur’s history, the ancestral home that witnessed the rise of a City and the evolution of an entire dynasty. It stands at the gate of Gangapole, home to one of the Thakur families, chosen to safeguard the city. As I walked in, greeted by the traditional ceremony, I felt the strength of tradition envelop me warmly, taking in the stories of the families who lived here. The Chowk had the feeling of an open-air space, facing the open sky, it allowed for all the happenings on the property, be it immersive workshops, storytelling sessions and art exhibits that reflect heritage and the like that Surya so passionately promotes. The Tibara overlooking the chowk was another peaceful area that served well as a place for meetings and meals. Then came the Durbar Hall, which housed Braj Singh’s Antiques collected over those years and served as a place for intimate conversations.
I looked around in wonder as I was led up to my room, the walls lined with art and reminders of an era past, gone. The family lived right on the premises. The rooms did full justice to the entire Jaipur vibe that I had come looking for. Comfortable and ably attired with Jaipuri robes and wonderful block-printed linen. Man Mahal is named after Thakur Man Singh of Siras, who was an equestrian. I chose the Mehtab Niwas (named after Thakur Mehtab Singh, a nature admirer and wildlife enthusiast) as my abode for three nights, since he was a nature lover like me.
Not just to run a simple resort, both father and son encourage artists, craftsmen, chefs, wellness practitioners, and cultural educators to be a big part of the setting, blending history with creativity and giving it cultural depth. The very essence of the Siras Haveli shares Surya- “everything here is based on art, heritage and experiences that form the core of our hospitality. We use tourism as a means for cultural preservation”
The trip for me was an amalgamation of local and regional experiences, curated especially to pay homage to their cultural heritage. The way to see Jaipur is definitely with the right guide, and I had the best with me. My experience menu rang like this: The first day, I was taken to the Nahargar Fort (the Rajput retreat and hunting palace – abode of Tigers), from where I sighted the beautiful Jal Mahal Palace (in the middle of the Man Sagar lake). The intriguing story of the Maharaja with the numerous wives and the secret passages leading to their apartments left me reeling.
Jaipur mornings are for the Hawa Mahal, the flower and vegetable markets, just strolling through the streets, and seeing places like the first theatre, the first Jhulelal temple, the Ganesh museum, etc. Shopping, of course, is a must, but I preferred to see the Gyan museum (was subliminal), the Amer Fort, and have lunch at the exclusive Jaipur club. And as luck would have it, even the Jhalana Safari Jaipur was thrown in the next day. The Chulgiri Athshaya Jain temple is a must, so is the Sahu Chailwala (who served the Prime Minister his kulhad chai).
The experience of spending time in the Siras family home, one of the oldest in Jaipur (300 years old), felt as if the corridors and spaces reached out and touched me. Even at dusk, as I spent quiet time resting and ruminating while getting my foot reflexology from the local masseuse, and as the moon whispered sweet nothings to me, I surmised that this boutique property would stay with me for a long time to come. Destinations that embrace you with memories are hard to come by.
