Sectors Covered: Chittorgarh - Castle Bijaipur – Fort Begu – Bhainsrorgarh – Bundi – Sapotra/Ramathra Fort
1700 hrs: Board overnight train from Nizamuddin station, Delhi to Chittorgarh. Quality of the services in the train is slightly better now. Compartments, bed sheets, and blankets are much cleaner. Food quality is also improved.
0500 hrs: Arrival Chittorgarh. Room booked at Pratap Palace for wash & change.
1200 hrs: Joined MD Sir (who arrived in Chittorgarh from Udaipur), and after a short Tea break, inspected hotel Pratap Palace.
A Budget Class Hotel with 20 rooms, located just 05 minutes away from Railway station and 05 Kms from Chittorgarh Fort. Renovated rooms are simple, okay-okay, neat and clean, with TV, safe deposit, tea / coffee maker, and 24-hour room service. Standard amenities in the bathrooms with hot and cold running water. A multi-cuisine restaurant with seating outside in the verandah as well. Small garden which is used for group meals in the winter.
Renovation is ongoing for the rest of the hotel, and they are coming up with a lift and rooftop swimming pool. The only hotel that can be used for foreigner clients who want to stay in main Chittorgarh Town (or) for transit travelers.
Observation: This is a basic two-star hotel and not recommended for our clients. However, this is the only hotel that can be used for clients who want to stay near the fort and are on a budget.
1245 hrs: After inspection of the hotel, proceed to visit Chittorgarh Fort.
Very impressive and one of the largest forts in India, and at least 02 hours are required to visit the Fort. Rana Kumbha Palace (Sound & Light Show is happening at this palace), Tower of Victory, Padmini Palace (Closed due to some local issues), Meera Temple (Meera Mandir), Kalika Mata Temple, Fateh Prakash Palace (Now converted into a Museum), Jain Temples, and Seven Gates of the Fort are the main attractions to visit.
1345 hrs: After visiting the fort, drive to Castle Bijaipur, which is approx 35 Kms / 45 minutes from Chittorgarh. The road (highway) is good till Bassi, from where you have to take a diversion to Bijaipur. The drive is scenic and very beautiful, but it is a single road for approximately 16 Kms.
Hotel is a 16th-century old castle converted into a hotel. Run by the royal family (also the owner of Pratap Palace). The hotel has a total of 28 rooms, including suites (old and new wing), with attached bathrooms. Rooms are neat and clean, nicely maintained, and fitted with all modern facilities.
Rooms in the old wing are comparatively small but with more of a heritage touch. Rooms on the 1st floor have a better view, and the verandah in the front is nicely maintained with Jharokha and a seating area. Rooms on the ground floor have no view, and the wooden partition in the verandah doesn’t look nice, spoiling the charm of the surroundings.
Roof top in the old wing is a good place to offer romantic / special dinners. Reception area is also nicely maintained, facing a small garden. The hotel has a bar (currently facing issues with the liquor license) and a restaurant serving authentic Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines.
The hotel offers different activities including fishing, bird watching, trekking, jeep safari, horse safari, boating at Lotus Lake, gala dinner with folk dances, and royal dining.
Regular yoga / meditation classes are happening, and conducted by the owner of the property. The hotel also has a swimming pool.
Observation: This hotel also belongs to the same owners as Pratap Palace, but it is a decent heritage property with a nice atmosphere. This hotel is recommended for clients in the mid-segment who are ready to stay a little away from the fort. Apart from this, there is no choice, but refrain from suggesting this to high-end clients or those who are traveling on a healthy budget.
1530 hrs: After inspection of the hotel, proceed to visit Fort Begu, which is approx 40 Kms / 01 hour from Chittorgarh. The drive is very scenic and okay, but some parts of the road are not good; it is a single road crossing the hills.
Hotel is a 15th-century old fort converted into a hotel a few years ago, run by the royal family. The hotel has a total of 05 rooms (02 deluxe rooms and 03 suites) with attached bathrooms. Deluxe rooms are very small and not enough space to move freely. Rooms are on the top level (3rd floor) of the fort and require climbing large stairs.
Suites are much better, bigger, colorful, and nicely decorated. The bathrooms are spacious and fitted with all modern facilities. A nice reception area on the 1st floor with a collection of historical pictures of the royal family, along with a small dining area.
