Hill Fort Kesroli
The Hill Fort of Kesroli is a 14th-century fort located in Alwar district, Rajasthan, India. It is now a heritage hotel managed by Neemrana Hotels group.,[1] known for its turrets, ramparts, and arched verandahs and today considered one of the best heritage hotels in India.[2]
History
[edit]
It was built back in 14th century by kings who are said to be descendants of Rajasthan.[3][4][5] The fort was then occupied by Khanzadas after having converted to Islam in the middle of the 14th century.[6]
Through the centuries, the seven-turreted fort has changed hands many times. It then finally came back into the hands of the Rajputs in 1775, at the time the princely state of Alwar was founded.[7] The fort knew a golden period under Ranawat Thakur Bhawani Singh (1882–1934).[8]
Under co‑owners Aman Nath and Francis Wacziarg, a meticulous restoration initiated in 1995 and culminating in 1998 continued into the 2000s, balancing conservation of 14th‑century masonry, turrets, ramparts and arched verandahs with the integration of modern hospitality infrastructure[9] In 2004, the fort was leased to heritage company Neemrana Hotels by Wing Cdr. Mangal Singh. Subsequently, it was restored by co-owners of the group and restorers, Aman Nath and Francis Wacziarg.[10][11]
Architecture
[edit]Hill Fort Kesroli is a 14th‑century Rajput stronghold perched on dark Hornstone Breccia, its seven turrets and ramparts rising 50–65 m above the surrounding farmland.[12] The restoration preserved its coursed sandstone ramparts, arched verandahs and lofty arched gateways, while the interiors were fitted with appropriate colonial and indigenous furnishings without over‑sanitizing original patinas and mortar joints.[13] Currently, the Hill Fort of Kesroli is a 31-room hotel.[14]
References
[edit]- ^ Hill Fort Kesroli Archived 25 September 2011 at the Wayback Machine Neemrana Hotels website.
- ^ "India: Catch this: Joanna Symons reports on heritage hotels in India". The Telegraph. 4 January 2003.
- ^ Living it up at a 14th Century Fort | Hill Fort-Kesroli - 14th Century, Alwar. ""The origins however, can be traced back to over seven centuries, when it was built by the Yaduvanshi Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Lord Krishna. Later on, they converted to Islam around the middle of the 14th century and came to be known asKhanzadas. It was reclaimed by the Rajputs in 1775 before they founded the princely state of Alwar."". www.neemranahotels.com. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "How a stay in 14th century Hill Fort-Kesroli will redefine all notions of a vacation? | Times of India Travel". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
- ^ Sinha, Juhi (2007). Beyond the Dunes: Journeys in Rajasthan. Penguin Books India. ISBN 978-0-14-306306-3.
- ^ "About Us | Hill Fort, Alwar | Resorts in Kesroli, Rajasthan". www.neemranahotels.com. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
- ^ Martinelli, Antonio; Michell, George (14 October 2004). Princely Rajasthan: Rajput Palaces and Mansions. Harry N. Abrams. ISBN 978-0-86565-240-8.
- ^ RajRAS (2 March 2018). Art Architecture & Culture of Rajasthan. RajRAS.
- ^ "Living it up at a 14th Century Fort". Neemrana Hotels Blog. 2018. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ "Ruins revisited". The Hindu. 29 July 2004. Archived from the original on 10 December 2004.
- ^ "The heritage tourism specialists". Financial Express. 31 October 2010.
- ^ "Of Forts and Palaces". The Citizen. 2021. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ "Hill Fort Kesroli – About Us". Neemrana Hotels. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ Dey, Panchali. "How a stay in 14th century Hill Fort-Kesroli will redefine all notions of a vacation?". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 4 July 2025.