INDIALINE
Complete India Travel Guide

Khimsar Fort

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.