The fort is not well-maintained, and the owner has stated that he doesn’t want to change it much, and wants to keep it as it is. Plans are in place to add a few more rooms on the side area of the fort.
Guests staying for 01 night are served drinks & dinner at the hotel courtyard. Guests staying for 02 nights, the first day drinks and dinner are served at the hotel, and on the second day, special arrangements are made at Lake Rajgarh (special lakeside location) approx 07 Kms from the hotel. All at an additional cost. The hotel doesn’t have a swimming pool.
Observation: Not very impressed with the hotel, though it has excellent ratings on TripAdvisor. Services are personalized, but we didn’t find anything impressive to stay here for a night, and the owner is not willing to make any changes in the property when we offered some advice.
1745 hrs: After inspection of the hotel, proceed to Bhainsrorgarh, which is approx 60 Kms / 02 hours. The road is okay, but the last 20 Kms are bad, which took more time.
Bhainsrorgarh Fort Hotel is located at a hilltop (around 200 ft rocky ridge) overlooking the River Chambal. The guests are mainly received by the members of the royal family.
The hotel has a total of 09 rooms (03 deluxe rooms and 06 suites) with attached bathrooms. Out of 06 suites, 05 of them have river views, and 01 has a partial view of the river. Suites are spacious, with a separate sitting area. Rooms are nicely decorated with a heritage style. Bathrooms are big and fitted with all modern facilities. Top floor suites (02 suites) have the best views.
Deluxe rooms are slightly smaller, with a view of the village. Nice reception area on the ground floor, facing the courtyard. The atmosphere, personalized service, and meals are their USP. The hotel has different locations for meals (lunch/dinner). The terrace is the best place to have your meals with a breathtaking view of the Chambal River and Village.
The activities offered by the hotel include a boat ride in the River Chambal (bird watching and crocodile sighting), a visit to the Badoli Temple Complex, sunset safari by jeep to visit tribal villages, and picnic lunches on an island where one can sight crocodiles. The hotel doesn’t have a swimming pool.
Observation: We found it impressive with stunning views and high service standards. Services here are very personalized, and we highly recommend this property for small groups (up to 10 pax) and individual clients. The village activities are nice here, surrounded by a lake, and it's perfect for bird watching. Boating at Chambal river with bird watching and crocodile spotting is a highlight of this place.
2030 hrs: We had a nice dinner with the owner on the terrace and stayed overnight at Bhainsrorgarh Fort.
0730 hrs: Proceed to experience the boat ride at Chambal River. One has to walk for around 10 minutes from the fort to the jetty point; the walk is through rocky foot trails. There is an option to drive back to the fort by road through the nearby bridge.
0945 hrs: Return back to the hotel for breakfast, which is served on the terrace with a nice view in the daylight. One can wake up early in the morning to see the sunrise from the terrace.
1145 hrs: After a short break, we left for Kota, which is approx 60 Kms / 02 hours. The road up to the highway is not so good, but after that, it's a good road till Kota. On arrival, we inspected Umaid Bhawan Palace (A Welcomheritage Hotel).
Umed Bhawan Palace is a 19th Century large palace and a heritage hotel, having large and impressive interiors, large rooms, common areas with high ceilings, and offering a comprehensive heritage character. Lush green lawns and courtyards, marble corridors, hunting trophies all around the Palace. Their Billiard Room is full of hunting trophies of different wild animals and royal family pictures. Total of 32 rooms (including 14 Deluxe, 17 Royal Suites, and 01 Presidential Suite) with attached bathrooms fitted with all modern amenities. The hotel has a bar and a restaurant serving Indian, Continental, and Chinese cuisine. Very attentive and professional staff with high service standards. The hotel also has 06 conference and banquet facilities. The hotel has a nice swimming pool as well.
Observation: UBP is a nice property with rich heritage along with a big courtyard and garden. Big rooms and bathrooms with high ceiling roofs and décor, and amenities are nicely done. Highly recommended for Middle Class Groups & FITs. Should offer at least 01 night at Kota, instead of 02 nights at Bundi. There is enough to show clients during one night stay at Kota.
