Description
Rising up from the Narmada River, Ahilya Fort is the perfect location for a few days away from it all. Built in the 18th century by Ahilya Bai Holkar, the fort has been lovingly transformed into a boutique heritage retreat.
Your host is Prince Shivaji Rao Holkar who makes sure your visit is magical. The food is exceptional – with organic ingredients used from the garden. You can even learn the tricks to making wonderful Indian cuisine. The Chef produces delicious continental and Indian food. There is no formal dining room. A la carte breakfast is served on the ramparts of the fort, overlooking the river. Lunch is served in a shady, leafy courtyard or on the patio. Candlelit dinners are served in the garden by the pool or on the terrace. Maheshwar is an all inclusive hotel so all meals, soft drinks, beverages of all kinds, and snacks are included, along with boating and all local excursions.
There is one suite with separate sitting room and a spacious balcony overlooking the temples and the river, 7 superior rooms with either balcony or river view, 4 standard rooms and two luxurious tents with spectacular river views set in a private garden. The rooms are prettily furnished in neutral, natural fabrics.
This untouched corner of India has a plethora of things to do and see including the city of Mandu or the island temple of Omkareshwar. You can take a boat out on the river at sunset for a memorable and unforgettable experience. Ahilya is a place where guests return time and time again, and everyone leaves with a heavy heart.
Ahilya can now be easily accessed from Rajasthan or a finale to visiting the tiger circuits in Madhya Pradesh. The experience is everything, and by going there you will justly rewarded.
Guide price
£2,288 Per person
£2,288 pice per person based on 7 nights on a Fully Inclusive Basis in a Superior Room, including private transfers, and flights via Mumbai with British Airways and Domestic Flights with Kingfisher.
Accommodation
The Ahilya Fort offers 1 Suite, 7 Superior Rooms, 4 Standard Rooms and 2 Tents. All rooms are en-suite (showers) and interconnecting rooms are available. All superior rooms have either a stunning view of the river or the private garden and some have their own private balcony. Suites feature a separate sitting room and a spacious balcony. All rooms have plenty of hot water provided by the geyser, overhead fans, air coolers and tea and coffee making machines.
Childcare
Children of all ages are welcome at Ahilya Fort. There is a baby sitting service available and interconnecting rooms with extra beds in parents rooms. Please note that this is still a Heritage Hotel.
Facilities
Facilities at Ahilya Fort include a large swimming pool, traditional Nimad massages, sitting room with TV, and a restaurant serving international and Indian cuisines.
Activities
Cultural activities include visits to the historic, deserted city of Mandu, the fort at Dhar, the island temple of Omkareshwar, walks around the walled city of Maheshwar and the ghats, visits to the local handloom houses, the city of Indore and swimming in the river at the Thousand Waterfalls. Other activities include boat trips to the Baneshwar Temple in the middle of the river and birdwatching.
When to travel
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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Best time to visit
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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Maheshwar, India
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.
How to get there
8.5-hour international flight to Mumbai Chattrapathi Shivaji Airport, followed by a 1-hour domestic flight to Indore Airport. Ahilya Fort is situated 91kms from Indore Airport, a 2-hour drive.
