Ramathra Fort

The hotel is cleverly renovated so as to bring the fort into the 21st century, but not so much that it loses its charm and romance. A fading grandeur is maintained with bougainvillea tumbling down the ever so slightly crumbling walls and local touches such as hand woven fabrics from Jaipur.

Accommodation is comprised of six luxury tents spread around a central lawn and six suites in the main fort building, two of which have outdoor baths and rainforest showers, as well as private terraces. The tents are vast, complete with large double beds, modern teak furniture and private porches.

Being set where it is in rural Rajasthan, shops and restaurant are few and far between, therefore all meals are included. The food is all locally sourced and delicious, with barley, chicken curry and fresh yoghurt salads featuring highly on the menu. Eat in the dining room which is housed in the old stable block, or alfresco for spectacular views out to rural India.

The never ending landscape is great for exploring. Bird watchers can whittle away endless hours on Kalisil Lake looking for kingfishers, and jeep safaris are the perfect way to see the cave temples, Gujar hamlets and Chuaki Gorge in the Kalisil River Valley. Walk around Ramathra village, home to farmers and herders who live in painted houses, meeting the locals in both their homes and in the fields. The Rajasthan countryside also has numerous temples, which can be explored by boat and jeep for a glimpse into the local traditions and religious customs.