While touring from Jaipur to Agra, we had the enormous great fortune to visit the incredible gem of Ramathra Fort. This 1700s-era fiefdom of the Maharaja has been with the family for 11 generations, the current couple having dedicated themselves to restoring and renovating the castle-like structure for 15 years with beautiful results. The rooms are thoroughly appointed and offer impressive views of the countryside below, the farm-to-table regional cuisine is delicious, there is even an artist-in-residence, and the staff are all marvelously knowledgeable and experienced. We thoroughly enjoyed three days of exploration: A rowboat tour of the nearby Lake AAAA, amid wildlife ranging from flocks of cormorants and egrets to watching a brightly colored kingfisher capture its dinner, all under a beautiful setting sun. Hiking with their experienced guide through the the adjoining 18th century ruins, past antelopes and peacocks, and onward to vibrantly active temples. Visiting the neighboring extremely rural villages, meeting wonderful people living a life which we could never have otherwise understood or appreciated, enjoying their enthusiastic and gracious hospitality. Venturing to the town market and shops, including being invited into a mustard oil press operating at full production. Exploring on a nighttime Jeep safari through the adjacent Nature Preserve, observing wildlife including peacocks and pea hens with chicks, then hyenas including feasting on a kill, hares, antelopes, gazelles, fox and more. Above all, the hospitality of the owner-proprietors and their staff was exceptional and genuine. We had the exceptional pleasure of sharing multiple afternoons and evenings with the owners' adult sons, as well as their inviting us to join with them and their own guest. Truly, we will cherish our experiences at the Ramathra Fort for a lifetime. Please, if you have the opportunity to travel to the region of Agra and Jaipur, we emphatically recommend sharing several days with these magnificent hosts.
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