Some of India’s oldest stories are etched into stone, behind heavy doors and within courtyards, that have witnessed generations come and go. At Seclude Fort Unchagaon, one such chapter has decided to reveal itself to travellers. Set amid lush mango orchards, the 300-year-old fort has opened its doors to guests this September. Just two hours from Delhi-NCR, the restored fort has 22 luxurious heritage rooms, expansive lawns, and spaces that retain traces of its past.
Seclude Fort, Unchagaon
The property is divided into the Royal Wing, King’s Court, and the upcoming Queen’s Courtyard, each revealing a distinct aspect of royal life. The majestic Diwan Khana once hosted royal ceremonies, the Tiger Room is home to hunting artefacts, and the Air India Room preserves photographs and other travel memorabilia. Rather than keeping its history shielded behind glass walls, the fort is inviting guests to walk through it.
The Information
Address: Unchagaon, Garhmukteshwar, Uttar Pradesh 202398
Tariff: Starts from approximately INR 10,000 per night, excluding taxes, based on current listings.
Contact: +91-9810743242
How to get the best deal: Check Seclude’s official website for current rates, room categories and offers. If your dates are flexible, contact the property directly to ask about available packages or inclusions before booking.
Things to do: You can explore the fort through its audio trail available on Spotify, wander through mango orchards, try pottery and archery, or unwind your evenings with games, bonfires, candlelight dinners and storytelling sessions.
Rao Raj Vilas, Kuchesar
Some forts keep their legacy alive by opening a window into the lives of families that once called them home. At Rao Raj Vilas, a 300-year-old fort in Kuchesar, the royal family continues to welcome travellers looking for a heritage escape just two hours from Delhi. Built in the 18th century, the fort has remained with the family for generations, with part of its historic structure now restored as a stay. The property brings together old-world architecture and the rural rhythms of Uttar Pradesh by offering a glimpse into the region’s Jat and Sikh heritage. The experience extends beyond the fort walls, with village landscapes, orchards and local traditions shaping the stay.
The Information
Address: Kuchesar, Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh
Tariff: From approximately INR 4,500 per night, excluding taxes, for the Prince Suite; current rates should be confirmed directly with the property.
Contact: +91 9068809552 , +91 9837643761 , +91 9639117816
Website: https://kuchesarfort.com/
How to get the best deal: Check the property's official website for current room categories, inclusions and booking options before comparing rates elsewhere. For a heritage stay, compare what is included in the room rate with the cost of individual experiences before booking.
Things to do: Explore the surrounding villages and countryside, visit local farms and jaggery-making units, go on a bullock-cart ride, try pottery and horse riding, or head towards Brijghat for a boat ride on the Ganga.
Neemrana Fort Palace
Built on the Aravallis, Neemrana Fort-Palace rises across 14 tiers, its stone walls and terraces unfolding into a sprawling medieval complex. With an emphasis on preserving its historic character, the 553-year-old fort is a heritage stay where time-honoured structures are restored to provide you with an authentic experience. With 92 rooms and suites, this 15th-century fort is built over 9 palace wings. The hanging gardens, pools to swim out to the horizon, and an Ayurvedic spa add to the overall experience.
The Information
Address: 122nd Milestone, Delhi-Jaipur Highway, Neemrana, Alwar, Rajasthan 301705
Tariff: From approximately INR 11,100 per night, excluding taxes, for selected dates and room categories. Breakfast is included in the room tariff; lunch and dinner are charged separately.
Contact: +91 149 4672 800
How to get the best deal: Compare the room categories and inclusions on Neemrana's official booking platform. The property is currently offering a flat 20 per cent discount on Mondays across Neemrana hotels. The offer is not applicable for Saturday check-ins.
Things to do: Walk through the fort, visit the nearby 18th-century stepwell and hill-fort, or book a camel-cart or vintage-car excursion around the surrounding area.
