One fine rainy morning, a bunch of us took out our cars and drove to this majestic property just 33 kms away from Pune. This place is mysterious in its own way…it has a secret to share…A story to tell and that promises to take you back on an enthralling journey into the past. A place that offers a boutique experience, a personal flavor that comes from heart, art and history. And where, heritage blends effortlessly with the modern amenities albeit with a local flavor in the craft, cuisine and the cultural vignettes.
It all started with me handing over the steering wheel of my car to Neel and he drove while I sat back, checked out the twists and turns of the road and the greenery outside the car window and yes did some instagram stories too…A slight drizzle added to the enthralling view.
Welcome to the royal life at Fort Jadhavgadh.
The royal life here begins at check in…you get a trumpet welcome just like the olden days followed by a tikka and a welcome drink.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPkQPMa3Vy8]
Check out Sudipti from The Kukkad Diaries getting that welcome…
And as we checked in and walked towards our rooms one gets to see the elephant’s plate and other photographs of the fort near the reception that reiterates that very little modifications are one to the original structure of the fort keeping its essence intact.
Rooms – They are called Kholis here.
A total of 58 rooms comprising of 3 suites, 39 rooms of various types, 12 royal tents & 4 neem cottages are spread across the fort’s three wings
As we settled ourselves in the kholis that had one 300 year wall and new partitions there are other types of rooms available as per your requirement and pockets.
The Maharaja Suite – The Maharaja suite is a royal indulgence in the true sense. Be treated like Royalty at this kingly suite. With a panoramic view of the surrounding hills
The Maharani Suite – Located at the top of the fort and below the Maharaja suite, the Maharani suite has a direct access to the swimming pool and the spa.
The Museum Suite – Located on top of the Aai museum and with its very own private entrance, the Museum Suite is one of the most sought after rooms at the fort.
Hill View Dalan – Situated on the top level of the main fort, the Hill View Daalan- Premium Hill View Room have a balcony overlooking the lawns
The Varsha Suite – Located on the lower level of the main fort, these spacious rooms have an uniquely designed bathroom that let you gaze up at the stars
Chaavani – a Luxurious Chaavni Royal Tent equipped with all modern amenities
The Audio Tour
Each of us were handed headsets, maps to the property, information brochures and audio devices which could be operated manually to provide commentary in Hindi, English or Marathi. The Audio tour here takes you on a fascinating journey through the fort’s architecture and history along with its most interesting landmarks and attractions. There are 27 such locations that people at fort jadhavgadh want you to experience from the jahrokhas to the tamarind tree to the temple and of course the Aai museum.
The Jharokhas
The Temple – The fort also houses the 300 year old Ganesh Temple. Well one can get married here too. It makes Fort Jadhavgadh’s a perfect destination for that royal wedding
The Jhoolas at the Tamarind Tree – just made me take in the serenity of the place
The Pond with a bench that makes you sit back and relax and well reminisce
The AAI Museum
Aai museum displays a vast collection of antique household items from around the country. The artifacts here offer an interesting peep into medieval Indian kitchens. Some of the interesting exhibits are the various kinds of foot scrubbers, the age old chillams and hookahs and various kinds of locks
Restaurants
- Chhajja – The all day dining restaurant that offers traditional and continental delicacies
We had our lunch and breakfast here…
And this went up on my instagram that morning…
I am at this beautiful property called Fort Jadhavgadh @fortjadhavgadh and it is a nice breezy morning..i took the liberty to sleep in way past my wake up time..dragged myself to the restaurant before the breakfast closing time and this is how my breakfast plate looks like today…
🍗 Fried Chicken Sausages
🍞 Croissant
🍠 Sauteed Vegetables 🍀Hashbrowns
🍳 And a sunny side up
🍉 Watermelon Juice
- Payatha – The foothill restaurant that offers traditional maharashtrian cuisine. Along with the food we got to experience traditional maharashtrian martial arts and the lavani dance here.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=396bdqiymXc]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZkFFp6Lye0]
- Aangan – The courtyard café
- Kund – The poolside bar
The Pool – One of the highlights of the place is the temperature controlled pool. And the entire gang did have a lot of fun here…well except the freakyfoodie (he is scared of water)
And yes we did take that one last dip before we said goodbye to Fort Jadhavgadh
Guests can also indulge in archery, shooting, paintball, zip lining or rappelling if they are in need of a distraction. Or they can simply take a hike up the hills and walk around the fort with its beautiful well manicured grounds.
Getting Here !!!
Address: Fort JadhavGADH Pune
Hadapsar Saswad Road, Jadhavwadi, Pune, Maharashtra – 412301
Nearest Airport : Pune
Distance from Airport : 33 kms
Best Season to visit: The hotel is visitor-friendly all year round. Summer afternoons can be hot Monsoon views are the best as the surrounding ghats are enveloped in various shades of green. Winter is pleasant
