Ramathra Fort
Ramathra Fort, Sapotara, Rajasthan, India
Located in Sapotara, Rajasthan, India, Ramathra Fort is a beautiful countryside retreat that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. It is a perfect secluded getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The Venue
Ramathra Fort, situated in the Karauli district of Eastern Rajasthan, India, lies midway between the cities of Jaipur and Agra. This rural retreat is nestled in the lush farming belt of the Kalisil River Valley, offering a peaceful escape from the city's chaos. Legend has it that Lord Rama, an incarnation of the Hindu deity Vishnu, stayed here during his journey to Lanka, hence the name Ramathra. Originally a fiefdom granted to Thakur Brijendra Pal by his father, the Maharaja of Karauli, Ramathra Fort now provides an immersive experience into rural life, free from any urban disruptions.
Ramathra Fort is an ideal destination for those seeking a wilderness adventure and a tranquil environment, surrounded by the unspoiled countryside of Rajasthan. The fort's close proximity to the perennial Kalisil lake makes it a haven for bird enthusiasts, as it attracts a variety of species.
Who is hosting?
At Ramathra Fort, Gitanjali and Ravi Raj Pal, the owners and hosts, welcome guests to this exceptional part of Rajasthan, India. The couple reside at the fort most of the time and oversee all aspects of hospitality and operations.
Ravi Raj Pal, with his classic and fashionable "Maharaja Moustache" and friendly demeanor, embodies the modern-day maharaja. He spent his youth exploring every corner of Rajasthan, gaining unparalleled knowledge of the state's history, geography, and traditional culture. As a highly regarded statesman, he is often called upon by local authorities to resolve conflicts between villages, a responsibility that his family has taken seriously for eleven generations as the owners and caretakers of Ramathra Fort.
Aesthetics & Philosophy
Perched atop a hill, Ramathra Fort offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside. Guests can sit on the fort's massive outer wall and gaze out over the rugged terrain of the Daang plateau, farmland, Kalisil Lake, and its irrigation canal. Sunrise views are particularly striking, and at dusk, visitors can witness the sight of herds returning from the jungle or blue bull grazing in the forest below. What sets Ramathra Fort apart from other heritage homes is its seclusion from urban areas and proximity to nature. The accommodations are cozy and equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable night's rest. A central courtyard garden provides a peaceful spot for guests to relax. Additionally, one of the rampart turrets has been converted into a jacuzzi, providing a perfect opportunity to soak in and enjoy the stunning views, especially during sunset.
Accommodation
The Ramathra Fort complex includes a multi-storied palace that has been fully restored and renovated to offer six guest residences split into suites and deluxe rooms. Each room features a cozy bedroom, elegant seating area, and a large bed with luxury linen, custom furnishings, and hand-woven rugs, all showcasing the authentic and sophisticated ethnicity of the area with the use of Karauli stone and traditional construction techniques.
The suites offer a private terrace with stunning views of the landscape, perfect for witnessing magnificent sunsets. Meanwhile, the deluxe rooms are enclosed by an open courtyard and serve as connecting rooms for small groups or families. Additionally, six luxurious tents are available, set against the fort's rampart walls, surrounding a lush courtyard lawn. These spacious tents are decorated with modern teak furniture, printed cotton furnishings, and traditional woven rugs, all with high ceilings and screened windows, providing ample space for guests to relax and plan their adventures.
One part of the restored fort has been designated as a dining room, lounge, and bar, with the dining area opening through arched doorways to the lawns. Dinner at Ramathra is a special experience, with beautifully decorated tables set in the garden under a star-studded and inky blue night sky. The restaurant serves up delicious regional cuisine prepared from farm-fresh, seasonal produce in the family kitchen. Note that room service is not available.
Experience
The vast and scenic Daang plateau, which stretches from the Chambal River valley in the east to Ranthambhore in the south, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The plateau is home to a variety of animals, including deer, blue bulls, wolves, jackals, hyenas, wild boar, sloth bears, and panthers.
Guests at Ramathra Fort can enjoy walking and cycling trails in the village and surrounding area, which offer breathtaking views. Night safaris are also available into the buffer zone area of the Kailadevi National Park, and birding and boating on the nearby lake can be arranged on request. The lake is home to a wide variety of water birds, including ducks, storks, and cormorants, and it is also a popular feeding ground for local waterfowl, kingfishers, saras cranes, stilts, and herons.
Ramathra Fort is the perfect getaway for individuals, couples, families with children, and small groups looking to escape to the tranquility of the countryside. The property is open year-round and offers a variety of activities and experiences for its guests.
Conscious Travel
Ramathra Fort, owned by the same family for over 10 generations, has undergone restoration and conservation efforts in order to maintain the family legacy and protect the surrounding forest. The fort is committed to environmentally-friendly practices, including a ban on single-use plastic, safe disposal of waste, water conservation through recycling and reusing grey water, and energy efficiency through the use of solar heaters and energy-efficient lighting and appliances. The fort has also been recognized for its habitat restoration efforts and sustainable ecotourism model, receiving the District Level Wildlife Conservation Award in February 2022. The staff is drawn from the local community and trained in hospitality, and the fort utilizes organic vegetables grown on its own farm or sourced from nearby farms. Guests are encouraged to contribute to local community projects, including supporting a local school and providing basic medical facilities at a village dispensary. The fort has also been restored using local materials and artisans, in keeping with traditional style and with antique furniture used. Overall, Ramathra Fort offers a sensitive and sustainable tourism experience that celebrates local heritage and culture while preserving and protecting the surrounding environment.
