An Oasis Amidst Nowhere !. Review on Dadhikar Fort

Adventure was not on our itinerary. It was kind of preordained. In that sense, a bonus. I am again referring to my trip to Alwar. Readers might at this point suppress a yawn with a "come off it now" sort of  exasperated snide. Yes, I have been blabbering for quite some time about my lone trip to Rajasthan. Perhaps when a caged soul finds new wings it's flight of fancy knows no bound.

A gray city welcomed us broodingly as we made our way to the Hotel. About an hour and a half later, we were perky enough to explore the surrounds. The Reception Desk was helpful to hand over a pamphlet containing details of all the sites of historical importance in the city. However, we had limited time as we wanted to return by eventide. So, we decided on Bala Quilla which was quite close to the Hotel, hence less time consuming to visit and explore. A little bit of direction and we were, I suppose, touching the outer limits of the city, careening through narrow lanes slowly tilting upwards. There were indicators at every bend pointing towards the right direction for Bala Quilla. But the problem lay in our perception. How can a monument of tourist attraction and historical  importance be right in the midst of a buzzing residential area? Resultantly, when we came upon a bifurcation in the street, our vehicle instantly took the right turn(instead of the left one), which led up the hill bordered by thick Eucalyptus forests on either side.

The sky was getting grayer by the seconds. Soon a light drizzle sprayed the windscreen with silvery droplets impairing visibility. The pathway became narrower, steeper and more deserted. At every bend, we were expecting to get a glimpse of a mighty Fort, which somehow did not seem to be happening. However, when we would occasionally ask a lone passerby or a biker,  the way to the Fort, he would non-nonchalantly wave a hand and say it was just round the corner. Soon the forests were replaced by barren brown earth, on either side, rolling staidly into austere fringes of rocky hills. Even the most adventurous, at this point, was bound to feel lost and worried, such was the desolate spectacle around.

It was following a forlorn biker through a hardened ground dotted with patches of dry, thorny bushes that we made to the impressive gateway of the Fort. However, the contours of the main monument was still not in sight. The pillars holding the gate were once part of a proud wall which had given in to the ravages of time long long back. The guard who opened the gate informed that the Fort was now private property opened to public viewing for an hour between 08.00 AM to 06.00 PM subject to purchase of entrance ticket(Rs. 200/- per head). The charges included complimentary evening tea to non-resident visitors too. We were understandably relieved that our adventurous ride had at last fructified. Half a kilometer into the premise we had swerved up to the drive way of Dadhikar Fort situated on a mound in the lap of the Aravalli range of Hills, in the midst of Dadhikar Village. The Fort is situated 100 feet from ground level and 342 meters from sea level

The stone-flagged driveway dangerously crunched underneath our feet as we traversed it to climb up a few shallow steps towards the main entrance. A bearer in traditional uniform was standing on the landing with a tray of flavored jal zeera, a treat to parched throats. Thereafter began our exploration of a heritage building carefully preserved and developed in the lines of past glory and splendour.

It is the single-man entrepreneurship of  one Mr. Ram Kaushik which has seen the ravaged ruins  getting transformed into a heritage hotel. Not only is he responsible for the make-over but it is his continued effort that the property is still growing and developing. He is still adding tasteful decor and artifacts to revive the bygone Rajwara era and culture. A stay in such royal environment is nothing less than extravagant and  at the same time rejuvenating as it pampers you with lavish comfort of a lifestyle not entirely known to or experienced by you. The Dadhikar Fort Hotel is a unique combination of modern day amenities and old world charm and luxury. There are eighteen categories of rooms which include duplex suites and grand rooms and the tariff varies from Rs. 3000/- to Rs. 11, 000/- per night depending upon single/double occupancy and the type of room occupied, of course. The facilities include Guide, Travel Desk, Doctor on call, Yoga, Meditation & Spa, Car Rental & Cycling. Food and beverages are eco-friendly, purely vegetarian, traditional Rajasthani/Indian(Continental cuisines are also available as per timings and occasions). Breakfast and evening tea are included in the room rent. Meals are also available for non-resident guests at pre-fixed rates. All applicable taxes extra. Modern paraphernalia include Baths and Jacuzzis and Conferencing space. Special package rates are also available for holding Royal Weddings, Seminars and Conclaves.

The prime idea is to have a taste of royalty in an understated but elegant getaway from the hullaballoo of Metro life. Exploring Dadhikar is nothing less than an experience by itself. While you cannot enter into the rooms you can definitely take rounds of the courtyards, covered verandahs, gardens, corridors, terraces, in-built camps etc. There are cushioned jharokhas and alcoves where you can rest and get the feel of how in ancient times the queens and royal princesses must have waited for their warrior Ranas to return from gory battlefields. The  jharokhas and balconies open up to the green slopes of the Aravallis. The Fort is secluded from the main city by the hills like a pearl nestling in the soft folds of an oyster.

There are turbaned waiters to guide you from one wing to the other. While on the terrace we had the enchanting experience of hearing the chorus of nearby village girls echoing in the mountains as they came down in a procession from the temple after their evening worship. It was electrifying to listen as the hills pulsated with the strains of  folk music of  those invisible singers. We missed the tea as the sky deepened in colour.

There are various booking counters for Dadhikar. Guests commented that Dadhikar is far superior and stay-worthy as compared to the Neemrana Palace Hotel which is also a very popular option/joint for tourists and visitors. Dadhikar has a dedicated website  and  the URL is: https://dadhikar.com where you can get a fair idea of the ambiance, arrangements, package and rack rates, contact details and other relevant information about the place. For more pictures, you can visit my blog site: https://panaecea.wordpress.com.

Before concluding a few words of caution. While planning a trip to Dadhikar you have to keep the following, especially, in mind:

Having your own conveyance shall be most suitable as you are in the midst of the hills away from the city.  Even a trip to the nearby local shop etc. shall be inconvenient, let alone other places, without your own or a dedicated vehicle.

Though Dadhikar is a luxurious combo of natural beauty and serenity a prolonged stay can infuse a bit of monotony as there is lack of activity apart from the ones enlisted above.

The road to and fro the haven called Dadhikar needs serious repair. While coming back our car almost got caught where the road neatly broke in two parts leaving a gap filled with loose stones.

A stay in Dadhikar is a once-in-a-life-time experience. It is perfect for strained nerves, poetic minds and broken hearts. While we had just snooped around this time, having not known about its existence earlier, it is very much included now in our future travel planner. Some of the attractive spots of the hotel are:

The restful seats of the jharokhas

Lounging in the terrace where you can partake of meals and if you are lucky you may hear the village girls singing down the hills

The flower boughs on the windows

The covered verandah where you can sit and play carom while your little-ones can enjoy a swing

The built-in camps inside the Fort

Pack Your Bags and Hurry.