Samode was one of the princley Thikanas of Jaipur. It was built in the late 19 th century. The walls of Rang Mahal were exquisitely embellished with mirror-work, painted motifs and gold leaves. The Sheesh Mahal was inlaid with glass and mirror-work with painted friezes of hunting and durbar scenes.

For the first half of it's existence, Samode Palace was a little more than a fortified stronghold in the rugged Rajput tradition. Only in the early 19 th century, under Rawal Berisal did the castle begin to take on the lavish aspects it is now known for. He was an eminent statesman who reached distinction as the principal signatory (on behalf of the maharaja of Jaipur) of the historic 1818 treaty making Jaipur a protectorate of British East India Company. He later became Chief Minister of Jaipur and weilded absolute power.  

Clearly it was begining to expand at the time of his reign and continued under his descendant Rawal Sheo Singh, who was the Prime Minister of Jaipur state for several years during the middle of the 19 th century. He is credited with the Palace's most fabulous addition - the extravagantly florid hand painted darbar hall and the overlooking gallery which forms the breathtaking Sheesh Mahal or the hall of mirrors.

Samode Palace was transformed into one the country's premium palace hotels in 1987, and is a perfect example of Rajput-Mughul architecture. The palace is built on a small hillock and planned in a progression of courtyards of increasing height. Samode Palace now a hotel provides a romantic location for Hollywood films such as the Far Pavilion. The Samode Palace Hotel maintains an immutable majestic presence and is a touching reminder of the vision of it's creators.