Ahilya Fort is an exclusive boutique hotel, set in an 18th-century fort overlooking the sacred Narmada River, in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh. Once a crumbling ruin, it has been beautifully renovated back to its original glory, courtesy of owner Prince Richard Holkar, a descendant of Queen Ahilya Bai Holkar and the last Maharajah of Indore. Today, the impressive fort gives guests an intimate glimpse of their genteel way of life, with its heirlooms, Indian art and architecture.
Guests at Ahilya Fort have a choice of 13 individual guest rooms arranged in six separate buildings, plus two romantic, marquee tents overlooking the river. Suites have large bedrooms, separate lounges and private balconies with great river views, while tents have comfortable sitting rooms and come with a large pool, private garden and great views of nearby temples. All rooms with an air-cooler or air-conditioner, are traditionally decorated with antique furniture and artefacts.
Ahilya Fort is an all-inclusive hotel with all meals and excursions integrated in your stay. As an accomplished chef, the globetrotting host, Prince Holkar ensures that every meal is well balanced with European and Indian tastes. In the day, take a trip to the Muslim ghost city of Mandu, and then a river trip to Shiva’s island shrine at Omkareshwar. Then enjoy the remoteness of Maheshwar and its location on a river known as one of the seven most sacred in India.
Amenities
24hr Room ServiceBar/PubCoffee ShopConciergeGardenLibraryMultilingual StaffOutdoor PoolRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesSpa/SaunaWi-Fi AvailableYoga Classes/Instruction On SiteStay The Ahilya Fort offers 15 unique rooms, suites, and tents spread across six buildings. All rooms retain their original architecture with high wooden ceilings and pillars, with cusp-arched jharokha balconies suspended over the water. Rooms are decorated in traditional style with comfortable hardwood or caste iron beds and sitting areas, and come with marble top bathrooms, some with stand alone baths. The two spacious air-conditioned tents feature private veranda, garden and plunge pool.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at Ahilya Fort. There are interconnecting rooms, which are ideal for families. There are no other specific facilities available but the staff are flexible with children menu and timings. Babysitting service can be arranged on request.
Dine The Ahilya Fort follows the traditional dining style – mostly dictated by heat and the many cool spots around the fort. Breakfast tends to be a buffet served on the ramparts of the fort, overlooking the river. Lunches are generally European with cold soups, salads, grilled vegetables served in a shady courtyard. Dinners are Indian and candlelit, served in the garden by the pool. Guests are encouraged to dine with others at tables for six, but you can elect to eat alone.
Relax Facilities at Ahilya Fort include a large swimming pool, which is surrounded by lush gardens. Traditional Nimad massages can be arranged. Guests can take leisurely walks in the lush gardens, or explore the fort, with its hidden courtyards, battlements and verandas linked by stone walkways. Alternatively, slump on upholstered charpoys in the shade of blowsy bougainvillea, drinking fresh lime sodas.
Experience The highlight of staying at Ahilya Fort is to glide down the Narmada river on a traditional wooden boat and experience rural India. On land, visit the stunning Mandu, an abandoned 15th-century city, the fort at Dhar or head to Omkareshwar, one of the most important Hindu sites. In the surrounds is Bakawa, famous for its hand-crafted lingams, and Indore, the 18th-century seat of the Holkars. One day visit the fort’s own weaving centre, which makes gorgeous fabrics.
Location Ahilya Fort overlooks the sacred Narmada River in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh. Maheshwar is a sacred Hindu place, emphasised by the many small temples set within the fort walls.
Getting there 8-hour 30-minute international flight to Mumbai Chattrapathi Shivaji Airport, followed by a 1-hour domestic flight to Indore Airport. Ahilya Fort is in the town of Maheshwar, about 90 km/2-hr south-west of Indore in Madhya Pradesh.
When to go Generally pleasant October to March although Madhya Pradesh does get cold over the winter months (January and February). The monsoon is hot, yet it is a dramatic time to see the Narmada River as it should be! Each year in February The Ahilya Fort presents the Sacred River, a celebration of the Narmada, three days of music, dance, and song in the Fort’s courtyard.
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