Travellers to Uttar Pradesh would do well to explore the state beyond popular destinations like Agra and Varanasi, for there are hidden gems that offer immense rewards if you put in the effort to find them. The 600-year-old Fort Rampura, a four-hour-drive from Lucknow, is one such gem. 

Located in the Chambal ravines of the Uttar Pradesh side of Bundelkhand, Fort Rampura was the stronghold of the Rampura family for fourteen generations. Keshavendra Singh, the son of the present Raja, and his wife Padmini have opened up their historic home to travellers and offer four rooms as part of a homestay experience.   

This is luxury meets rural tourism at its best. You could use Fort Rampura as a base to explore the many war Forts located in this region. An early morning walk through the ravines to the original family fort that lies in ruins and the family temple that is still located here is a great experience. So is the morning or evening boat ride on the much cleaner and wider stretch of the River Yamuna that flows nearby when you can watch local fisherman net their catch. Walks through the village and visits to colourful weekly bazaars are a great way of seeing true village life. Visits to local gud (jaggery) units, farms, orchards and potters are also organised. In the evenings local folk singers will regale you with ballads praising Bundelkhand kings and recounting the daring exploits of local bandits, who once upon a time made the ravines here their hideouts.

Better still is the luxury of doing nothing that the fort-homestay offers. You could just put your feet up, nurse a drink or read a book, while taking breaks to watch the many birds that fly around checking you out! While all four rooms are comfortable, do try to book ‘Atiya’, the large room on the fort terrace that offers 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside.

The home cooked traditional meals that include local recipes and traditional Rajput favourites like jungli maas ensure you are well fed on your sojourn to rural India. 

Price: Rs 7,000 per night for single occupancy and Rs12,000 per night for double occupancy; include all meals and refreshments.

Read more: www.fortrampura.com