Royal Palaces which are Converted into Hotels in India

4. Ahilya Fort, Maheshwar

Ahilya Fort, Maheshwar

Ahilya Fort is located in Maheshwar town of Madhya Pradesh’s Khargone district. This 250-year-old palace sits above the Narmada River. Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar ruled here during 1765-1796. She also constructed Ahilya Wada (which includes her personal residences, offices, and darbaar audience hall) within Ahilya Fort.

This fort rests on a cliff, giving its residents a spectacular view of the Narmada River and the Ghats. Inside the fort, you will find shaded courtyards, verandahs on different levels (which are again linked by stone walkways), hidden terraces, numerous gardens, buildings (that are centuries old), and ancient turrets/battlements.

This picturesque ancient fort was converted to a luxury guest residence by Prince Richard Holkar, the only son of the last Maharaja of Indore (Maj Gen HH Maharaja Shrimant Yeshwant Rao II Holkar). Today this luxurious heritage hotel is known as Ahilya Fort Hotel.