Khimsar Fort- Nagaur
About Khimsar Fort
Located in the Nagaur district of the Rajasthan, the
Khimsar Fort was constructed by Rao Karamsiji (8th son of Rao Jodha,
founder of Jodhpur) in the 16th century. Settled comfortably at the
edge of Thar desert, between Jodhpur and Bikaner, Khimsar has a
quintessential Rajasthani history of war and romance. Stories are rife
as to how in earlier days, Khimsar endeavoured, though in vain, to
free itself from the fiefdom of the Marwar empire and stabilize itself
distinctly. Another story that captivates the imagination of the
people is that the last great Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb, himself paid
a visit to this small village on request of a Thakur. However, the
authenticity of this claim is highly dubitable.
The fort, that has been converted into a heritage hotel, is still
inhabited by the direct descendants of its founder, and that also the
20th one! A ladies wing and a regal wing were added in the 18th and
the 20th century respectively. Khimsar Fort has also been awarded the
topmost recognition for a heritage property by Tourism Department of
India in the form of 'Grand Heritage Award for Excellence'.
Khimsar Fort as a Heritage Hotel
The heritage hotel that is managed by the Welcom Group
of Hotels offers a spectacular welcome to its guests with enthusiastic
display of fireworks, as they enter its heavily studded gates. Right
from here, guests get an inkling of the kind of lavish stay they will
enjoy during their vacations.
The best part about the hotel is that it is located far away from the
noise of big cities which means that guests have plenty of time to
spend with themselves and family in solitude. Also, since the hotel is
run by the direct descendants of the royal family and the staff too
trace their links to the erstwhile courtiers, the hospitality is at
its best. These people know how to treat their guests in a true regal
manner and as such extend a warm welcome to everyone.
Facilities on Offer
The accommodation of 50 luxurious and well
decorated deluxe rooms and suites swiftly carry guests back into a
splendorous past. While some of the rooms exude traditional
architectural form and furnishing, there are others that have an art
deco look. The colours in the rooms range from bright red to more
light shades of white and blue.
Dining in Khimsar fort hotel brings the guests out of the
confines of a dining hall and offers them a one time opportunity to
enjoy their meal in the ruins of Fateh Mahal, fort ramparts, on the
rooftop of the dome, terrace gazebo or Khimsar dunes. Infact the venue
for meals is changed keeping in mind the season and time. Quiet
interesting! No wonder, the Rajasthani and the Continental meals taste
even more delicious in these places. There is also a restaurant in
case guests wish to dine inside. Here the portraits of 20 generations
of ruling family look over as the guests enjoy and appreciate the
delicious meal. The poolside bar Tabela and the Khimsar Lounge offers
some really quality wine and beverages.
Recreation in Khimsar fort hotel means a varied lot. Starting
from an in house museum that displays miniature paintings and the
family antiques, guests can pay a visit to the nearby villages on the
back of a camel or horse. A complete panorama of royal and simple
lifestyle presents itself before the guests. A slightly better way for
guests to explore the lanes of the village is to pedal a bicycle
themselves. And for those, little unwilling to exert themselves, there
are air conditioned limousines on hire. A perfect way to feel royal in
a modern way.
The handicraft shop, with each of its items personally picked by the
royal family is a must visit for a glimpse into the aesthetic taste of
the members. After a day long entertainment on earth, Khimsar Fort
Hotel takes its guests to view the sparkling beauty of the stars in
sky. The inhouse telescope enables guests to watch the star studded
sky on a clear night.
Folk dances (Kalbelia), puppet shows, snake charmer shows and magic
shows keep up the spirit of guests throughout their stay.
Accessibility
Khimsar Fort is located at a distance of 40 km from the Railway Station and 0.5 km from the Bus Stand. The nearest Airport is 90 km away from the nearest airport in Jodhpur.