Read More on Khimsar Fort
History
The Khimsar Fort history is worth exploring. The 500 years old vintage fort has gone through a lot since its construction. This fort was built by Rao Jodhaji's son Rao Karamsiji in 1523 A.D. It has been revamped and is a hotel now. This fort depicts royalty and luxury from every nook and cranny despite being situated in the middle of the Thar desert. The fort has a traditional and colorful vibe to it and makes you feel welcomed instantly. Rao Karamsiji decided to establish his empire between Bikaner and Jodhpur, numerous wars were fought for the possession of this fortress.
The ladies' wing known as the ‘zenana’ was constructed in the 16th century when the fort was expanded. After the expansion, the family decided to shift here which lead to a few more renovations and constructions. Thakur Onkar Singh ordered the construction of a luxurious wing for himself. The fort in itself is a book of Jodhpur History. The Khimsar Fort owner is the descendants of the royal family who still reside in some part of the fort while the rest of it is a hotel now. The fort has a picturesque view and to get in the fort one must book a room and explore the beauty.
Architecture
The fort may leave you dumbstruck and intimidated at the very first glance but it will be easy on the eyes the second time. The path that leads to the fort is steep but the view is mesmerizing. The Khimsar Fort is surrounded by dunes and yet manages to have lush green gardens spread across acres of land. The fort consists of facilities that make up a never-ending list. It is surrounded by four walls just like any other Rajasthani fort. The elongated trails and corridors consist of pillars, huge towers, ruins, stables, and much more. Some parts may have crumbled to bits and pieces but even in its imperfection lies the beauty. You can still spot guns and cannons preserved in the fort. The fort spreads beautifully across 11 acres of land and the quality of construction is very appreciable. The degraded archways and beautifully carved pillars make you want to imagine how this structure would have looked back then.
One can also spot Hindu and Jain temples inside the fort premises that is because the last rulers were Rajputs. The famous Lord Hanuman temple has a unique idol in which the almighty can be seen overpowering a demon by subduing him to the ground with his feet. Whereas on the upper floor of the fort is a Rani Mandir made for women of the royal families. The fort in itself is an architectural marvel and no combination of words and photographs can do justice to its hushed magnificence.
Activities
- You can enjoy yourself in the pool that the hotel offers. You can also sweat yourself out at the gym or the workout room. Play with friends and family at the tennis court and enjoy evening entertainment.
- Black Buck Safari: A good place to witness wildlife closely- the Chinkara, Black Buck, and the Blueball can be spotted here often. It is just 16 km from the fort. Wildlife enthusiasts would find this place an exciting one and it is a haven for wildlife photographers. A jeep safari is one of the most suitable options.
Tips for visiting
- Remember to visit the astonishing royal garage at the Khimsar Fort. It has a vast range of vintage cars which is a treat to the sore eye.
- You can also enjoy a jeep or camel safari in the nearby dunes if you enquire at the hotel reception they will help you by arranging one for you themselves.
- Make sure to carry appropriate clothing as the winter months are chilly, especially during the nighttime. If you are planning to visit the fort during the summer months carry cotton clothes, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit and experience Khimsar is during the winter season which is from November to March. Khimsar is a place that experiences extreme climate throughout the year. During the summers you should avoid visiting this place as the summers are pretty harsh. However, in winters the temperature dips down to 7 degrees celsius.
Nearby Atractions
- Umaid Bhawan Palace
- Mehrangarh Fort
- Jaswant Thada
- Mandore Gardens
- Sachhiyamata Temple
- Jain Temples at Osian.
- Dhawa Doli Wildlife Sanctuary
- Khimsar dune village
- Panchala Black Buck Reserve
- Nagaur Fort
Nearby market/ shopping places
Khimsar is famous for handicrafts that have their unique traditional charm. The local shops in Khimsar and the government emporiums offer a wide variety of kaleidoscopic handicrafts at affordable prices. Rugs, gold and silver ornaments, and bandhani fabrics are the most prominent handicrafts available in Khimsar.
Nearby Hotels
- Hotel Riddhima & Restaurant
- Khimsar Sand Dunes Resort
- Mahindra Hotel
- Hotel Shyam Palace
- Hotel Shri Poonam
Interesting Facts About Khimsar Fort
- The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb resided in the fort for quite some time.
- Thakur Onkar Singh ordered the construction of a luxurious wing for himself.
- Half of the fort operates as a hotel whereas the other half is where the descendants of the royal family reside.
- Some of the staff members of the hotel are the descendants of the royal courtiers who served the royal family for generations.