1430 hrs: After a nice lunch at UBP, we met with our guide (Mr. Neeraj Bhatnagar) and proceeded to visit the Rao Madho Singh Museum.
The museum, located in the Old Palace, consists of numerous collections, which include attractive ancient sculptures, mural paintings, miniature paintings, royal armory, and frescos. All the interiors, as well as furniture, are in the palace, kept in their original state. The Kota school of painting showcased here is worth visiting, which shows the lifestyle of the rulers and their faith towards God (Krishna). Silver utensils, figurines of statues, and manuscripts of Rajasthan throughout the ages are some of the most important things kept in the museum. The armory of the Rajput heroes is reminiscent of the many battles fought in Rajasthan. The museum remains closed on Fridays and all state holidays.
A newly opened park and now a premier attraction of Kota, this park has replicas of the Seven Wonders of The World including Taj Mahal, Pyramids of Egypt, Eiffel Tower, Brazil's Christ the Redeemer, Statue of Liberty, and Rome's Colosseum. This park is located on the side of Kishore Sagar and the monuments look quite beautiful in the evenings with good lighting and the lake in the background.
Main Bazaar is also worth a visit in Kota, which has a wide collection of traditional Rajasthani goods and products. One of the most popular buys of the Main Bazaar is the Kota sarees that include Kota silk, which is very popular.
1645 hrs: After the visit, we left for Bundi, which is approx 40 Kms / 01 hrs. Checked-in at Hotel Hadoti Palace and after a short break, we were ready for hotel inspections.
A modern hotel with 28 rooms including suites with all necessary amenities like TV, tea/coffee maker, attached bathroom with bathtub and 24-hour hot and cold water, and a safe deposit box. The hotel has a few deluxe rooms/suites with a very nice fort view. They also have a swimming pool and a nice garden. A multi-cuisine restaurant serving Rajasthani, Indian, and Continental food. A small business center and conference/banquet hall for local conferences, events, and weddings. They also have a nice small vintage and classic car museum next to the lobby. Not friendly staff and unprofessional.
Observation: A good, neat, and clean hotel with the maximum room capacity in town. Recommended for middle-class groups and for those FITs looking for a hotel with a swimming pool. Don’t expect much when it comes to service standards, but it is acceptable. Professionalism is missing as of now.
A nice heritage 100-year-old haveli with a boutique touch. A nice lush green courtyard. This is a family-run hotel with 24 individually designed rooms around a courtyard, well equipped with modern amenities. Avoid using rooms on the ground floor in the old wing, as the window cannot be opened, but some rooms have windows opening into the courtyard. Rooms in the new wing are big and tastefully decorated. A small multi-cuisine restaurant and a bar. Outdoor dining at the verandah facing the courtyard is also possible.
Observation: A small haveli with a lot of character. A good option for small groups and FITs in the mid-segment. Try to use rooms in the new wing only. Clients will like this hotel due to its character and service.
A heritage property in the old city, facing Garh Palace, Taragarh Fort, and Lake. 12 rooms (02 Standard, 08 Deluxe & 02 Suites). All rooms have attached bathrooms with modern facilities including hot & cold running water. Tea/coffee maker in all rooms. Most rooms are with Jharokhas, with views of the old town, palace, fort, and lake. A courtyard garden restaurant serving traditional Indian and Continental cuisine. The restaurant has beautifully carved stone pillars and jali windows. A rooftop terrace with great views of the fort and town. A nice place to sit in the evening, watch the sunset, and have dinner.
Observation: A small heritage hotel in the old city and the best option for budget clients and for those who are looking to stay near the main attractions.
A 200-year-old heritage haveli with an authentic and cozy atmosphere, once used to be the residence of the royal family of Bohara Braj Bhushanjee. It gives you a feeling that the haveli is part of the palace; one can have a nice view of the palace from their courtyard and from different corners. The traditional colors painted on the wall, along with authentic ornaments, frescoes, and furnishings. The hotel has a total of 24 nicely decorated and spacious rooms fitted with all modern amenities like air conditioning, attached bathroom (separate shower space), running hot and cold water, hairdryer, and tea/coffee maker. The new wing rooms are quite big with a view of the fort. Traditionally decorated, and a few rooms have some of the finest Bundi School paintings. Rooms in the old wing are comparatively small, but with original nice wall paintings and rich heritage. Due to new construction at nearby buildings, there is no longer a fort view from the old wing. The traditionally decorated Darikhana is used as the dining hall, serving local vegetarian meals. There is also an option of having meals on the terrace with views of the palace and town.
