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REHWA SOCIETY AND THE AHILYA SCHOOL

The not-for-profit Rehwa Society was started in the late ‘70s by the Holkars, with the objective of  reviving the ancient hand weaving craft of Maheshwar, and giving employment to women. Today over 80 weavers are at work, and our textiles are famous throughout India. Situated a five minute walk from the Hotel, the centre has traditional wooden hand looms, and we have our own dye house. Surpluses from the sale of textiles support the adjoining Ahilya School, which was started for weavers’ children. Both can be visited in the same morning

Time: 10am-6pm
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LINGARCHAN PUJA

A daily ritual dating from the time of Queen Ahilya Bai is still performed every morning in the area just below the breakfast Mandap by 11 Brahmins. Here you can watch them painstakingly making thousands of shivalings out of earth, which culminates in a puja to ask for the protection of the inhabitants of the Holkar State.

Time: Daily, 8:30 am – 9:30 am
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NARMADA PARIKRAMA DHAAN

Pilgrims doing a circumambulation of the Narmada on foot (which takes 3 years, 3 months and 3 days), are offered rations and subsidized places to stay along this devotional journey, a distance of 2,600 kms. Continuing the age old ritual practiced since Ahilya Bai’s time, the family Trust and Ahilya Fort distribute rations to pilgrims.

Time: Daily between 8am – 11am
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MANDU

A short drive (75 minutes) away are the ruins of the 15th century fortified city of Mandu, on the edge of the Malwa plateau. One of India’s most romantic sites, these Islamic buildings pre-date the arrival of the Mughals and are scattered over 60 square kilometers of forests. The Royal enclave is built around a lake, and the nearby tomb of Hoshiang Shah served as a model for the Taj Mahal. Mandu is especially attractive in the monsoon months of August and September.

Time: Sunrise until sunset
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ROYAL BAZ BAHADUR PICNIC

While in Mandu, should you wish to spoil yourself with an unforgettable lunch, arrive at one of Mandu’s secluded ruins with a breathtaking view of the plateau below. Discover an elegant al fresco picnic (laid out with tables and chairs, linen, glassware and cutlery) served by our uniformed waiter.

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OMKARESHWAR

In the town of Omkareshwar, an 80 minute drive upriver from Maheshwar, is one of the 12 most revered temples of followers of Shiva. The main idol is a lingam or phallic symbol of Shiva’s creative power, which is believed to have sprung out of the earth by itself. A very important Hindu pilgrimage site; all visitors are welcome. A side trip to Bakawa, the sole place in India that hand-crafts shivalings, can be arranged. Omkareshwar can also be combined with a trip to Baji Rao Samadhi.

Time: 5am until 10pm
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BAJI RAO SAMADHI

Baji Rao was a very important Peshwa ruler in the 18th century. His scenic chattri, or crematory cenotaph, is perched above the Narmada River in the village of Rewa Khedi, and is about an hour from Ahilya Fort. A visit there can be combined with a visit to Omkareshwar. And why not spoil yourself, and stay for lunch, stylishly arranged under the trees in the shadow of the monument? An al fresco picnic can be set up and waiting to be served by our waiter after your visit to the samadhi.

Time: sunrise to sunset
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SUNSET BOATING TO THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE

Included in your stay is a not-to-be-missed boat ride to Baneshwar Temple, considered to be the Centre of the Universe. Watch the sun setting as you glide down the Narmada on a hand-poled boat to the Temple. Have a cup of tea and then release diyas as an offering to the River.

Time: Sunset
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THE AHILYA ORGANIC FARM

Our organic 15 acre farm is a 10 minute drive from the Hotel. The farm provides much of the livestock and produce used in our kitchen. You can pick your lunch, and watch your dinner growing! We use traditional and organic farming methods, and our ploughs are still pulled by our sturdy local bullocks.

Time: Sunrise to Sunset
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VILLAGE WALK

A 20-minute boat ride across the Narmada River are the two sleepy villages of Naodatodi and Bothu, very much in contrast to bustling Maheshwar town. Guests can enjoy a pleasant 45 minute walk through a typical village of the region and its fields, and your boat can collect you at the end of the walk. Trail bikes are also available.

Time: Sunrise to sunset.
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YOGA

Classical Hatha yoga sessions are held on the Fort’s southwestern turret, overlooking the river. They are guided by yogini Niradhara, a certified Yoga Alliance teacher and Y.A.C.E.P., and are an excellent way to start the day.

Time: Early mornings are recommended.
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MASSAGE

Our massage treatment room is located in the Lingarchan area of the Ahilya Wada. In our effort to work within the local community, our masseurs (for gents) and masseuses (for ladies) are trained in-house and give the traditional nimadi maalish massage of the region.

Time: 10 am to noon; 2 pm to 7 pm
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SLOWLY DOWN THE NARMADA

Guests can enjoy a leisurely 2 ½ hour float down the River on our traditional paddle boats. Our boatmen will serve you light refreshments. Don’t forget your sunscreen and hat!

Time: Afternoon
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MOONLIGHT RIVER PROMENADE ON A HAND-POLED BOAT

A magical hour under the stars on the Narmada. Your traditional wooden boat will be hand-poled up the River through hundreds of flickering lamps, as you are serenaded by local musicians. Float and drift under the timeless night sky as our waiter serves you refreshments.

Time: After sunset
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CANDLELIGHT DINNER IN THE GARDEN OF THE BOLEYA NOBLES

Dine in the ancient garden of one of the Holkar State’s chief nobles. Take a hand-poled boat down the diya-strewn river and disembark at the magical Boleya Chhatri gated garden for a delectable vegetarian dinner by candlelight, served by our staff.

Time: After sunset
Note:

This list is by no means exhaustive; there are many more activities we can arrange. When booking an activity, do give us a day’s notice so that we may plan a memorable experience for you. Some activities are chargeable so please be sure to enquire about rates from our front office or guest relations team, or when making your booking.

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Address:

Rajwada, Ahilya Fort, Maheshwar, MP - 451224

Phone:

+91-8291935722

Email:

[email protected]
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