Ahilya Fort .. Re-Living the history

Ahilya Fort Heritage Hotel is a little gem tucked away on the banks of Narmada river in a small town of Maheshwar in the state of Madhya Pradesh that takes you back into an era of Maratha rule.

Maheshwar is just two hours drive from Indore. This place is a great way to escape the hussle and bussle of the city. Being in Ahilya Fort is more like living in an aged old Maratha home rather than a hotel.

Ahilya fort is owned by Prince Richard Shivaji Rao Holkar, whose ancestral Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar built the fort 250years ago. Ahilya Bai Holkar was a hardened devotee of lord Shiva. She was a patron of many Hindu temples which have embellished Maheshwar and Indore and still continues to do so.

Set above the riverside ghats (steps), where streams of pilgrims come to worship, the fort has a wonderfully romantic and relaxed atmosphere. The fort has 13 beautiful rooms and suites set around the courtyards and battlements. Some rooms overlook the beautiful and tranquil Narmada river while others have a view of beautifully maintained vegetable garden.

Food is a great highlight at this place as your host Prince Richard Holkar takes personal notice of the menu. Everything you eat is home grown and fresh.

This place is a wonderful getaway from the busy city life. It is also a great base to explore the Hindu pilgrimage site of Omkareshwar (though a bit too comercialised for my taste) and the ruins of 15th century city of Mandu (worth a visit)

Being in this 18th century fort is an extremely revistalising experience which should not be missed.

Best time to visit: October - February