Rural
Waterside
Culture
Wildlife
Nature

Decompress at Ramathra Fort, a historic rural fort close to Ramthambore

Ramathra Fort is a 350-year-old hilltop fort in rural Rajasthan, built in 1645 for Thakur Bhoj Pal, son of the Maharaja of Karauli, and still run today by his descendants, Ravi and Gitanjali Raj Pal. Overlooking Kalisil Lake and the surrounding village of Sapotra, the fort's original tented camp has since been joined by 12 rooms restored within the palace itself, from tented rooms in the gardens to suites with private terraces and plunge pools, all built from local sandstone with hand-carved wooden windows.

Take a sunset boat ride on the lake to watch mugger crocodiles and painted storks, or walk out through the village with one of the family's staff for a look at everyday rural Rajasthan. Meals are cooked with ingredients grown on the fort's own farm and often served outdoors.

Sustainability

Climate & conservation

Preserves 150 acres of community land, fostering coexistence with local wildlife
Organic vegetables grown on its own farm or sourced from nearby farms
Restored using local materials and traditional artisans

Community & culture

Staff drawn from and trained within the local community
Supports a local school and basic medical facilities at the village dispensary
Owned by the same family for eleven generations, who mediate local village disputes

Commercial

Member of RARE India's conscious luxury travel collection

In brief

Price bracket: ££
Type of property: Hotel
No. of rooms: 6 suites and 8 tents
Max guests per room: Rooms/suites/tents mostly sleep 2, luxury suite up to 3
Facilities: Restaurant, Wifi, Pool, Garden, Laundry, Airport transfer
Activities: Wildlife safaris, Birdwatching, Village walks, Boat rides
Setting: Rural · Lake

Kids

Families with children are welcome, with some interconnecting rooms; children under 10 stay free in a parent's room (no cots available) and babysitting can be arranged on request; note there are unprotected drops around the fort, so young children need supervision

Accessibility

A 350-year-old hilltop fort reached via rough rural roads with a long drive from the nearest airport; not step-free or suited to limited mobility

££pp / night Visit website

Guide price · £ <£100 · ££ £100–300 · £££ £300–800 · ££££ £800+ pp / night

Ramathra Fort