On your next trip to Rajasthan, ditch the usual spots and instead, visit these underrated forts. By Kanika Khokhran
1. Alsisar Mahal
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The Alsisar Mahal located in Alsisar village of Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region dates back to the 17th century. It was built by the Shekhawat Thikanedars, and was given to Thakur Samrath Singh by his father Thakur Prahad Singh of Heerwa, as an award back in 1783 AD. Unfortunately, the palace faced major destruction during an attack by the Shekhawati Brigade under the Colonial rule. It was only in the early 2000’s, that the palace was completely restored, and converted into a heritage hotel for tourists; and is now managed by the Alsisar Group of Hotels. Although the reconstruction leans towards modern technology, the palace has retained its original Rajput-style architecture and fresco carvings.
Getting there: It is approximately 218 kms from the national capital, which you can cover by road in just five hours. However, if you are planning to catch a train or a flight, then Sanganer Jaipur International Airport, and Jhunjhunu Railway Station, are the nearest.
Best time to visit: September-February
Tariff: INR 6,000 – INR 10,000 per night for two adults
Nearby places: Alsisar village is full of castles, havelis and cenotaphs. When here, you can explore Kejriwal Haveli, Ram Jas Jhunjhunwala Ki Haveli, Laxmi Narayan temple and Thakur Chaatu Singh’s cenotaph.
2. Tijara Fort
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The construction of this 19th century fort was started by Maharaja Balwant Singh of Alwar in 1835 CE but was never completed due to Maharaja’s untimely death in 1845 CE, lack of descendants, and later the British rule. It was never fully restored up until recently, after the Neemrana Group of Hotels resumed construction and restoration, and the place finally opened for public as a palace hotel in January 2016. It comprises of three palaces – Rani Mahal, Mardana Mahal and Hawa Mahal – built in Rajput-Afghan style, with colonial influences. While the central structure where the guests arrive is called the Kaanch Mahal or the palace of glass, the large swimming pool is called the Pataal Kund. With a total of 71 suites and rooms, and seven terrace gardens, the immense space and beauty of this fort makes it a perfect wedding venue.
Getting there: Located just about 100 kms from Delhi, this place can be easily reached by road in just two-three hours. For those flying from other cities will have to deboard at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, and then hit the highway from here. However, if you are taking a train, then get down at the Alwar Railway Station.
Best time to visit: October-March
Tariff: INR 6,000 – INR 8,000 per night for two adults
Nearby places: When here, you can pay a visit to the famous Jain and Hindu temples of Tijara, the Jaisamand Lake, natural spring of Surajmukhi, the City Palace, Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri, Bala Qila and the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary.
3. Gajner Palace
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Located in the middle of the Thar desert on the banks of the Gajner Lake, this palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner in the 1900’s. Originally built as a hunting resort, the palace hosted several British officials during the colonial rule, such as Lord Mountbatten, Governor General Lord Elgin, Lord Erwin and the Prince of Wales in 1905. In 1922, the palace of Gajner was connected to Bikaner via a rail. Later, in 1976, it was converted into a heritage hotel, which is now owned by the HRH group of hotels. With its compound spread over 6,000 acres, the hotel has four wings — Dungar Niwas with 13 historic suites, Gulab Niwas with 32 deluxe rooms, Mandir Chowk, and Champa Niwas.
Getting there: The palace is a comfortable 40-km car ride from the city of Bikaner. While the nearest airport is the Jodhpur International Airport, Gajner Railway Station is a better option due to its proximity to the palace.
Best time to visit: October-April
Tariff: INR 3,500 – INR 7,000 per night for two adults
Nearby places: Watch the sunset on the banks of the Gajner lake, visit the Gajner wildlife sanctuary or seek blessings at the Deshnok temple.
4. Ramathra Fort
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The Ramathra Fort located in Sapotra region of Rajasthan’s Karauli district, stands tall between Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur and Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in Sawai Madhopur. Over 350 years old, this fort was granted as a fiefdom to Thakur Bhoj Pal by his father the Maharaja of Karauli, in 1645 AD. The name honours Lord Rama who is said to have camped here on his journey to Lanka. The fort, which is currently a heritage hotel is owned and managed by Ravi Raj Pal, the descendant of Thakur Bhoj Pal. It has six suites — two luxury and rest deluxe suites, and tent rooms enveloped by greenery. The food here is made from organic produce as the property follows the farm-to-table concept.
Getting there: Situated 165 kms away from Jaipur, it takes four hours to reach the fort via road. The nearest airport is the Sanganer Jaipur International Airport. If you are travelling by train the nearest railway station is in Gangapur.
Best time to visit: October-March
Tariff: INR 10,000 – INR 40,000 per night for two adults
Nearby places: While staying at the Ramathra Fort, relish the view of the Kalisil Lake and its irrigation canal, go on a jeep safari across the Daang Plateau and visit the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary for a one-on-one with the feathery creatures.
5. Mandawa Fort
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The Mandawa Fort is located in the historic town of Mandawa, in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district, which once used to be the Thikana of the Rajput dynasty. It was built by Thakur Nawal Singh in mid 18th century, keeping in mind the medieval theme with vivid frescoes of the Rajput rulers and Lord Krishna along with splendid carvings and mirror work. Later converted into a heritage hotel by the Mandawa group of hotels, the Mandawa castle is an amalgamation of modern comforts and royal charm. The castle is the perfect destination to learn about Shekhawati legacy and to experience the rich Rajasthani culture.
Getting there: Mandawa is approximately 170 kms from Jaipur, 240 kms from Delhi and 190 kms from Bikaner. If you are travelling by air, the nearest airport is the Sanganer Jaipur International Airport and the nearest railway stations are Mukundgarh and Jhunjhunu (Shekhawati) railway stations, which runs Shekhawati express connecting Mandawa to Delhi and Jaipur.
Best time to visit: October-March
Tariff: INR 7,000 – INR 10,000 per night for two adults
Nearby places: Mandawa is home to many glorious Havelis such as Murmuria Haveli, the Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli and more. Thanks to its palaces, designs, architecture and frescoes, the city is lovingly known as the ‘Open Air Art Gallery‘.
Related: #TnlSupportsLocal: Boutique Hotels In Rajasthan To Check-In When You’re Road Tripping Post-COVID
