Ahiyla Fort

Maheshwar, India

Lakeside Classic

Sitting high above the banks of the sacred and mighty Narmada River is the majestic 18th Century Ahilya Fort with its magnificent architecture and spectacular views of the river and ghats surrounded by the beautiful and untouched town of Maheshwar. This incredible place is an opportunity for you to get off the tourist trail.

The elegant and unique rooms and suites are stylish, rustic and charming with superb views and spacious bathrooms. If you prefer to sleep outdoors the tents have their own private garden with heated plunge pool overlooking the temples and river.

Food here is delicious and a delectable moving feast – breakfast on the Mandap Terrace, lunch in the Badam courtyard and dinner may be a candlelit picnic on an island in the middle of the river or by candle light under the stars at the pool. The resident baker makes gorgeous breads, cookies and cakes daily!

There are a myriad of things to do here – a stroll through the town, a visit to the ghats and handloom weavers, excursions to surrounding temples and villages and an unforgettable boat trip at sundown. When you’re not out exploring spend time by the pool, relax on one of the terraces or under a tree in the lovely garden, try a cooking lesson or have a traditional massage.

You will love

  • Superb food & delicious treats
  • Exceptional service
  • Off the beaten track
  • Dramatic setting with magnificent views
Gardener sprinkling flower petals into a decorative water basin surrounded by lush greenery and rustic architecture at Ahilya Fort, enhancing the serene atmosphere of luxury accommodations.
Elegant bedroom in Ahilya Fort featuring a spacious layout, rustic decor, and charming furnishings, with a large bed, wooden desk, and soft lighting.
Luxurious swimming pool surrounded by lush greenery and rustic stone walls at Ahilya Fort, offering serene views of the temple and river in Central India.
Elegant bedroom suite at Ahilya Fort featuring rustic decor, spacious layout, and stunning views, with cozy seating area and decorative plants.
Four women enjoying a serene evening boat ride on the Maheshwar river, with lush greenery in the background and a tranquil sunset atmosphere, reflecting the unique travel experiences offered by the Classic Safari Company.
Scenic view of Ahilya Fort along the Maheshwar river, showcasing the fort's historic architecture and surrounding landscape in Central India.
Elegant bedroom suite at Ahilya Fort featuring rustic decor, plush seating, and decorative accents, with views of the Maheshwar river and temples.
Sunset view from a balcony at Ahilya Fort, overlooking the Maheshwar river and surrounding landscape, featuring ornate architectural details and a cozy seating area.
Elegant dining setup in rustic interior of Ahilya Fort, featuring a table with decorative items, surrounded by charming architecture and warm lighting, ideal for a unique culinary experience.
View of the Maheshwar river from Ahilya Fort, showcasing lush greenery and serene waters, highlighting the dramatic setting and luxurious accommodations.
Group of four people enjoying a leisurely moment in the Narmada River, with a temple in the background and lush greenery surrounding the water, reflecting the serene and picturesque setting of Ahilya Fort accommodations.
Elegant bedroom in Ahilya Fort featuring rustic decor, a spacious layout, and vibrant textiles, showcasing views of the Maheshwar river and ghats.
Maheshwar riverfront with Ahilya Fort in the background, featuring stone steps, boats, and visitors enjoying the scenic view.
Group of individuals in orange garments gathered near a temple by the Maheshwar river, showcasing the cultural and spiritual essence of the location.
Tourists enjoying a boat ride on the Narmada River with views of Ahilya Fort and nearby temples, showcasing a scenic and cultural experience in Central India.
Private garden with heated plunge pool surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers at Ahilya Fort, offering scenic views and a tranquil atmosphere.
Heated plunge pool surrounded by lush greenery and private garden, with a dining setup featuring a table set for breakfast in a charming outdoor setting.
Elegant tent with dining setup overlooking lush gardens and river, featuring cozy indoor bedroom with luxurious bedding and decor, showcasing Ahilya Fort's unique accommodations.
Elegant interior of Ahilya Fort featuring rustic furnishings, a dining setup with a white tablecloth, and a cozy bedroom, highlighting luxury accommodations with charming decor and views of the surrounding greenery.
Elegant tent accommodation at Ahilya Fort, surrounded by lush gardens and featuring a private patio, with views of the Maheshwar river and temples.
Elegant bedroom with two beds, rustic decor, and green accents, overlooking a private garden with a swimming pool, showcasing luxury accommodations at Ahilya Fort in Maheshwar.
View from Ahilya Fort showcasing the Maheshwar river, scenic ghats, and rustic architecture, emphasizing luxury accommodations and stunning natural surroundings.
Group of people enjoying a boat ride on the Maheshwar river, featuring flags and scenic views of the lush banks, highlighting the unique outdoor experiences offered at Ahilya Fort.
Ahilya Fort in Maheshwar, showcasing stunning architecture and steps leading to the river, with visitors and a boat in the foreground, surrounded by lush greenery.
Crowd gathered along the ghats of the Maheshwar river, colorful decorations and temples in the background, showcasing a vibrant cultural celebration near Ahilya Fort.
Elegant seating area with cushions overlooking the Maheshwar river at sunset, showcasing the tranquil setting and stunning views, ideal for luxury accommodations at Ahilya Fort.
Scenic view of the Maheshwar river from Ahilya Fort, showcasing lush greenery and rustic architecture, alongside a vibrant display of fresh produce in a kitchen setting and an elegant outdoor dining area with tables set for a meal.
Lush garden with vegetables, charming courtyard with plants and seating, and serene swimming pool surrounded by vibrant flowers at Ahilya Fort, Maheshwar, highlighting luxury accommodations and scenic views.

Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.

Jenny Kidd

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!

Mark Taylor

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing.  We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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