While there are no end of luxury hotels across India, the country’s rich and vibrant heritage is perhaps best illustrated in the majestic quality of its ancient forts, many of which have been sensitively restored to offer luxury accommodation in some unique and charming surroundings. Combining high-end luxury with traditional features, many of these forts have been lovingly restored using the skills of local artisans.
We’d encourage you to avoid the chain hotels and enjoy fort-style living in some truly majestic and magnificent forts. These special places offer a glimpse into a bygone era, living legends depicting the imperial and powerful life of its rulers.
Choose from an amazing hotel within the walls of a twelfth century fort, allowing you to explore in the evenings, once the day’s visitors have left; enjoy stunning river views from forts dramatically perched on clifftops; or admire the workmanship and beauty of an extraordinary small fort in the desert just south of Jodhpur.
A stay at any one of the following places gives you a chance to experience a fort lifestyle, some delicious home-style cooking and exceptional Rajput hospitality.
Ranvas
Set within the grounds of the stunning Ahhichatragarh Fort, Nagaur – in the desert state of Rajasthan – Ranvas is the former residence of the sixteen ranis (queens) of the Maharaja of Jodhpur.
During the 18th century the ruling maharaja of the time sought to create a refuge from the external troubles of warfare and politics. The result was a pleasure palace which today still awakens the senses through its aesthetics and beautiful fresco paintings. Ahhichatragarh Fort has been given a UNESCO award for pioneering new conservation standards.
This very special and individual hotel offers twenty-seven rooms spread across a cluster of havelis, and two restaurants set around courtyards, fountains and geometric gardens. In the early evenings enjoy a private guided visit of the Fort, and walk around the ancient walls to the local bazaar.
The Ahhichatragarh Fort also hosts the annual World Spirit Sufi Festival. Lit by the sparkling incandescence of a thousand candles the festival showcases inspiring and meaningful traditions in dance, music and song from around the world every February.
Ahilya Fort
This majestic 250 year old fort sits on the edge of a cliff, high above the Narmada River and surrounded by the town of Maheshwar. Replete with myth and legend, Ahilya Fort offers the chance to escape from busy towns, cities and tourist trails.
With the deserted city of Mandu and the famed island temple of Omkareshwar nearby, this is a place to spend time and relax, perhaps at the end of your tour. Wander and explore the local town and the riverside temples and ghats, and visit the renowned workshops of the Rehwa Society, whose lady handloom weavers produce some of the finest cloth in all India.
Bhainsrorgarh Fort
Another fort dramatically perched on a steep ridge above the Chambal River in Rajasthan. Just 50 km south of Kota and 235 km northeast of the lake city of Udaipur, Bhainsrorgarh has been restored to its old world charm by the present royal family who remain in residence.
Enjoy boat rides searching for crocodiles and birdwatching, as well as some delicious Rajasthani cooking.
Ramathra Fort
A small hotel in a beautifully unspoiled and pretty area of eastern Rajasthan, nestled between Ranthambore and Keoladeo National Parks.
This 350 year old fort has been carefully restored and has great charm and warmth. It sits on a mound, surrounded by farmland, wilderness, lakes, gorges, plateaus and hills.
With just six rooms and suites – and an additional six tents scattered around the garden inside the ramparts – this is a great place to stay and explore the outdoors and surrounding countryside.
Mihir Garh
If you’re interested in horses, then you might like to come here to Mihir Garh, an extraordinary small fort situated in the desert just south of Jodhpur.
The idea here is to give an authentic desert or equine experience whilst being luxurious and a little different. The Rohet Family – who built this magical place of mud, wattle and wood using local artisans and craftspeople – are great horsemen and boast some of the country’s finest Marwari horses.
Come here to ride, explore the blue city of Jodhpur, relax in beautiful living spaces and feast on delicious Royal Picnics and dinners.
Raas
We wanted to include Raas as it has the most spectacular setting, just below the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. Rudyard Kipling described this fort as,
“The work of angels, fairies and giants…. built by titans and coloured by the morning sun… he who walks through it loses sense of being among buildings. It is as though he walked through mountain gorges.”
The combination of the old and the new works brilliantly well at Raas. Almost all the rooms and suites have fort views, there is a rooftop terrace bar and al fresco dining terrace also with fantastic views. This is a great place to stay in Jodhpur!
Staying in some of India’s restored forts really will create memories to be cherished in years to come. For romance and atmosphere, a chance to linger and relax, watching cultural performances in an on-site open-air amphitheatre and be amidst historic marvels, these experiences are certain to set your holiday apart.
If you’d like to discuss staying in some of India’s delightful forts, please contact Amanda Kay by email amanda@travelmaxwellscott.com or telephone 01937 520677.