Reimagine Rajasthani grandeur at Alwar’s Hill Fort-Kesroli 

Amid the weathered folds of the Aravalli hills, time forgets to tick forward. In this salubrious setting, Hill Fort-Kesroli offers a much- needed change of pace and scenery away from the din and clamour of city life. Hill Fort Kesroli carries forward Rajasthan’s legacy through heritage, culture and unforgettable dining experiences in the lap of rustic countryside.

Steve Berry, an American author once said, “A concerted effort to preserve our heritage is a vital link to our cultural, educational, aesthetic, inspirational and economic legacies; all of the things that quite literally make us who we are.”

India is renowned as a multicultural nation steeped in ancient customs. Its past is rich with palaces built by Rajputs, Mughals, Shahanshahs, Sultans, and Nizams, etc. The spectacular palaces are just the icing on the cake of their lavish and opulent lifestyles. But sadly, due to negligence and lack of care, many of these havelis have eventually fallen into ruins. 

A few of such formerly magnificent palaces and forts were chosen by Neemrana Group and with labour of love, creative vision and skillful approach, these ancient buildings have been transformed and have seen the light of the day in the form of exclusive heritage hotels which are enjoyed as weekend getaways, wedding destinations and sentinels of experiential hospitality. The best part is that the transformation is bare minimal which has helped these properties to retain the ancient flavour and feel while offering modern-day comforts.

Restoration by Neemrana Group 

Hill Fort Kesroli is one such hotel in Alwar that has been a heritage property since 14th century. After a lengthy period of neglect, Kesroli Fort was acquired by Neemrana Hotels for restoration in 1993. Today, it stands as an astounding historical Rajputana ‘non-hotel’ hotel where past and present exist in perfect harmony. Seated in the midst of magnificent mustard fields swaying to the mood of gentle winds and the captivating Aravalli Hills, Hill Fort-Kesroli is rated as a superb excursion preference for the ones seeking out a chilled holiday in North India.

Rooms and amenities

Restored to its preceeding grandeur and beauty, Hill fort Kesroli homes forty-two rooms/suites with private terraces and floors going two basements down ensuring the temperatures are maintained low enough to enjoy cool corridors during the summers; along with stunning rampart and magnificent garden, pool and a majestic view of the surroundings. The property also boasts of two duplex suites lending a feel of privacy and richness.

The hotel houses a massive swimming pool, a decent gymnasium, cute lawns and a spa that has been carved out of natural rocks and fashionably designed to give the modern feel of tranquility and wellness. It also boasts of conference halls (that can accommodate upto 60 heads and can hold an event with stay for upto 150 heads). The rooms are adorned in Rajasthani fashion with old classical paintings, which lend it a royal feel. It has to be noted that all rooms at Hill Fort Kesroli are designed and styled in a different fashion.  

I stayed in the cute and comfy Naruka Burj which is furnished with amber-hued bedsheets and curtains. The room comes with a private terrace that overlooks the countryside and offers spectacular sweeping views of fields and hills. The special highlight of the property are the lavish hanging gardens that add magnificence and grandeur to the property. 

Things to do at Hill Fort- Kesroli

An ideal day at the resort typically begins with cycling trip (on complimentary basis) meandering through the tiny passages winding down the rural countryside, day time can be spent exploring the property and enthralling views while a therapeutic spa massage offers the perfect closure to a fulfilling day.

Evenings at Hill Fort Kesroli are for cultural ruminations. Dinners are usually accompanied by a ‘kalbelia’ dance by resplendently dressed Rajasthani women from local tribe balancing pots on their heads, consummate grace to the pulsating beats of indigenous folk melodies belted out by fellow singers.

The iconic views from the pool and the Marwari-styled bar have an extended view of the hills and the property facade. The hotel offers a large bonfire for warmth, entertainment and celebration with near and dear ones with special arrangements for kids to play badminton, table tennis, trampoline, billiards/snooker, etc.

“My weekend getaway at centuries-old Hill Fort Kesroli, still alive and pulsating, was a perfect holiday—a reminder that at Hill Fort, tradition is not a relic of the past but a living, evolving masterpiece.”   

Cuisine

Following the cherished Rajasthani tradition, Hill Fort Kesroli places great emphasis on culinary excellence at the forefront of every guest’s stay. The kitchen brings forth iconic regional specialities curated by Executive Chefs Ram Lal and Vikas with dishes like the Dal baati choorma, baajrey ki khichdi, pakodey wali kadhi, garlic chutney, gatta curry, bajra roti, stuffed baatis, alongside desserts like gud laapsi, jalebi and malai ghevar. 

The menu also includes South Indian, French, Italian, Chinese, and Thai dishes with most of the produce sourced from their homegrown and sustainable on-site kitchen garden. While the restaurant ventures into international cuisine territory with diverse Continental and oriental offerings as well, Rajasthani cuisine remains the jewel in the crown and piece de resistance is the royal Rajasthani Thali, an opulent spread that exemplifies the legendary hospitality of the desert state.

The high tea option gives a wonderful chance to enjoy tea and snacks by the pool with spectacular views in the backdrop. One can enjoy the meals sitting next to the pool while witnessing some of the exclusive Rajasthani folk dances and performances.