Many of India’s ancient forts, once the strongholds of mighty kings and seats of empires, have been transformed into magnificent luxurious hotels. Steeped in centuries of royal history, they offer guests a chance to relive the grandeur of a bygone era.
Perched on a cliff overlooking the serene Narmada, at Maheshwar, stands a fort dating back 250 years. Once the royal residence of powerful Queen Ahilyabai Holkar, this majestic fort was transformed into a super elegant heritage retreat by her heir, Prince Richard Holkar.
Crowning a granite hill in the Aravalli range near Jaipur, it was built over 230 years ago by the Shahpura Rajputs to strengthen the borders of the kingdom. Now a fabulous hotel managed by the Hyatt group, its restoration preserved original stone walls, watchtowers, and turrets.
One of Maharashtra’s only fort-turned-hotels, it is a 300-year-old Maratha stronghold constructed by Pilaji Jadhavrao, a general under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. Located near Pune, it has been transformed into a lively heritage hotel that celebrates the Maratha legacy.
In the Thar Desert, at Jaisalmer, it is a more recent construction but actually incorporates 450-year-old carvings and antique elements sourced from old havelis. The hotel features grand courtyards, traditional frescoes, ornate interiors that reflect the desert’s royal past.
On the Delhi-Jaipur highway, at Alwar, is one of India’s most iconic heritage hotels, spanning 14 levels across a hillside. Erected in 1464, it was meticulously restored in the early 1990s by Neemrana Hotels and virtually marked the beginning of India’s heritage hotel movement.
Overlooking the Hooghly River near Kolkata, The Ffort Raichak was built by the British in the 18th century to secure the Hooghly. It has since been transformed into a peaceful luxury retreat known as The Ffort.
Located between Jodhpur and Bikaner, Khimsar Fort dates back to the 16th century and was built by Rao Karamsji, a Rajput noble. Today it is a WelcomHeritage group hotel overflowing with Rajputana grandeur.
Originally known as Fort Santíssima Trindade, the erstwhile Portuguese north Goa citadel stands near the mouth of the Terekhol river. Accessible via boat from Querim, around 42 km from Panjim, this historic stronghold is from the 1600s.