Tijara-Fort Palace, Alwar
Once an unfinished palace, the Tijara Fort-Palace now rises above the Alwar countryside with seven terraced gardens and expansive views. Built in the Rajput-Afghan style with early colonial influences, the complex comprises the Mardana Mahal for royal men, the Rani Mahal for maharanis, and a pleasure palace overlooking a water body called the Hawa Mahal. Its seven-terraced hanging gardens happen to be one of its most distinct features.
The Information
Address: Hasanpurmafi, Tijara, Alwar, Rajasthan 301411
Tariff: From approximately INR 15,500 per night, excluding taxes, for a Heritage Comfort room on selected dates.
Contact: +91 0124 4666 166
How to get the best deal: Compare the room categories and inclusions on the official booking platform. The property is currently offering a flat 20 per cent discount on Mondays across Neemrana hotels. The offer is not applicable for Saturday check-ins.
Things to do: Wander through the terraced gardens, take in the 360-degree views from the fort, relax by the sunken pool or visit nearby attractions including Tijara Jain Temples, Bala Qila, the natural spring of Surajmukhi, Jaisamand Lake, Moosi Mahariani ki Chhatri, the City Palace, and the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary.
Samode Palace
Set in the village of Samode, 45 km from Jaipur, this 16th-century palace unfolds through carved pillars, hidden alcoves, winding doorways and terraces, with the Aravallis forming a majestic backdrop. Its story began more than 500 years ago as a Rajput fort, and later, in the 19th century, it was transformed into the Indo-Saracenic palace that stands today. With a labyrinth of Mughal arched doorways, 250-year-old murals, an alluring Sheesh Mahal, and bougainvillaea-fringed courtyards, the Palace’s interiors are one of its most remarkable features. The experience extends beyond the palace, too: guests can venture into Samode village and its surrounding markets to encounter local textiles, arts and crafts.
The Information
Address: Tehsil, Village Samode, Chomu, District Jaipur, Rajasthan 303806, India
Tariff: From approximately INR 20,082 per night, excluding taxes, for a Deluxe Room on selected dates.
Contact: +91-124-4460920, +91-141-2632370, 2631068; reservations@samode.com
Website: https://samode.com/samode-palace/
How to get the best deal: The hotel's official website provides its central reservations contact rather than directing guests to a third-party booking platform. This is particularly useful if you have flexible dates or are booking more than one room, as the official team can confirm the applicable rate and inclusions for your dates.
Things to do: Explore the palace's murals, Sheesh Mahal, terraces and courtyards, or step beyond its walls for village and market walks that offer a glimpse of local textiles, arts and crafts. Guests can also make time for the spa, swimming pool and health centre.
At these fort stays, old courtyards become places to linger, historic corridors become part of your morning walk, and the landscape beyond the walls becomes chapters waiting to unfold. Each of them possesses distinct traits that offer travellers a chance to experience history as not something distant, but as a living part of the journey.
FAQs
1. Which fort stay is closest to Delhi?
Seclude Fort Unchagaon and Rao Raj Vilas in Kuchesar are both around two hours from Delhi-NCR, making them convenient options for a heritage staycation.
2. How much does a stay at Seclude Fort Unchagaon cost?
Rooms at Seclude Fort Unchagaon start from approximately INR 10,000 per night, excluding taxes, although rates vary by room category and dates
3. Which fort hotels can you visit near Delhi?
Some options include Seclude Fort Unchagaon, Rao Raj Vilas in Kuchesar, Neemrana Fort-Palace and Tijara Fort-Palace.
4. Is Neemrana Fort-Palace a good option for a weekend stay?
Neemrana Fort-Palace is located on the Delhi-Jaipur Highway and combines historic architecture with amenities including pools, hanging gardens and an Ayurvedic spa.
5. Which fort stays offer activities beyond sightseeing?
Seclude Fort Unchagaon offers activities such as pottery, archery, an audio trail and storytelling, while Rao Raj Vilas offers rural experiences including village excursions, pottery and horse riding.
