Situated in the heart of the Aravalli foothills between Jodhpur and Udaipur, Rawla Narlai is a 17th-century heritage retreat that blends centuries of royal history with modern hospitality. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Elephant Hill, with a massive statue of a white elephant, the property reflects elegance through its carefully restored rooms and fragrant courtyards filled with blooming bougainvillea. The retreat deeply draws from the rich tapestry of Narlai Village, known for its 850-million-year-old rock formations, over 300 Jain and Hindu temples, and local myths, including tales of the revered saint Shri Narad.
The village of Narlai thrives on a close-knit community and age-old traditions, yet like many rural areas, it faces challenges in education, healthcare, sanitation, and infrastructure. Guided by a vision of community service, the Maharaj Swaroop Singh Ji Charitable Trust—established in honour of the late Maharaj Swaroop Singh Ji—has a rich legacy of philanthropy and social impact, which it continues to uphold and sustain.
Maharaj Swaroop Singh Ji’s lifelong commitment to social welfare lives on through the Trust, which focuses on education, healthcare, sanitation, and community development. The Trust has implemented several initiatives across Khobaguda and Narlai Villages:
Education remains a key pillar of the Trust’s work. At Khobaguda School, following the earlier renovation of the outdoor courtyard, smart classrooms have been introduced to enable technology-led learning. These digitally equipped classrooms provide students with access to modern educational tools, online resources, and interactive learning modules, helping bridge the digital divide and prepare children for a rapidly evolving world.
To further enhance the learning environment, the Trust undertook the renovation of school walls and washrooms at Khobaguda School. Previously affected by wear, peeling paint, and structural deterioration, the upgraded spaces now offer a clean, hygienic, and welcoming atmosphere that positively impacts both student well-being and classroom engagement. Recognising the challenges of access to education in rural settings, the Trust has also distributed bicycles to students, enabling safer and more consistent school attendance for children who were previously commuting by foot from nearby villages.
Extending its educational initiatives beyond schools, the Trust inaugurated a free library in Narlai village within the Desuri subdivision. Equipped with 12 seats and air-conditioning, the library is accessible round the clock and offers a disciplined, comfortable learning environment—especially valuable during the intense summer months.
As a result of the renovations carried out by the Maharaj Swaroop Singh Charitable Trust, the school in Khobaguda village has achieved the distinction of being ranked as the number 1 school in the district. In recognition of this achievement, the school was also awarded INR 50,000 by the district collectorate.
Healthcare and sanitation form another critical focus area for the Trust. A free medical emergency ambulance service has been introduced to ensure timely assistance during health emergencies, addressing the lack of immediate medical infrastructure in rural areas. In addition, purified drinking water is provided to villagers during the summer months, helping mitigate seasonal water scarcity and promote better health outcomes. To support sanitation and cleanliness, the Trust has provided a dedicated tractor trolley for garbage collection in Khobaguda village, reinforcing structured waste management practices alongside awareness efforts to encourage hygiene and community participation.
The Trust has also taken steps to preserve dignity and respect in sacred and communal spaces. In Narlai village, a new cremation area has been developed for the Rao Samaj, with the installation of proper cemented blocks. This initiative addresses long-standing concerns around uneven terrain, safety, and hygiene, ensuring that families can perform final rites with dignity and peace.
Reinforcing Rawla Narlai’s commitment to responsible tourism, the Trust continues to advance meaningful initiatives in sustainability, biodiversity, and conservation. Land parcels spanning approximately 20 acres have been taken on lease for biodiversity regeneration and afforestation, with a focus on restoring native ecosystems. The Trust is actively involved in anti-poaching and anti-hunting awareness initiatives, working closely with local forest authorities to protect endangered wildlife.
Guided by the enduring vision of the late Maharaj Swaroop Singh Ji, the Trust’s initiatives in education, healthcare, sanitation, and community infrastructure are redefining what it means to serve with purpose. By combining respect for tradition with a commitment to progress, the Maharaj Swaroop Singh Ji Charitable Trust is not only uplifting lives in Narlai village but also inspiring a model of heritage-driven social responsibility.
Through these efforts, Rawla Narlai reaffirms that the legacy of royalty lies not merely in preserving history, but in empowering communities, fostering opportunity, and nurturing a future where well-being flourish for generations to come.
