Ahilya Fort Hotel’s stunning location and close proximity to a number of exciting activities makes it an ideal holiday destination.
Location
Perched high above the sacred Narmada River in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh, Ahilya Fort Hotel occupies the former seat of Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar. You will love the dramatic view of ghats, the fort walls and the peaceful river bend, yet the hotel is still within walking reach of the town’s weaving markets and temple steps.
Rooms
The hotel features 19 character-rich rooms set across six restored 18th-century buildings. Each room is uniquely furnished with hand-picked antiques, wood-carvings, and fabrics that reflect the Holkar heritage. Balconies open onto the gardens or river views.
Amenities
You’ll enjoy breakfasts on the terrace overlooking the river, lunch from their own organic garden, and dinner in surprise corners of the fort’s courtyards. There’s also a large pool nestled within walled gardens, a petanque court (yes, using old cannon balls), and curated cultural experiences such as boat trips at sunset and heritage walks.
Activities
Guests can wander through the nearby weaving workshops of the Rehwa Society, browse Maheshwar’s vibrant markets, take a boat ride below the fort walls along the river, or simply settle into the garden with a book and watch the saffron-dusks descend.
Sustainability
Ahilya Fort Hotel leads with meaningful eco-initiatives. Their 77 kWp solar plant now generates roughly 60% of the property’s energy needs and powers two electric guest-transfer cars. They operate a bio-treatment system for waste-water, meaning all the grey water is treated and reused, so none flows directly into the Narmada. The hotel also maintains a chemical-free organic garden supplying the kitchen, and a bee-keeping project to support pollination and local biodiversity.
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When to visit India
Find out the best time to visit India with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a great option for sightseeing in the north, days are clear and warm with minimal fog in the mornings. During this month, southern India provides a warm, sunny escape - properties in Kerala can fill quickly. If all that wasn't enough, visitors can experience some of the best mountain views in the Himalaya's - but you'll need to wrap up warm!
- Kite Festival in Gujarat
- Bikanar Camel Festival in Rajasthan
- Republic Day 26th January
February
February sees all the fog clearing in Northern states and it is regarded as one of the best months to travel as the whole country is warm and sunny. Visiting Delhi and the Golden Triangle are amazing during February and March, October and November but you will experience crowds at these popular sites.
March
One of the more popular months to travel, March is great for both weather conditions and cultural experiences, including Holi celebrating the victory of good over evil. If you're looking to go hiking, March is perfect in the Western Ghats. Visiting Delhi and the Golden Triangle is amazing during February and March, October and November but you will experience crowds at these popular sites.
- Holi Festival - world famous paint throwing celebration.
April
April sees temperatures sore country-wide, making it one of the driest and best months to go elephant and tiger spotting. As daytime temperatures can reach over 40 degrees we recommend excursions based in the mornings and evenings.
May
Temperatures and humidity continue to rise in May, reaching 45 degrees, which can make it uncomfortable. But wildlife viewings continue to be at their best as animals search for water sources.
June
From June, Ladakh is accessible offering incredible scenery and a complete contrast to the rest of India. Days are warm and bright, but you will need to pack layers for added warmth.
We recommend not travelling to Southern India and the Himalayas as humidity is high and thunderstorms are frequent as the country awaits the monsoon season.
July
Much like June, July offers incredible views across Ladakh whilst elsewhere monsoon season rains are imminent.
August
August is the perfect time to cruise along the Ganges thanks to the monsoon and its increased water levels.
September
September marks the end of the monsoon season and weather can still be unsettled across the country. If you're looking for good value travel, there can be some good deals in Rajasthan. Travel to Ladakh comes to a close as the season ends.
October
October is peak travel season, the rains end and the north of the country is warm. Visiting Delhi and the Golden Triangle is amazing during October and November but you will experience crowds at these popular sites.
- Mahatma Ghandi's birthday is celebrated on the 2nd October and is a national holiday.
- Diwali, the ancient Hindu festival of lights dazzles and illuminates the sky.
November
November is one of the best months to travel anywhere in India. Visiting Delhi and the Golden Triangle is amazing in November but you will experience crowds at these popular sites.
December
Southern India is sunny and warm in December, making it a popular option for yuletide celebrations. If you want to delve into northern culture, daytime temperatures as beautiful, however mornings and evenings can be cold and sometimes foggy.
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Nia
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