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An authentic 18th century fort
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Stunning location on the Narmada
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Annual Sacred River and colourful festivals
Maheshwar
Madhya Pradesh
Ahilya Fort in the town of Maheshwar is on the banks of the sacred River Narmada. Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar ruled here from 1765 to 1796 and built Ahilya Wada. In 2000, Prince Richard Holkar, her descendant and son of the last Maharaja of Indore and his American wife, converted his home in Ahilya Wada into a guest residence, today known around the world as Ahilya Fort.
The hotel sits atop the massive sandstone walls of Maheshwar Fort. From the terrace, the garden and room balconies you can look upon the banks of the holy Narmada, where pilgrims come to immerse themselves and pray to Lord Shiva. Ahilya Fort has 17 unique rooms set in six 18th century buildings around a shady courtyard, a lovely large pool and a vegetable garden that is a work of art. This authentic 18th century fort provides a truly magical setting to experience Maheshwar’s colourful festivals, the world famous Maheshwari textiles or, for the more adventurous, a day trip to the famous Omkareshwar temples and the deserted 15th century city of Mandu.
Highlights
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An authentic 18th century fort
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Stunning location on the Narmada
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Annual Sacred River and colourful festivals
Location
Maheshwar
Madhya Pradesh
Ahilya Fort is located in Maheshwar – Madhya Pradesh. The hotel is a 90 minute drive (80 km) from Indore.
How to get here
Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport (Indore Airport) receives flights from all major Indian airports.
The nearest Railway Station is at Indore.
Indore is a 90 minute drive from Ahilya Fort.
Ahilya Fort has two Royal Suites, a Royal Tent and fourteen unique rooms set in six buildings of the 18th-century fort. All are distinctive. The suites feature private balconies overlooking the Narmada and the Royal Tent is set in a private garden. All suites and rooms are airconditioned.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the premises
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TV is available in the library
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Electronic safe in each room
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Wash and iron clothes every day free of any charge
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Two mineral water bottles per person provided complimentary per day
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Complimentary soft drinks, tea and coffee throughout the day
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Cocktails, wine and beer are offered complimentary by the host
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We can paddle you across the river to stroll through the village of Navdatodi
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Car transfers/ Daily excursions to and from Maheshwar can be organised – please consult the car transfer rate sheet
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Nimadi Malish (local massage) – at an additional charge
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Assistance for guided sightseeing in Maheshwar – at an additional charge for the escort
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Arrange excursions to Omkareshwar temple, Mandu (including arranging a guide & picnic lunch) at an additional charge for each activity
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Dukkan – our shop that carries a range of easy to wear clothes and collectables
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Our tailor and his team will copy your favourite blouse overnight
Every Year in February, Ahilya Fort presents The sacred River, a celebration of the Narmada. Three days and nights of classical dance, vocal and instrumental concerts in stunning settings.
On Lord Shiva’s birthday, the ghats are thronged with the faithful dressed in festival finery.
The observance of Muharram is the most colourful event in Maheshwar’s crowded calendar of festivals.
Activities
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Our traditional wooden boats are at your disposal – morning/ evening tea near Baneshwar temple, birdwatching or exploring
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A stroll along the riverbank – you will witness a riotous explosion of colour
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Visit Rehwa Society – a center for handloom weaving where craftsmen create the world famous gossamer Maheshwari textiles
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Visit Ahilya School
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Take a boat to the Thousand Cascades and swim in the unpolluted Narmada
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Visit one of Hinduism’s most important temples at Omkareshwar
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Explore Mandu – the deserted 15th century city (we will pack you a hamper for a picnic lunch)
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Make a day trip to Indore
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Cruise slowly down the Narmada – drive to Mandeleshwar to board a hand poled boat for a leisurely 2 hour cruise down the Narmada
Royal Suite
The Royal Suites (02) are air conditioned and feature a king sized bed, a sitting room and a private balcony overlooking the river and temples.
The Arjun Royal Tent
The Arjun Royal Tent is a luxurious tent that has a separate sleeping area, a sitting area and a large bathroom. It is enclosed in a private garden and has its own private plunge pool overlooking the river.
Superior Double Rooms and AC Tent
The Superior Double Rooms are spread across different blocks. All rooms are airconditioned with distinct interiors. Some of these open into charming courtyards, have river-view alcoves, a charming turret, balcony or garden view. The hotel has one superior airconditioned tent.
Superior Twin Rooms
The Superior Rooms are spread across different blocks. All rooms are airconditioned. Some of these open into charming courtyards or have a garden view.
Candlelit Dinners
Al fresco Dining
Tea & Snacks
Thali
