Khimsar Fort
Not all heritage stays are created equal. Some were once palaces. Others were forts. But very few are both still functional and still home to royalty. Khimsar Fort, now a WelcomHotel by ITC Hotels, is one of the rare few.
Built in 1523 and still owned by the descendants of its founding ruler, this fortress is as real as history gets.
The Fort That Founded a Legacy
Located on the edge of the Thar Desert, Khimsar Fort was commissioned by Rao Karamsiji, son of Rao Jodha — the founder of Jodhpur. Originally designed as a military bastion, the fort evolved into a full-fledged residence by the mid-18th century, complete with zenanas (women’s quarters), stables, and Mughal-style gardens.
The royal family of Khimsar still lives in a private wing, making your stay here part of a living tradition.
With ITC Hotels as its hospitality partner, Khimsar Fort is now a luxury heritage hotel that retains its soul — while offering world-class service.
What It’s Like to Stay Inside the Walls
This isn’t just a fort-inspired hotel. It’s a fort you get to live in.
The property includes:
- Heritage suites with arched ceilings, vintage chandeliers, and stone-carved furniture
- Courtyard-view rooms overlooking fountains, peacocks, and century-old neem trees
- Luxury rooms in the former stables and zenana quarters, now restored with a tasteful blend of old and new
Each room is different, preserving the layout of the original architecture. It feels like you’re walking through a museum — except you’re barefoot, sipping tea, and calling it home for the night.
Experiences That Go Beyond the Fort Walls
The hotel organizes immersive, offbeat experiences:
Khimsar Sand Dunes
Just 15 minutes away, a separate dune village awaits — offering:
- Camel safaris at sunset
- Folk music performances around fire pits
- Traditional dinners under open desert skies
- Star gazing with zero light pollution
It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s just as regal as the fort itself.
Bird Watching by the Oasis
Surprisingly, Khimsar is home to a man-made lake and protected oasis, attracting flamingos, peacocks, partridges, and migratory birds — making it a hidden paradise for nature lovers.
Village Excursions & Local Culture
From pottery demonstrations to temple visits and lunch in the village homes, these curated experiences are not touristy — they’re authentic windows into desert life.
Culinary Traditions Served Courtyard-Style
Dining at Khimsar Fort is deeply regional and seasonal.
Expect:
- Heirloom Rajasthani recipes like safed maas, baajre ki roti, and kair sangri
- Tandoori platters, live counters, and rooftop grills
- Meals served in ancient courtyards or candlelit garden lawns
The hotel also offers desert picnics and thali-style service for those who want the full Rajasthan flavor.
Sustainability and Restoration
Khimsar Fort is restored using traditional stonework, lime plaster, and local artisans. No large-scale alteration has been done — the idea is to preserve, not polish.
Additionally, the dunes complex operates with:
- Solar power
- Waste management systems
- Water harvesting for its desert gardens
It’s not just luxury — it’s heritage with integrity.
Visual Experience Like No Other
Whether you’re a content creator or just documenting your memories, Khimsar is made for the lens:
- Drone-friendly towers and battlements
- Royal portrait galleries
- Dune sunsets with camel silhouettes
- Peacock-dotted gardens
- Jharokha shots with moody sunrise light
It’s Instagram gold — with a story that matters.
How to Reach
- By Air: 2 hours from Jodhpur Airport
- By Road: 90 km from Jodhpur via NH-62
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
At a Glance:
- Built: 1523 by Rao Karamsiji
- Owned: Royal family of Khimsar
- Managed: WelcomHotel (ITC Hotels)
- Experience: Fort living, desert experiences, cultural immersion
- Booking: bookmyhotel.link/KhimsarFort
