Who doesn’t like to get away from the urban chaos and indulge in some regal luxury? Rajasthan is a hot destination to explore, especially for its royal splendor, hospitality, cultural experiences and finger-licking food. And of course, the magnificent forts! Now, what if we told you that you could stay inside some of them? Here are three beautiful forts converted to hotels that will definitely inspire your wanderlust.
Tijara Fort
Destination
A 19th-century fort-palace, built over a hill-top, Tijara commands a lofty view of the plains all around. The large property with 3 different mahals has been painstakingly restored by Neemrana over the past 17 years.
Stay and Food
There are 63 rooms and suites, named after India’s leading artists. Rani Mahal has larger suites, and the suites are on the first and second floors give you stunning views of the property and the surroundings. Mardana Mahal has a choice of both rooms and suites, and the ones on the ground floor offer direct access to a large garden.
Food is primarily Indian, with an addition of Rajasthani dishes as well as couple of continental options. They do not have a liquor license as yet.
Activities
All the local attractions—Tijara Jain Temple and City Palace in Alwar, Bhangarh Ruins, Bala Qila, Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaisamand Lake—are 1.5 to 2 hours away. If you are taking it easy, find a nook in a verandah to read a book, contemplate life from the ramparts of Hawa Mahal, or walk around the well-maintained gardens. Kids will keep busy with the trampoline and swing area in the garden, and the large swimming pool.
There is usually a Rajasthani folk music and dance show on Saturday evenings when the occupancy is high. They also have a spa offering holistic treatments within Rani Mahal.
How to reach
It is a 2.5 / 3-hour drive from Delhi, and a 4-hour drive from Jaipur.
Tariff: INR 4,868 per night*
Alsisar Mahal
Destination
Alsisar lies in the Shekhawati district and shares its grand heritage in the form of havelis and hand-painted frescoes. If you are looking to experience Rajasthani hospitality in all its grandeur, head to Alsisar Mahal, the 7th-century palace of the Thakurs of Alsisar.
Stay and Food
The Mahal is simple, yet royal, with beautifully maintained grounds, open courtyards and antique furniture. The central courtyard on the ground floor has a charming sitting area where guests can enjoy puppet shows, folk music and dance performances, as well as breakfast and evening snacks.
There are 51 air-conditioned rooms, all designed with intricate art work and rich furnishings. The wooden panelling on doors, original artworks and hand-painted walls and ceilings all make for a royal treat.
You can dine like a royal at Badal Mahal, a magnificent space on the top floor with its multi-hued windows, or at the alfresco seating in the inner courtyard. There are two options for relaxing with a drink—the Dungeon Bar and Lounge offers a cosy space to indulge in premium wines and whiskeys, while the World War II Lounge charms with its unique historic memorabilia.
Activities
You can take heritage walks around Alsisar and Jhunjhunu to experience the Shekhawati heritage, including havelis, cenotaphs, step-wells, frescoes and temples.
Alsisar Mahal is surrounded by semi-arid desert alongside typical Rajasthani flora. The hotel can arrange for horse safaris, camel safaris, bullock cart rides and Jeep safaris.
How to reach
It is a 3.5 / 4-hour drive from Delhi, and a 3-hour drive from Jaipur. There is also an option of taking a train from Delhi to Churu, and then a short taxi ride to the hotel.
Tariff: INR 3,375 per night*
Dadhikar Fort
Destination
A dilapidated fort, built almost 1100 years ago, Dadhikar has been restored with passion and care. What was once a rubble on a hill-top is now an antiquated fort with stunning views of the surrounding plains. This fort-hotel is located amidst the breath-taking Aravalli range, far away from any urban clutter.
Stay and Food
7 suites, 4 grand rooms, 5 standard rooms and 4 tents are on offer. All rooms have been designed and furnished in a unique way, and are named after the nearby forests.
Enjoy the buffet-style meals at the on-site multi-cuisine restaurant Akshyabatloi, which serves Indian, Continental and Rajasthani delicacies. The restaurant is perched on a rooftop, and affords picturesque sights of the Aravalli hills. The food here is vegetarian only.
Activities
Dhadhikar Fort’s location is best suited for a sightseeing trip in and around Alwar. Bala Qila, a massive medieval fort, is about 6 km away from the property. You can also visit the City Palace in Alwar, and Vijay Mandir near the city. There are also two lakes to explore—the Jaisamand Lake and Siliserh Lake. Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 40 km. from the property.
For the more active and adventurous, there are options for trekking and rock-climbing.
If leisure and relaxation are what you’re after, spend your time strolling through the property, appreciating its architecture. They also organise Rajasthani cultural shows in the evenings.
How to reach
It is a 4-hour drive from Delhi to Alwar, and a 3.5-hour drive from Jaipur. There is also an option of taking a train from Delhi to Churu, and then a short taxi ride to the hotel.
Tariff: INR 4950* Breakfast and evening tea are included in the room tariff.
