Ramathra Fort

Ramathra Fort, a 17th-century Rajput battle fort, was built as a strategic stronghold in a remote area known for its rural landscape, wildlife, and proximity to the Kalisil River valley. Designed as a robust defensive structure, it protected against tribal skirmishes and other conflicts. Granted as a jagir in 1645 AD to Thakur Bhoj Pal by the Maharaja of Karauli, the fort is named in honour of Lord Rama, believed to have rested here on his journey to Lanka. For over ten generations, it has remained the ancestral home of the Pal family.

The fort’s Shiva and Ganesh Mandirs, with the marble idol of Lord Shiva, showcase exquisite 18th-century craftsmanship. Over the years, the family has undertaken extensive restoration, working closely with local artisans and using traditional materials and techniques. This careful approach preserves the fort’s authentic Rajputana style while supporting local craft and labor, and all future restoration efforts continue to follow these same principles.

Ramathra Fort is a striking example of Rajputana architecture, with strong walls, parapets, and wide ramparts offering spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Carefully restored by local artisans using traditional techniques and Karauli stone, the fort’s carved facades, arches, stone lattices, painted ceilings, and spacious courtyards showcase the elegance of Rajput craftsmanship.

The fort’s rooms combine handcrafted Rajasthani details with modern conveniences, offering a stay that is both authentic and comfortable. Guests can choose the cozy Deluxe Room, the spacious Luxury Tent, or the Luxury Suite, which features an open-air bathtub for a relaxing experience. Facilities include a swimming pool, a kids’ playground, wellness amenities such as massages, a hot tub, and a sauna. The hotel has an elevator and facilities for disabled guests, while the garden, shared lounge, and library provide peaceful spots to unwind.

Dining at Ramathra Fort is all about freshness and regional flavor. Vegetables come straight from the fort’s own organic farm at the foot of the hill, meats are sourced locally and cooked the same day, and other ingredients are seasonal and from nearby villages. Guests are served
a diverse range of traditional Indian meals and international dishes alongside a continental breakfast.

The Dining Lounge & Bar is the heart of Ramathra Fort, where guests gather for meals, drinks, and conversation. Outdoor dining is especially memorable on full-moon nights, when the courtyards glow magically. The bar serves everything from soft drinks and cold beer to wine and other spirits. During the day, the coffee shop offers a laid-back spot for drinks and light snacks. Families are well cared for, with kids’ meals and flexible dining options available on request. Evenings end with barbecue dinners under the stars, with smoky meats, fresh vegetables. For something more intimate, the fort can arrange private dining setups overlooking the lake and rugged terrain, with customized food and drinks.

Ramathra Fort is a beautiful venue for weddings, offering lawns, a restored palace, and plenty of open space. The setting works equally well for big celebrations or smaller, more private functions. It can accommodate 500 to 600 guests. Guest rooms are part of the package, so your loved ones can stay comfortably within the fort.

The venue provides useful services like floral venue decoration, catering with a multi-cuisine menu, guest accommodation, a bridal dressing room, a pool, and trained staff to help throughout the event. They also work with décor vendors if you’d like something customized. With reliable electricity backup, along with rooms, catering, and décor arranged on-site, celebrations flow smoothly, and families can enjoy the wedding without any stress of outside planning.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Guests at Ramathra Fort can enjoy many activities right within the fort. You can get a full-body massage on the ramparts from skilled local masseurs or join a cooking demonstration on traditional wood-fired chulas to learn how to make Indian dishes and breads. The gardens, shared lounge, and library are perfect for relaxing.

Outside the fort, guests can take a camel ride or a walking tour of Ramathra village to experience local life and traditional rural routines. Bird watching around the lake, marshes, and village trail is a favorite activity. Another highlight is boating at sunset on Kalisil Dam, with life jackets, binoculars, and a bird guide provided.

For longer trips, guests can row to an island on the lake and enjoy a picnic with hot meals. They can also take drives through the countryside to visit ‘Gujar’ villages, gorges, and old cave temples, spotting wildlife along the way. Night drives in Kaila Devi National Park offer chances to see deer, foxes, and sometimes leopards. About an hour away, Karauli is ideal for exploring the temple of Madanmohanji and the bustling bazaar (market) with its famous lacquered bangles. Guests can also enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including horseback riding, hiking, cycling, and canoeing, offering fun ways to explore the surrounding nature.

Other Celebrations

Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or special family occasion, guests can request a private setup with personalized service. For businesses, the haveli provides on-site facilities and equipment, making it suitable for cozy corporate retreats or small formal meetings.