Nestled deep within the Thar Desert, Khimsar Fort combines the history, luxury, and modernity. This 16th-century fort is now a luxurious heritage hotel, offering travelers a peek into Rajasthan’s royal past, combined with the comforts of modernity. The luxury heritage hotel is surrounded by golden sand dunes and lush gardens, architectural marvels, and rich culture. Khimsar Fort caters to a diverse range of travelers, including history enthusiasts, luxury seekers, and those seeking a royal wedding venue.
So, if you wanted to explore Khimsar Fort’s history, architecture, stories, location, best time to visit, ticket prices, nearby tourist places, food options, wedding costs, and some fascinating facts scroll down the entire article up to the last.
About Khimsar Fort and its Rich History
The history of Khimsar Fort dates back to the mid-16th century when it was built by Rao Karamsiji, the 8th son of Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur. Initially constructed as a military stronghold, the fort was later expanded into a royal residence by the descendants of Rao Karamsiji. The family continues to live in a part of the fort, while the rest has been converted into a luxurious heritage hotel.
The fort played a key role in protecting the kingdom from invaders, as it was located on the trade routes between Jodhpur and Bikaner. Over the years, it witnessed several battles and power struggles but stood strong, a testament to its architectural brilliance and the resilience of the Rajput rulers.
Architecture of Khimsar Fort
The architecture of Khimsar Fort reflects a classic Rajput style, with grand ramparts, bastions, and courtyards that take you back to the era of kings and warriors. What’s interesting about Khimsar Fort is that it’s not just a typical fort with imposing walls and defenses; it also has beautifully landscaped gardens and water features, providing a stark contrast to the rugged desert outside.
Key Features of the Fort’s Architecture:
- Majestic Entrance: The main entrance to the fort is through massive gates, which still bear the marks of cannonballs from past battles.
- Ramparts and Bastions: The fort is surrounded by strong walls and bastions, designed to defend against enemy attacks. These ramparts also offer stunning views of the surrounding desert and village.
- Courtyards and Gardens: Unlike most desert forts, Khimsar Fort has lush courtyards and gardens that add a sense of serenity. The contrast between the arid Thar Desert and the green oasis within the fort walls is remarkable.
- Royal Rooms and Suites: The interiors are equally captivating, with intricately carved balconies, jharokhas (overhanging enclosed balconies), and grand royal suites that are now part of the heritage hotel. Each room tells a story of the regal past with antique furniture, period décor, and royal portraits.
The Story of Khimsar Fort
The story of Khimsar Fort is closely tied to the rich history of the Rathore clan, particularly the descendants of Rao Jodha. The fort was built as a defensive structure, but over time, it became a symbol of luxury and hospitality. One of the most significant tales associated with the fort is the bravery of Rao Karamsiji, who established the kingdom of Khimsar and built the fort to defend his people from external threats. The fort’s rich history has been carefully preserved, making it a living museum of Rajasthan’s past.
Location of Khimsar Fort
Khimsar Fort is located in the small town of Khimsar, in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan. It’s approximately 90 km from Jodhpur, which is the nearest major city, and around 150 km from Bikaner.
How to Reach Khimsar Fort:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport, which is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a private car to reach Khimsar.
- By Train: Jodhpur Railway Station is the closest major railhead. From Jodhpur, Khimsar is about a two-hour drive.
- By Road: Khimsar is well-connected by road, and you can easily reach the fort by car from Jodhpur, Bikaner, or Jaipur. The roads are well-maintained, making the journey a pleasant one.
Best Time to Visit Khimsar Fort
The best time to visit Khimsar Fort is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. The daytime temperatures are mild, making it ideal for exploring the fort and nearby attractions. Visiting during the summer months (April to June) can be challenging, as temperatures in the desert can soar above 40°C. Monsoon season (July to September) brings occasional rainfall, which cools down the region but can also lead to humidity.
Must Read:
- Kumbhalgarh Fort
- Palace on Wheels Train (2024-2025 Updated Prices)
- Jaipur Govind Devji Mandir
- Amer Fort Jaipur
Ticket Price for Khimsar Fort
If you’re visiting Khimsar Fort as a guest of the heritage hotel, there is no separate ticket price for exploring the fort. However, if you’re not staying at the fort, you may need to check with the hotel for visiting charges, as the fort operates primarily as a luxury hotel. The room prices per night may vary upon the room type and services provided. Generally, the prices of the rooms ranges from INR 11,000 to 21,000. To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on the prices, it’s advisable to contact the fort directly.
Nearby Tourist Places to Explore
Khimsar is surrounded by several interesting attractions that you can explore during your visit:
- Nagaur Fort: Located about 50 km from Khimsar, Nagaur Fort is an architectural masterpiece and one of Rajasthan’s largest forts. It’s known for its beautiful palaces, temples, and water reservoirs.
- Jodhpur: Famous for its blue houses and the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur is just a couple of hours away. You can also visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace and Jaswant Thada while in the city.
- Osian: A small town located about 65 km from Khimsar, Osian is known for its ancient temples, especially the Jain and Hindu temples dating back to the 8th century. It’s also a great spot for desert safaris.
- Sambhar Salt Lake: The largest inland salt lake in India, Sambhar Salt Lake is about 100 km from Khimsar. It’s a unique landscape, offering incredible photographic opportunities and a chance to witness salt production.
Best Food Options at Khimsar Fort
Khimsar Fort offers a regal dining experience, with a variety of Rajasthani, Indian, and Continental dishes. The fort’s in-house restaurant serves authentic local cuisine, which includes dal baati churma, laal maas, and other delicacies that showcase the rich flavors of Rajasthan.
Food Highlights:
- Dal Baati Churma: A traditional Rajasthani dish made from lentils, wheat balls, and sweetened churma.
- Laal Maas: A spicy lamb curry made with red chilies, a must-try for those who love rich, flavorful food.
- Kesar Murg: A chicken dish flavored with saffron, showcasing the royal influence in Rajasthani cuisine.
- Desserts: Don’t miss the traditional sweets like ghewar, mawa kachori, and malpua.
For those looking to explore local eateries, the nearby town has small dhabas and food stalls that offer simple yet delicious Rajasthani snacks and meals.
Khimsar Fort Wedding Cost
Khimsar Fort is a dream destination for couples looking for a royal wedding experience. The fort’s grand courtyards, lush gardens, and regal suites provide the perfect backdrop for a lavish wedding. The cost of a wedding at Khimsar Fort can vary depending on the number of guests, the type of arrangements, and the duration of the stay.
Estimated Wedding Costs:
- Basic Package: The cost for a smaller, intimate wedding with around 50-100 guests can range from ₹25-30 lakhs. This would include accommodation, food, and basic decor.
- Luxury Package: For a larger, more elaborate wedding with up to 200 guests, the cost could range between ₹50-75 lakhs or more, depending on the scale of the event, entertainment, and additional services like camel rides, folk music performances, and elaborate setups.
It’s best to contact the fort’s management directly to get a customized quote for your wedding.
Contact Information for Khimsar Fort
For bookings, inquiries, or wedding arrangements, you can contact Khimsar Fort using the following details:
- Phone Number: +91 900 129 416, +91 1585262345, +91 1585262228
- Email: info@khimsar.com
- Official Website
Excited to know more about the famous forts in Rajasthan, browse our website, InRajasthan.in.