After the long drive yesterday, a hearty breakfast was exactly what we needed. We're in Karauli and our hotel is the home of the Maharajah of Karauli – a very jovial and engaging gentleman who we were introduced to once we'd finished feasting. He's from the old school and although the rooms of the property are undergoing modernisation, much of the rest is frozen in time. Perhaps not everyone's cup of tea – staying in a living museum, but then sometimes you just have to try something different.

Our research didn't really suggest that there was anything much to see in Karauli, but the Maharajah and his wife both set us straight on that one and so our departure was delayed ever so slightly to fit in the city palace which the family are now in the process of renovating. I'm actually glad we did make the time because it's a very pretty palace and has a different feel about is than many of the others that we've seen. I'm not just saying that to make it sound interesting. For example, it's the only palace that we've seen that includes a Hindu temple, a mosque and a gurdwara.

One of the most interesting things about our stay was understanding the impact that the erstwhile royal family has on the lives of local people. The wife of the Maharajah is the elected member of parliament for the area and campaigning hard for infrastructure, economic development and education. Ten minutes in her company is enough to convey the passion with which she represents the people who asked her to speak for them. Not from a position of elevated rank, but from a genuine belief in improving lives and ensuring that Karauli is not overshadowed by more renowned and popular tourist destinations. Like many in their situation, the restoration of the former family home is a priority – and potentially what will attract outsiders to Karauli. The restoration work is painstaking and happening room by room, with local artisans (or potential artisans) being engaged to keep alive the traditional art of Rajasthani painting.

The only downside to Karauli (from a tour point of view) is that the location does not lend itself to being readily included on an itinerary. As a one-night stopover there's not necessarily enough to experience, but there's just a little too much going on to include it as a lunch stop. It's going to require some serious thought on our part.