The history of the state of Rajasthan is veritably the story of the brave Rajputs. And the story of the Rajputs is incomplete without the numerous forts and palaces they had built. The forts of Rajasthan are drenched in the folklore and legends of the Rajputs and represent the bygone era of their glorious regal past. At the same time the architectural beauty of these forts speaks magnitudes about the excellent craftsmanship of the artisans of those times.
One such exemplary fort is the 16th century Khimsar Fort at Nagaur. I had the good fortune of staying at the Khimsar fort which is now converted in to a heritage hotel. The fort is around 90 kms from the city of Jodhpur which itself is well connected to other Indian cities by rail/air and road. Set in the midst of sand dunes bordering the spectaular Thar Desert, the yellow colored Khimsar Fort is the favorite of travelers who flock here for a taste of authentic regal hospitality.
As I approached the entrance to the fort, I was overwhelmed by the sheer size and magnificence of the grand structure. My deluxe room, a gigantic one was luxuriously furnished with traditional decor and had its own private terrace. Lest the off the beaten track location pose any concern to you, be assured that the rooms are well-appointed with all conceivable modern amenities such regrigerator, color TV with satellite channels, telephone with international and domestic direct dialing facility, air-conditioning, running hot and cold water and 24 hour room service.
The in-house restaurant serves Continental and Indian cuisines along with a Rajasthani specialties Coffee shop.Candle light dinner on the fort was the best thing and absolutely out of the world. Fort looks amazing in the night lighting.route. For the buffet meal on the ramparts in the evening the service was good and the selection of food on offer was simply delightful. The chef obviously takes pride in these affairs.We had “semi-al fresco” dinner with bonfire and folk songs & dances at “Fateh Mahal” which has an ambience of an ancient ruin. The restaurant staff were attentive and eager to please. After dinner, we were invited to some performances, i.e., puppet show, magic show and folk dances which were amusing.Tabela, the pool side bar and the Khimsar Lounge offers quality wine and beverages.
The other facilities offered are 24 hour room service, money changing, travel desk, indoor & outdoor games, village safaris, swimming pool, trekking, bird watching, laundry, fitness room, nature walks, camel safaris, horse safaris, theme dinner, art gallery, shopping arcade etc. All this is yours for 2 nights and 3 days for just 6000 rupees or 120 US$.
It was almost the equivalent of a travel back in time as I rambled along the pathways that lead to the turrets, stables, guns and cannons. The battle scarred walls and turrets, solemn reminders of the battles the fort had endured. The experience simply overpowers you. Equally exciting was the time spent in the in-house ancestral museum with its collection of miniature paintings and family memorabilia.
Besides these, there is an in-house telescope for star-gazing, Ayurvedic Massage, Sauna, Steam Rooms, Yoga and Meditation sessions.
I also indulged in the exciting Camel safaris to the neighboring village or the Sand Dunes.Took a day trip to Bikaner, 150 km away taking in other areas of interest on the way like the Jain Temples at Osian, Nagaur Fort, and the Rat Temple at Deshnoke.
My three day stay at the Khimsar fort was virtually a travel back in time through the ages and a brief flirt with a lifestyle befitting a Maharaja. Simply majestic!
