The Fortress

Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh, India

Sleeps: 24

Unique Features

• Situated above the banks of the sacred Narmada River, The Fortress once belonged to one of India's celebrated woman rulers - Ahilya Bai Holkar
• A stunning Indian fortress with ramparts dating back to the 16th century
• Much of the traditional Indian cuisine is prepared using organic ingredients from The Fortress' farm
• Voted one of the world's top 101 hotels by Tatler

The Property

Exclusive Use Indian Fort in Madhya Pradesh, India

With ramparts that date back as far as the 16^th century, this stunning Indian fortress is a typical example of Maratha architecture built in 1766. Once belonging to one of India's most celebrated woman rulers, this historical building stands proud above the banks of the sacred Narmada River.

The Indian Fortress retains the traditional style of an 18th century royal residence, whilst offering the modern luxuries of a first-class hotel. The accommodation is scattered across a number of palace buildings, with no more than two bedrooms in any one part to ensure peace and privacy.

Inside

• Style: Period elegance: the fortress retains a historical ambience whilst offering a comfortable and luxurious stay.
• Bedrooms and Bathrooms: One suite, 7 superior bedrooms, 4 standard bedrooms and two 'royal' tents (these comprise of 6 twins, 6 doubles, a suite and single room). Each of the rooms has a private en suite, and the two tents also have unique en suite facilities. All rooms are air-cooled and fragranced with the aromatic khas vetiver.
• For relaxation: Take afternoon tea on the deck of a boat or relax on the fort ramparts and enjoy river views by day and a canopy of stars by night. Traditional massages are also available for guests.
• For recreation: Explore the fort and its many temples, take a dip in the pool, walk down to the riverside or hop aboard a boat trip. There is also a sitting room with a TV and games.
• Practicalities: The rooms are cooled using evaporative coolers and beds are fitted with mosquito nets. There are tea/coffee-making facilities, hair dryers, TVs, bathrobes and mineral water in the rooms.

Outside

The ramparts of the fort offer a spectacular view over the Narmada River. As well as a number of temples, terraces and magnificent outdoor spaces, there is a swimming pool and a private garden within the forts walls

Food and wine

• DIY:  N/A - the property is available on an all-inclusive basis
• In-house cuisine: A buffet breakfast is served on the fort ramparts overlooking the river. The tea is picked from a plantation in Darjeeling, whilst coffee from Coorg is a variety especially roasted for the estate. Lunch is served in a cool, sheltered courtyard and dinner can be served under the grand neem trees on one of the river terraces, or in the magnificent Chamber of Winds. Much of the food served is picked from The Fortress' organic farm.
• Eating out: N/A

Getting there

• On the map: The property is located on the banks of the River Narmada in Maheshwar, Madyha Pradesh.
• By car: The property is easily accessible by road from Indore, Dhar, Mandu, Omkareshwar and Mhow. Cars with drivers are available for hire.
• By train: The nearest train stations are Barwah (39km), Khandwa (110km) and Indore (91km).
• By air: The nearest airport is Indore, about 2hours away (taxi transfers can be arranged). There are flights to Indore from Bombay (45 mins), Delhi (2 hours) and Bhopal (30 mins).
• Heli-pad: No

About Your Hosts

Your host Prince Shivaji Rao Holkar, son of the last Maharajah of Indore, is a noted chef and author of a book of recipes from the Maharajah's palaces. The Prince will ensure your stay is one spent in an oasis of calm and repose.

Out and About

• Experience a moonlit picnic onboard a riverboat, serenaded by floating musicians
• Attend a concert of classical Indian dance and music
• Swim in the waterfalls or go bird watching
• Sketch or paint ­- visit around August for the monsoon when the landscape is awash in shades of green and the skies alive with the dance of sun and cloud.
• Visit Mandu, an abandoned 15th century Islamic walled city in the jungles of the Malwa plateau
• Head to Omkareshwar to experience traditional Hindu India
• Hop on a boat trip down the sacred Narmada River to Baneshwar River Temple
• Check the weather forecast in India

Pricing

• From: from £165 per night
• Xmas: Yes Available
• New Year: Yes Available

Rental inclusive of

• Linen
• Towels 
• Toiletries.

Accommodation Details

Situated high above the banks of the sacred Narmada River, an experience straight out of the 18th century

• Personally Inspected: Pending
  
• Sleeps: 24
• Double: 1 two bedroom suite, 8 double bedrooms rooms and two tents – all ensuite
• Twin: 6 Twins
• Single: 1 Single
• Family: Small beds and childcare/babysitting available
• Facilities: Transport from Indore airport to Maheshwar can be arranged if needed. Rates vary from $30 each way for non a/c to $50 each way for a/c
• Swimming Pool: Yes
• Children: Yes Welcome
• Evening Meals: Yes
• Mod Cons: TVs in each of the bedrooms
• Internet & Communications: Internet access available
• Arrival Day: By arrangement
• Arrival Time: By arrangement
• Departure Time: 2pm