Travel: Get immersed in Fort Jadhavgadh's fortified luxury, rich history

Maharashtra, with its rich historic legacy prides itself in its numerous forts. While most citadels are a draw among trekkers, one such bastion - Fort Jadhavgadh - a restored structure, was converted into the state's first heritage hotel. The fort near Pune is a four-hour drive from Mumbai and makes for a different escape from the chaos of the city. The property is spread over 25 acres, making it ideal for outdoor activities, destination weddings and performances.

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Fort lit at sunset

Just like royalty
On our arrival at the fort, our welcome was befitting that of a Maratha king - a turbaned man blew a huge wind instrument, called the Tutari, while another beat a drum. We were escorted inside after women in traditional sarees applied tilak on our forehead. The restored fort strikes a balance between heritage and new- world luxuries. Iron doors, cobbled stone paths, dungeons and staff in Maratha attire blend with touch-screen switches, Wi-Fi connectivity, luxury spa and other modern-day conveniences.

The tutari welcome

In 1710, Pilaji Jadhavrao, a prominent and trusted general of Chhatrapati Shahuji, built Jadhavgadh Palace. For centuries the fort seemed lost on the state's map. In 2007, the Kamat Group of Hotels converted it into a heritage fort hotel.

Luxe on call
The fort has over 50 rooms including signature suites, deluxe rooms, royal tents and Neem cottages. A 300-year-old pond built to harvest rainwater is now a swimming pool, and a spa alongside the pool offers relaxing wellness treatments for guests and visitors.

Maharaja suite

The swimming pool

The balcony of the royals has been converted into an all-day coffee shop, Chhajja, an excellent spot to sip your drink while admiring views from a vantage point. Guests can also indulge in Maharashtrian fare at Payatha, at the lower level, which also serves as a breakfast area and the evening entertainment area. We feasted on Maharashtrian delicacies including Tawa Fish and Kolhapuri Tambda Rassa, which is a spicy mutton curry preparation and best eaten with steamed rice.

Mutton Tambda Rassa

Aai Museum within the fort

Steeped in history
Jadhavgadh has a one-of-a-kind in-house museum called Aai (mother in Marathi) that houses antique household items, most of which are around 300 years old. Among the various exhibits spread around the fort, an artifact caught our attention. It was a huge black stone with a label that read ‘elephant's plate'. As the the story goes, the king used to feed his favourite elephant in the huge stone plate.