Live Like The Royals In The 14th Century At The Hill Fort In Kesroli

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For the times when just any place won’t do for a getaway, check into the Hill Fort, a 14th Century fort set atop a dark rock hill in Kesroli. That should cut it!

On The Rocks

An intimidating looking rock-face appears before you in the district of Alwar {on your way from Delhi to Rajasthan}. Stop, be amazed and then carry on up the road to the Hill Fort Kesroli; now a swanky Neemrana property. Still buzzing with history {how can it not, when it’s over seven centuries old!}, it’s a peaceful and elegant hotel—something that is rare in the usual opulence of Rajasthan.

Game Of Thrones fans will understand when we say it’s like living in Winterfell—bleak, dark and oh-so-beautiful. In fact, it’s one of the oldest places you can actually still stay at. Once there, check in first, because if you start marvelling at the view around, you might just decide to camp out!

Aimed to give you the feel of royalty, the reception and living room {so to speak} are decked out in durbar-style. Expect looming portraits of owners of the fort, mirrors and low seating a la old-school palaces. But who’s going to sit indoors when there’s an option to just sit on their iron furniture in the fort ramparts and enjoy the beautiful view with your choice of beverage in hand, right?

Royal Life

There are five grand rooms, 10 suites and 12 rooms to choose from—each vastly different from the other in name and nature, reflecting the colours and culture Rajasthan is best known for. The high beds and flowery covers give it a hint of home, but its size is the real attraction {a giveaway from its regal past}. Even their smallest room is quite massive, but hey, who’s complaining?

Want a jhoola in the room to up the old-school romance? Pick Hindola Mahal. While you bicker for the swings, we’ll have ourselves one of their four duplex suites; the Naqqar Khana Mahal to be precise. With a large veranda, lavish bedroom and sitting area fitted with jharokha windows for the perfect view; there isn’t a better holiday you can get. Or isn’t there?

360 Degrees

Of course there is! Just throw in a swimming pool, spa and a Neverland sort of garden lit with lanterns, and anything can be better! Oriental senses take over as soon as you enter the spa, and we highly recommend Swede Dreams—their Swedish massage {of course}. Dive into their rooftop swimming pool; a vantage point for a full 360-degree view of the surroundings. And it is simply stunning! With its sandy dunes, mustard fields and dark rocks, it’s a paradox of sorts, but worth every selfie you’ll take up there!

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Make sure to watch the sunrise and sunset from the ramparts. It’s stunning!