IndiaRamathraDeep in the Rajasthani countryside, between Bharatpur’s Bird Sanctuary and the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, lies Ramathra Fort. India is bristling with old forts and royal palaces, relics of an age when the entire country was a patchwork of kingdoms and princely states. Today, many of these old piles have been transformed into heritage hotels, and few have done it better than the Ramathra. Overview Trip ideas Experiences Regions Best time to visit Accommodation Back to all places in North India, Delhi & Rajasthan Built over 350 years ago, on a hill overlooking Kalisil Lake and the Daang Plateau, Ramathra still belongs to the descendants of its original founders today. Ravi and Gitanjali converted the fort themselves, complete with manicured gardens, antique furniture and a bar atop the fort walls, overlooking the lake. They’re responsible not just for the luxurious, old-world atmosphere of the property, but for the curated programme of excursions, which make the most of the nature and culture of the surrounding region.Like all of our favourite places in India, Ramathra is about the whole experience, not just the setting (though the setting is pretty unbeatable). It’s about getting out into the countryside, farms and villages with a local guide. It’s about taking a boat ride at sunset to Kalisil Dam, or joining your hosts for a birdwatching walk around the lake. It’s about lounging in a daybed on the fort’s ramparts, or learning how to cook over a wood fire chulla.Totally beautiful, steeped in history, and culturally immersive: this is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and soak up a bit of rural India. Other destinations in this region India RanthamboreIndia’s most accessible national park offers some of your best chances of spotting tigers in the wild — watched over by a thousand-year-old fort. India ShahpuraShahpura is a long way from the tourist trail and totally bewitching. Relax at the summer retreat of former royalty and join your hosts on excursions into the countryside. India UdaipurKnown for its ‘floating’ lake palaces and loved for its impeccable vibes, Udaipur is the perfect city to chill out for a few days and soak up the atmosphere. India VaranasiHundreds of stone steps line the banks of the Ganges, with religious ceremonies going on around the clock. Varanasi is a city, and an experience, like no other.