Khejarla Fort/Resort, Jodhpur | History, Resort, Built by
In Jodhpur, the historic Khejarla Fort has been transformed into a heritage hotel. Ever pondered what life in the great castles of ancient India must have been like for the royal kings and queens? If so, visiting the Khejarla Fort is a worthwhile experience. The 400-year-old structure, which was first constructed in the 17th century by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, has been transformed into a hotel with modern amenities set against the backdrop of the royal castle. Without sacrificing the comforts of contemporary hotels, the Khejarla Fort Hotel is the ideal location for an up-close glimpse at India’s rich past. The royal hospitality provided at the hotel is quite literally the cherry on top of the cake! Khejarla Fort offers an experience far beyond the ordinary!
This fort, which is located in Rajasthan’s desert regions, skilfully blends the grandeur of its regal origins with the untamed beauty of its surrounds. This blending is reflected in the modern dĂ©cor found inside its stone-carved exterior. It is composed of red sandstone, a characteristic of Rajput architecture, and is situated atop granite boulders. For a relaxed evening amidst the meadows and a taste of rural Indian life, the hotel also provides a guided tour of the hamlet.
For those who want to enjoy a relaxed vacation awash in grandeur while learning about India’s rich cultural heritage, the Heritage Fort is the perfect place to go. This majestic fortification represents the union of the royal and the rural.
History of Khejarla FortÂ
The Fort of Khejarla was built in 1611 AD as a tribute to Maharaja Gopal Das Ji’s valiant contributions to the fight against the Mughal Empire, as envisioned by the Maharaja of Jodhpur. The village’s Khejdi tree, which is thought to have shielded the fort from Mughal artillery attacks, is the source of the name Khejarla. The fort was again rebuilt after being attacked by the Mughal Army three times, demonstrating the Rajputs’ tenacity.
Khejarla was a thriving hub of Rajput royalty at the time, with hundreds of servants, a number of camels and horses for transportation, a sizable agricultural region, and prominent court officials and estate managers. In addition to their intelligence, officials at this court were greatly respected for their honour, nobility, and valour in times of conflict.
A reminder of its illustrious past, the old castle still radiates strength and power today. following the leasing of a portion of the Khejarla Fort by Bhandari Heritage Pvt. Ltd., a division of Bhandari Export. It has undergone extensive development in recent years and is now open to the public for lodging and visitors. A private section of the fort still houses the descendants of the royal dynasty from Jaisalmer, including Thakur Dileep Singh, the present Maharaja of the fort.
Structure and Architecture of Khejarla FortÂ
The robust fortification is divided into four distinct portions that were constructed in accordance with local customs but have now been imaginatively transformed into leisure areas to go with the heritage hotel.
Entering: This arched entrance served primarily as a public courtroom, a jail for inmates, and a horse-cart parking area at that era.
Zenana Mahal (South Block): Royal women and gents of the house are required to live apart in accordance with Rajput custom. The royal women resided at the Zenana Mahal, which had a parlour, two floors of apartments and suites, and a terrace with a breathtaking view of the Indian plains.
Mardana Mahal (West Block): Originally designed for the royal family’s male members, this block has been renovated to include a dining room, bar and garden. This arena’s other sets of chambers have also been lavishly and magnificently decorated.
Main Courtyard (East Block): This block now houses the hotel reception, swimming pool, Ayurvedic centre, gym, and retail space, as well as the common area for visitors.
Khejarla Fort ResortÂ
Three different kinds of tastefully decorated rooms are available in the Khejarla Fort, creating the ultimate regal experience in contemporary India:
The Luxury Suites
The Regal Rooms
The Royal Chambers
The rooms’ exquisitely woven durries (cotton rugs), poster beds, and mosaic marble floors create a sense of warmth and grandeur. A patio with breathtaking views of the surroundings and, most particularly, the sunset is a feature of some rooms. The time-honoured fort is the ideal location for luxury, leisure, and a little flirtation with history because of its handcrafted ethnic dĂ©cor, traditional crafts mart, lush green lawns, and royal Rajashthani welcome for visitors.
Amenities at Khejarla Fort ResortÂ
The heritage hotel offers a wide range of pleasures, chief among them leisure pursuits including traditional Rajasthani folk dances, cycling, camel rides, bullock cart rides, and henna art. The late Thakur Bhairon Singh Khejarla also started a library with over 500 volumes with the goal of conserving and promoting Marwar’s rich literary and historical heritage.
With a menu that includes Mughlai, Continental, and Rajasthani dishes, dining at the Khejarla Fort Hotel is also a delightful experience. The main benefit of dining at an old fort is that the food is cooked by chefs who have been serving the royal family for many generations.
The opportunity to stroll through the area and witness a sunset atop the hillock is provided by the neighbouring temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. To fully immerse oneself in the distinctive culture of northwest India, a number of camel, horse, and jeep safaris that travel across Rajasthani territory are also offered and can be arranged upon request.
Best Time To Visit Khejarla FortÂ
Because it is less likely to be crowded and the heat is bearable, it is preferable to visit in the off-season months of August, September, February, and March.
Tips For Visiting Khejarla FortÂ
If you want to stay in Khejarla Fort, make reservations in advance because it’s a popular location for tourists from all over the world.
How To Reach Khejarla FortÂ
The Khejarla Fort is 85 km from the main city and may be reached by taxi or taxi from Jodhpur, the closest major city. It takes just fifteen minutes to get there from the Jodhpur highway. The Jodhpur train station, which has excellent connections to the majority of India’s main towns, is an hour’s drive from the opulent location. If you let the hotel know in advance, they can also arrange transportation from the Jodhpur Railway Station or Airport.
