If you want to get a feel of Royal Rajputana, Ahhichatragarh Fort should be on your must-visit list
If you want to get a feel of Royal Rajputana, Ahhichatragarh Fort should be on your must-visit list
The grand wedding of prince Shivraj Singh and princess Gayatri Kumari at the Umaid Bhawan was the first thing that crossed my mind when I reached Nagaur, barely 110 kilometres from Jodhpur. 
For, I was about to experience the legacy of Rajputana by staying at the palace which was originally built for the wives of the Rajput maharajas. I was putting up at Ranvas Haveli which is a magical journey back in time to one of India's most ancient forts.
Ranvas Haveli, inside the 4th century Ahhichatragarh Fort (Fort of the Hooded Cobra) in Nagaur, is the perfect place to know what a heritage hotel actually means. The property which was opened by Maharaja Gaj Singh, in association with the Meherangarh Museum Trust, is a perfect blend of traditional and modern Rajasthan. History says Fort Ahhichatragarh was specially designed as it was the most important stop for traders.
Au00a0pleasure palace
The fort was created to guard the trade route from the external troubles and this resulted in a pleasure palace that evoked artistic senses, and that beauty exists to this day. Ahhichatragarh is one of the finest and most extensive examples of Rajput-Mughal architecture in the Marwar region.
The fort features a series of painted palaces, mosques, temples, intricate baoris (reservoirs), water systems, fountains, open terraces and Mughal pleasure gardens. Ahhichatragarh Fort had passed from the hands of Mughal Emperors to the Maharaja of Jodhpur, with whom it remains today.
Restoring old glory
Interestingly, the restoration work of the fort is on and half of the fort has been converted into a museum while the other half is now a 33-bedroom heritage hotel. This part used to be the havelis of the queens. The heritage hotel comprises 10 separate havelis, which in the 18th century acted as residences for each of Maharaja Bhagat Singh's 10 wives. The d ufffdcor of each haveli has been themed around the state the resident queen hailed from -- Jammu, Alwar, Udaipur and Gujarat. The furniture and fabrics used in the rooms are made by local artisans.
The rooms have large
balconies attached to them which gives a spectacular look to the fort. Each room has been meticulously restored to offer elegant accommodation within the walled Nagaur Fort which, as one of Rajasthan's oldest townships, has been mentioned in The Mahabharata.
Au00a0fine blend
The blend of traditional and modern Rajasthan is such that while you take a dip in the swimming pool and get a spa treatment or relish royal Rajasthani food, at the same time you can take a walk and watch the restoration work of the fort going on. The museum has lot to offer -- from architectural marvels to paintings, art and culture which narrates the tale of Rajputana.
Amidst the strong scent of history, the property has modern amenities like two restaurants, a swimming pool and Wi-Fi. The Baradari Dinning Pavilion serves local Mughal Sufi cuisine along with other international fare. Don't miss Laal mans and Gost Rara. On special order, the chef can make mouth-watering Dal bati churma with Gatte ki sabji.
As the sun sets...
The best part about the stay is the evening when you can hear the azan as the sun sets and soon after the air is filled with the sounds of Rajasthani folk song. The property takes you back to history with the sound of water fountain, vivid fresco paintings and perfectly constructed geometric gardens. The most fascinating part of the property is Akbar Mahal which is decorated with around 1,000 diyas for special dinners. It is said that Akbar stayed at the fort for 60 days and he used to have his meals here.
Apart from the delights that the fort offers, other attractions of Nagaur are the Sufi Festival and the Nagaur Fair, where cattle is sold in a bazaar not far from the fort, with participants trekking from distant locations to sell their livestock and wares of every imaginable kind.
Now recognised as a must-see destination for the world's most discerning travellers, the fort and Sufi music festival are attracting rock stars and royalty to commune within the walls of this historic monument and its surroundings. It was here at the fort that Liz Hurley's guests were accommodated for her wedding with Arun Nayar, and where Sting comes for inspiration, as he recently did with his wife Trudy Styler.
Best time
Don't miss the next Nagaur Sufi Music Festival, which will take place in February 2011 (please check www.nagaursufifestival.org for precise dates and details).
How to reach
Nagaur is accessible from Jaipur (293 kms/5.5 hours), Ajmer (162 kms / 3hours), Jodhpur (135 kms/ 2.5 hours) and Bikaner (112 kms / 2 hours).
Where to stay
Ranvas Haveli, Nagaur. for bookings 25, Community Centre, Basant Lok or Call: 46035500
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
