Ahilya Fort
Magical setting,
Maheshwar Ghats right below
Couples
Solo
Remote, relaxed, simply remarkable: Ahilya Fort is a true hidden gem in a quiet corner of Madhya Pradesh.
Sitting high above the sacred Narmada River, it’s a place to pause, reflect, and soak in the timeless rhythms of rural India.
Once the palace of the legendary Ahilya Bai Holkar and its heart in the community of Maheshwar on its doorstep, this characterful fort delivers a unique stay, complete with spectacular views and people watching on the ghats below. Plus, sensational sunsets like these.
Ahilya Fort suits travellers seeking authentic atmosphere over glossy luxury. It’s perfect for those who appreciate heritage, community connection, and an escape from India’s choatic cities.
Built by Ahilya Bai Holkar in the 1800s, the fort is steeped in fascinating regional history. Maheshwar, for example, has been inhabited for around 4,000 years. The River Narmada is affectionately known as Madhya Pradesh’s lifeline and is a flurry of activity and colour best viewed from the hotel.
You can stroll along the banks, float over the river by boat at dusk, and witness spiritual rituals unfolding in the sacred waters every evening. It’s magic. Baneshwa Shiva Temple and the Rehwa Society are also close by.
The Rooms
Spread across six buildings within the fort walls, the thirteen rooms, suites, and tents each feel distinct and welcoming.
In keeping with their setting, they are lovely and historic, styled with warmth and character: think traditional fabrics and wooden details.
Some even come with verandas overlooking the ghats below.
The grounds have plenty of lovely spots to unwind in, from shaded courtyards to riverside terraces. There’s also an oasis of a pool and organic vegetable patches, which are plucked and used in garden-to-table dining.
What You’ll Find:
Why You'll Love It:
Explore ETG's Sample Itineraries in India
A few of our favourite routes, hand-picked by the team and ripe for tweaking.
Think of them as conversation starters. Curiosity sparkers. Not fixed plans, just ideas for what your holiday could look like, shaped by years of local know-how and the kind of immersive experiences that live long in the memory.
Delhi
East to West: Highlights of the Gangetic Plain
This holiday is for travellers with an adventurous spirit who like to get away from the tourist trail; people who have a desire to explore eclectic, busy and ever-evolving Indian cities, but who also want to contrast immersive city life with some unique, rural experiences.
Take time to delve into Kolkata and Varanasi with our signature experiences in each. You’ll journey by car, train and minimal internal flights so that you can experience the beautiful rural life and landscape of the Gangetic Plain as you move around. You’ll spend four days exploring northern Madhya Pradesh and three days in a remote valley of Uttar Pradesh; allowing completely different rural and wildlife experiences in each.
Highlights
Lunch with an art collector
Taking lunch with an art collector in his home in Kolkata
Sunrise at the River Ganges
Watching the sunrise from your private boat on the River Ganges
Chambal Valley
Experiencing life in remote hamlets of the Chambal Valley
Gallery
Delhi
A Journey through Madhya Pradesh
Prepare to be wowed by incredible history, architecture, and wildlife, before finishing the holiday on the sacred Narmada river at Maheshwar.
Highlights
Alternative Delhi
Explore alternative Delhi with a walk of the old town led by a former street kid turned expert guide
Satpura National Park
Get up close and personal to the wildlife in Satpura National Park on foot, by jeep and even on a boat
Maheshwar
Relax in one India’s most beautiful and most off-the-beaten-track fort hotels in Maheshwar, one of the most magical towns in India
Gallery
Ahilya Fort on the map
In Our Travellers’ Words
Immersive India
India, exceeded all expectations
Wonderful introduction to India
The Curious Traveller’s Expert Guide to India
Want to know more? With its vast size, rich diversity, and countless possibilities, planning a holiday to India can feel overwhelming – so we’ve created our Curious Traveller’s Guide to India to help make sense of it all.
It’s our experts’ pick of standout experiences and places to stay, with honest advice on the best regions and tips for both first-time visitors and those returning for more.