Observation: A hotel full of character with a stunning view of the palace, but overpriced and the owner seems to be arrogant. No problem using it on specific demand or when there is no other option.
2100 hrs: After the inspection of the hotel, return to Hotel Hadoti Palace for dinner and overnight stay.
0800 hrs: Proceed to visit the Bundi Palace and Bazaar Walk with local guide (Ashwani).
This massive palace was built between 1607 A.D. to 1631 A.D. The palace is built over the side of the hill, on top of which is the Taragarh Fort. If you see the palace from the top, it looks like a hanging structure. The palace is famous for its artistic Rajput-style architecture, like its Jharokhas and pillars. Chitrashala is the place of the authentic Bundi school of painting. The best wall paintings are still available in Chitrashala, Badal Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Chandra Mahal. These paintings are in excellent condition, well-preserved, and fascinating.
The Ummed Palace, which has murals, wall paintings, and artworks on the walls, makes it a must-visit place. These paintings are mainly related to Hindu mythological stories (especially related to Lord Krishna), court proceedings, love stories, musical melodies, and general scenes of recreational fights and wars. These paintings are also influenced by Mughal and Mewar styles of art. The approach to the palace is steep and a bit slippery, and one has to be very careful while going up and coming down. It can be a problem for old people, and therefore it should be mentioned in our itineraries of Bundi.
We did not visit this stepwell as it was closed for renovation.
After visiting the Fort/Palace, go for an interesting walk through the main and busy bazaar and witness the street life of local shopkeepers and the people. At the end of the walk, one can also visit the fruit and vegetable market.
1015 hrs: Return back to the hotel for breakfast.
1225 hrs: After a short rest, drive to Sapotra via Kota highway, which is approx 230 Kms / 06-07 hrs.
We were advised to carry packed lunch as there are no good midway restaurants till Sawai Madhopur. The road on the main highway was good, but after taking a diversion, the road condition was bad. The 13 Kms took almost an hour to cover.
1800 hrs: Reached Ramathra Fort (Sapotra), a beautiful place. The tiredness disappeared as soon as we entered the fort. We were warmly welcomed by the manager of the resort, who immediately took us to the Sunset point (at Fort Corner), where we witnessed a beautiful sunset and stunning views of the countryside and lake. Afterward, we were served tea and cookies at the main terrace.
The royal fort was given as a fiefdom to Thakur Bhoj Pal by his father, the Maharaja of Karauli, in the year 1645. It has now been converted into a hotel to facilitate tourists. The historical Shiva Mandir and Ganesh Mandir are still located inside this heritage hotel. The idol of Lord Shiva, made from marble, is a fine example of the spectacular craftsmanship of the early 18th century. Located between two wildlife reserves, Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary/Bharatpur and Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.
The hotel has a total of 06 suites and 06 tents. Suites are spacious and fitted with all modern amenities. The room interiors are inspired by Mihirgarh in Rohet and offer views of the countryside. Luxury tents have a private sit-out area with attached baths. The hotel has its own farmland to grow vegetables used in their kitchen. A nice garden surrounds the 06 tents, where one can spend the evening having drinks and dinner.
Observation: A boutique and nicely done property where a lot of attention is given to every detail. The owners are thorough professionals, and the property is highly recommended for mid-segment clients and high-end clients who want to stay away from the hustle and bustle. The village activities are the best here and not very commercial. Clients can visit the houses, see village life, and interact with locals. Surroundings are beautiful and green.
2000 hrs: Drinks & dinner were served at the garden area. The owner, Mr. Ravi Raj Pal, also joined us for a short while during drinks. Overnight at Ramathra Fort.
0550 hrs: I left for the railway station, as the road conditions were not good. Advised to take the other road via Kurgaon, which is much better, as new road construction is already on. Reached the railway station at 0715 hrs (train was delayed by 10 minutes from the scheduled time of 0750 hrs).
1245 hrs: Arrived in Delhi.
