By Akanksha Dean
The moment I enter the gates of the Fort Palace ( post my temperature check & sanitisation ritual), I pause taking in the heritage and history through the beautifully restored desire palace on the brink of a plateau, watching a water body called the Hawa Mahal, aka palace of winds...
Conveniently located amid greenery and just a 100 Kms away from Delhi I am swept into another world. Tijara Fort Palace a unique mix of Royal luxury and old world charm in a theme that runs through every room and facility of this fortress non hotel; Is the epitome of happiness - blending flawlessly with its uncompleted cleverness of 3 structures, built in the Rajput-Afghan elegance with preliminary regal stimuli: the Mardana for the royal men, the Rani Mahal for the maharanis and the Hawa Mahal.
ACCOMODATION
To enjoy Tijara Fort Palace like the ‘Royalty’ in the olden days is no longer impossible; or at least live like one for a few days…out here! The air of tranquillity set in, my check in was done in a jiffy and I am led to my room (read palace) in the impossibly gorgeous Mardana Mahal which has a sweeping view of the courtyard and sprawling greens. A small living area with a couch and desk leads me into a spacious bedroom with an attached bathroom, flawless to linger without feeling cramped. I feel an exceptional magnetism, living at a 19th century property, as it gives me the special chance to wake up in a once incomplete and uninhibited palace which is today fondly restored and feels like a dream. I feel as I have stepped back in time and spree in the glories and anonymities of the past. With my lushly soft slippers on, I am an unquestionably convert to this zen-like experience.
FOOD
The long stretch of greens extending along the courtyard’s doorstep is my path towards the relaxed setting of the restaurant is where everyone kicks off the day with a nourishing breakfast. Tea is usually laid at the Hawa Mahal and dinner again at the restaurant. The chef on request specially prepares a traditional Rajasthani Thali, which showcases the best dishes the region has to offer. Tijara Fort Palace is taking on the big guns in the family holiday market, with a host of activities (at an extra cost) within the fort palace itself including picnics at the courtyard, terrace or poolside sans the swimming owing to covid.
THE SERVICE
Commencing with the smile from the Bell boy who insists on carrying my luggage right at the entrance and the friendly receptionist checks me in, I am in love with this Royal slant on the Non hotel experience. The accent certainly is on service of the highest quality! I leave Tijara Fort Palace renewed and look forward to the time when I next return.
FAST FACTS
19th Century -Tijara Fort-Palace, Alwar, Rajasthan
Tel: 0124- 4666 166 (8 am to 8pm)/ +91 9587885003
What? A fusion of Renaissance splendour and contemporary comforts, this prodigal marvel outfits to the beau monde from across the world.
COVID-19 SAFE
They have stringently reorganised their precautionary measures, procedures across the hotel. There is contactless temperature screening for all guests and team members upon arrival and the check is online. Rooms are allocated after 48 hours of being occupied by a previous guest. Tijara is spread across numerous acres, offering airy rooms with natural ventilation and spectacular views. They do not use central air conditioning and have individual aircons. This is a foremost step in reducing the curve.
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS TO RAJASTHAN?
Mandatory RT-PCR test for people entering, exiting the state.
About the Author
With a background in Culinary Arts and the first Indian to have, staged at the best restaurant in the world aka 3 Michelin Star Osteria Francescana gives her an edge over any other food and travel writer. A young and hardworking young adult, she has been on various Travels in search of food and culture to various destinations across the world and in India. Akanksha Dean is also a keen photographer and aces in speaking Spanish.