My journeys, my tales...: April 2019

While going through some travel photographs of Rajasthan, of a photographer friend, the images of the royalty clouded my vision, and then my mind, taking cue from those visions went into a whirlwind of scenes trying to imagine how would the royals spend an introspective evening, sitting on the parapet of their fort while the sun set?

And the mind said, the only way to satisfy, to try and come wee bit close, to what that experience might have been, would be, to take a short trip to Rajasthan.

As this trip was just out of a whim, wanted to go to a place closest to Delhi and thus zeroed down a short stay at Neemrana’s Kesroli, Hill Fort in Alwar district of Rajasthan.

It was an easy choice as it is only 174 km from Delhi. And takes about 3 and a half hours by road.

The 14th century Hill Fort-Kesroli is one of the oldest heritage hotel sites in India. It is believed, to have been built by the Yaduvanshi Rajputs, who claim descent from Lord Krishna, but converted, to Islam in the mid-fourteenth century to be called Khanzadas.

The Kesroli, Hill Fort offers a unique experience of seeing and ‘living’ history, added to that, the fact that nothing about the Neemrana experiences is ever ordinary.

Situated at a height of 200 feet, one is among the majestic splendour of 700-year-old walls, enjoying the changing views of the mustard, millet and wheat fields below surrounding the fort.

Kesroli has both large and small rooms. The dual rooms are ideal for families with children as they offer them the excitement of a fort-destination/stay.

The restaurant here, serves quite extensive buffet meals and the food served is delectable. As I am not a very good eater, on special request the restaurant manager was gracious enough to serve a la carte, though I was not provided with a separate menu but had to choose from the lay of the buffet for the day, but that seemed to be absolutely fair!

A beautiful pool adds to the luxurious comfort of the fort and for sure gives it’s guest a cooling experience specially in the summer months after day visits to the neighbouring palaces, museums, natural sites and sanctuaries of Alwar and Sariska.

We could only visit, the Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri and the Alwar’s City Palace along with the museum situated inside the Palace, during our stay in Alwar.

The city palace is located in the same building of Vinay Villas palace, it looks like a run down palace from the outside as various government offices and court are located inside the palace. But as soon as you enter the museum through various dark passages, the palace gets transformed.

The museum is pretty well managed. You can see many artefacts, dresses and jewellery of the Royalties, many manuscripts, paintings, statues and weapons from the by gone eras.

It is sad though, that, the rest of the Palace lays in shamble, our guide showed us the completely broken down part of the Palace, I wish that part of the Palace is soon restored so that visitors can enjoy seeing it’s past glory!

Our visit to Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri, was also a let down from the point of view of the upkeep of the place and it’s surrounding area. Though the structure in it self was quite majestic. Even the general crowd was quite disturbing. If you choose to visit these places in Alwar, be advised to avoid western clothing!

We stayed at The Kesroli, Hill Fort, for two nights and three days and added a day in Jaipur with a night stay. This was added to the itinerary solely for shopping purpose!
A visit to Rajasthan, that too going so close to Jaipur and not visiting Bapu Bazar would be absolutely criminal! :)

Among other things and interests, Jaipur sure can be called a shopper’s paradise!

We also visited the City Fort in Jaipur during our short one day stay.

As a culmination can surely say, that, stay at The Kesroli Hill Fort was absolutely fabulous. The whole reason why this trip was planned was totally made justified by their hospitality and proper care of guests.
Will surely visit them again.

Travel Tips:
1. For Alwar city visit, women avoid western clothing. Carry a scarf or dupatta even if you are dressed in t-shirt and jeans!

2. In Jaipur, Bani Park, Hathroi Fort area and anything on or off M I Road between Ajmeri Gate & Khasa Kothi crossings one can find good decent places to stay.

Be careful of shoddy places in and around the older part of Jaipur.

3. We have learned through experience that booking rooms with Neemrana properties always works better directly through their office.

Address: A-47, Block A, Lajpat Nagar II, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110024

Hours: 9:15am – 6:00pm

Phone: 011 4666 1666

The Kesroli Hill Fort, Alwar: