Ahilya Fort

We were so lucky to experience 4 nights at Ahylia Fort for the sacred river festival .If you’re looking for a place to really unwind but still emerge yourself into all things Indian this is the spot . The fort sits above the Namada river which is beautiful and to experience a boat ride ***** the river at sunrise is wonderful. I couldn’t fault our stay the staff are beautiful so helpful and friendly the food is sensational probably one of the best breakfasts I have had as you sit on the deck high over the river . The rooms although authentic and temperamental with hot water etc are comfortable and spotless . We loved the fact that you felt like you were family when you left - a very special place indeed .

A splendid place to be ! The charm of an impressive old fort with a very unusual architecture turned into an amazing hotel. Large , comfortable and beautifully decorated rooms and common areas, lovely gardens around the big pool, fresh and organic vegetables plots to enhance the rich menus decided everyday by Richard Holkar the owner. Both him and Isabelle took great care of us through the days and various locations where to eat and drink in a very gentle manner. The views over the temples and the Narmada river are stunning. We could have stayed much longer to enjoy this memorable place. We will come back, promised ! cheers

After a rather arduous journey, we arrived at Ahilya Fort Heritage Hotel, Maheshwar, situated overlooking the river Narmada. This jewel of a place, off the regular tourist route was an unexpected treat! We stepped into verdant garden, glistening in the morning sunshine, interspersed with brilliant flowers in hues of every kind. This was the beginning of a taste of heaven. Their staff welcomed us with warm smiles and garlands of marigold, a most personalised touch. Our living quarter, the Narmada Suite, was an elegant mixture of old-world charm and modern-day amenities, that was most comfortable. Our daily menu, well presented, was sumptuous. All the produce comes from their vast, organically grown gardens and is cooked to perfection. Each meal was a treat to all our senses, served in different locations of the garden, another ingenious idea! Special mention must be made of the array of house-made jams, cooked by Prince Richard Holkar himself. The staff are a warm and caring group of people, who go out of their way to make you feel “royal” and take the time to talk and interact, on a one-on-one basis. We were lucky to experience the Holy River Festival. At dusk, hundreds of lit diyas float down the river, a mesmerising sight! The faithful come to take a dip in the Narmada, to wash away their sins and honour the holy Narmada with these beautiful diyas. We truly cherished this experience and cannot wait to visit again, for a wholesome, memorable, nurturing experience. Sheila Appa

The Ahilya Fort, Maheshwar is described as a luxurious resort. While the location is beautiful overlooking the grand Narmada river it is far from luxurious. The food was good. However for second helpings we always had to ask. I felt the servers were not trained to notice an empty plate/s and offer the guest the second or third time around. The rooms, bathrooms, furniture and upholstery need an update badly. I had a single room which was large. The bathroom was good sized. The bedroom furniture was old style complimenting the Fort, however it did not have the Oomph factor!! The upholstery on the sofa was a dark brown Bagh print which made the room look dull. The area rugs were an inexpensive dhurrie. The bathroom looked clean, nonetheless I did not feel like walking in without my bathroom slippers. The sink and shower area were not shining, the way a bathroom should look when cleaned with Vim no matter how old... I did not get the feeling. The four nights I stayed the sink faucet had some remnant of the toothpaste which sprayed when I brushed my teeth the night I checked in. It was not cleaned off on the first morning after I occupied the room and stayed there all the four days I spent in Ahilya Fort!! On three consecutive nights there were cockroaches in the bathroom. I did inform Amy who was in charge of the hotel of the cockroaches in my bathroom and that the bathroom was not being cleaned well on the first morning after check in, yet it seemed she did not act on my tip as after the complaint the bathroom seemed the same ( the toothpaste was still there, so were the cockroaches). I do hope the management takes my review seriously and acts on keeping the place clean.

Everything was good like food was good and facilities were good the building of the heritage property was also good l want this type of service only only the improvements are 1- in the room bathroom shower was very slow so in your hotel so in your room can you please see and repair the shower so that next time we come shower water comes fast

Lovely stay at the Fort. Warm welcome by the team Room was lovely. We really enjoyed the boat ride. Enjoyed meeting Maharaj Richard holkar. He was v.hospitable. Food was excellent. Special mention of Kuntabai..she's v.special! Would love to visit again soon..