Escape to History: A 14th Century Staycation Just a Few Hours from Delhi NCR
For our 6-month wedding anniversary, we wanted to take a relaxing staycation around Delhi NCR. After exploring a lot of options, we came across Hill Fort Resort. It is a beautiful 14th-century fort that has been converted into a luxurious hotel. The fort is located in the hills of Alwar, Rajasthan, and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Only a couple of hours away from Delhi-NCR, it is a perfect weekend getaway to relax by the rooftop pool with 360-degree views of the lush green countryside and impeccable Rajasthani hospitality.
The Hill Fort-Kesroli, with its seven turrets, has an ancient origin dating back over seven centuries. Initially constructed by the Yaduvanshi Rajputs, who claimed lineage from Lord Krishna but embraced Islam in the mid-14th century and became known as Khanzadas. Throughout its history, it changed rulers, falling under Mughal and Jat control before returning to the Rajputs in 1775 during the establishment of the princely state of Alwar. Notably, its pinnacle was during the era of Ranawat Thakur Bhawani Singh (1882-1934), celebrated for his exceptional equestrian prowess.
In this blog, we will cover a detailed review of our experience at the Hill Fort, Kesroli, and why you should add it to your staycation destination list - a destination that will teleport you to the medieval era!
Booking the Property :
Hill Fort, Kesroli is featured on almost all major Hotel and resort booking websites like Booking, Agoda, MakeMyTrip etc. However, we decided to book directly via their official website as we got a better deal on some of the rooms that were exclusively listed on their own website.
The property has a huge variety of rooms across budget ranges that celebrate the Rajasthani heritage. The rooms come with all standard amenities like a Wardrobe, Towels, Hair Dryer, bath kits, Electric Kettle/coffee kits etc. All the rooms promise an exemplary view.
We stayed in their standard double room with a King-Size bed (Koel Mahal), which had a small balcony attached.
Reaching Hill Fort, Kesroli
The property is located on the outskirts of Alwar, Rajasthan. You can take a Bus, Train, or Car to Alwar based on where you are located. We traveled to and fro Alwar via Train. From the station, we hired an auto-rickshaw who took around INR 250/- to take us to the hotel property.
We traveled from Gurgaon to Alwar via the Ajmer-Delhi Shatabdi and on our way back, we rode on the Vande Bharat Express for the first time!
While Uber is serviceable in that area, getting a cab or an auto wasn't always guaranteed and we had to finally negotiate with the independent cab/auto drivers to take us to our destination. It is always a good idea to take the contact details of the same cab/auto driver and book them for your return journey from the Hill Fort Resort to the Train/Bus station.
First Impressions
As we entered into this grand property, we were awestruck by its magnificence. It was like traveling back in time and experiencing something extremely unique. As Hill Fort is also part of the Neemrana Group of Hotels, one can see the similarity and consistency of hospitality the group tries to provide at their other properties like Neemrana Fort Palace and Tijara Fort Palace.
We had requested an early check-in, which the hotel staff politely obliged. The process was super smooth and we were greeted with a refreshing welcome drink. As soon as you reach the property, the kid inside you will take over and you will have the urge to run and explore every nook and corner of the fort. There are a lot of stairs and passages, which will take you to beautiful parts of the fort and leave you speechless.
For aged people or someone with mobility constraints, it can get a little tricky to explore the property in its entirety. Given its historical significance, the accessibility via wheelchair is limited.
After reaching our room, we freshened up and were all set to roam around the fort and see what it had in store for us! And obviously, we were not disappointed at all.
Amenities and Activities
The resort provides ample amenities for a rejuvenating vacation for all age groups. The rooftop pool is a treat and has an attached Jacuzzi as well. The recreational room had basic gym equipment, a Table Tennis Table, Carrom Board etc. One could pick up badminton rackets from the reception or get complimentary bicycles at the entrance gate.
The resort also had a range of relaxing SPA treatments like full-body massages, facials, and body wraps. The treatments are reasonably priced and can be booked during your stay at the property. There was a 20% discount available across all SPA treatments at the time when we visited.
The SPA therapists are extremely professional and know their craft. We both booked back massages and Head massages for ourselves and were extremely happy. They also have a well-equipped Sauna room which is the perfect ending to a relaxing SPA treatment.
On Saturdays, the resort hosts a Rajasthani cultural program where authentic artists from various parts of the state come together and perform for an hour or so! We had an amazing time, by the poolside on a cool evening, sipping on our drinks and enjoying the performances. These experiences allowed guests to delve into the rich history and vibrant traditions of Rajasthan, adding a layer of authenticity to the overall stay.
Kesroli's strategic location provided easy access to nearby attractions, including the Neemrana Fort and the Sariska National Park. The resort's concierge services facilitated seamless excursions, allowing me to explore the cultural and natural wonders of the region.
Culinary Delights
Kesroli's dining experience was a gastronomic journey through Rajasthani flavors. The on-site restaurant served a delectable array of local and international dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients. Dining amidst the fort's historic walls added a unique charm to every meal.
The staff at Kesroli went above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. Their warm hospitality, attention to detail, and willingness to assist with any request added a personal touch to the overall experience, making me feel like an esteemed guest in a regal retreat.
Overall, Hill Fort Kesroli Resort is not just a destination; it's an immersive journey through time and nature. From the regal architecture and cultural activities to the warm hospitality and serene surroundings, every aspect of our stay at Kesroli contributed to an unforgettable retreat. Whether seeking a historical escape or a peaceful getaway, Kesroli Resort stands as a testament to Rajasthan's royal charm and offers a blissful retreat for those yearning for a perfect blend of heritage and tranquility.
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