Hidden away in the Aravalli hills in Rajasthan, a world away
from the crowds on the conventional Jaipur-Jodphur-Udaipur
trail, is Alila Fort Bishangarh – a 230-year-old boutique fortress
which has been seven years in restoration and undergone a
brilliantly sensitive transformation. The property is designed by
Ritu and Sandeep Khandelwal of Sthapatya Architects.
T
he 59-suite Alila Fort Bishangarh had its
soft opening in the end of February 2017
followed by the grand opening in July- It is Alila’s second property in India and
follows the opening of Alila Diwa Goa in 2010.
Alila is the first international hotel group to open
a property in the Aravalli hills between Delhi and
Jaipur and Fort Bishangarh is thought to be one of
the only warrior forts of its kind to be converted
into a unique heritage resort of this stature.
It has a remarkable presence, sitting up high
on a granite hill with staggering 360-degree
views of the Rajasthani landscape, surrounded
by hills and dotted with havelis, villages and
temples. A tiny village skirts its base and adds
to the rural charm. This imposing structure is
fortified by two-metre thick stone walls and
majestic turrets with wonderfully intricate arched
windows and jaalis – a perfect example of the
Jaipur Gharana architecture influenced by both
the Mughals and the British. The use of traditional
materials in a contemporary manner is the basic
design ethos.
The quest in the preservation of this ancient
warrior fort inspired the creation of a world-
class boutique resort for guests to appreciate
the beauty of the Aravalli hills. The project grew
out of a love for the heritage outpost and the
surrounding landscape, with sustainability as
a core commitment. All residential rooms and
public areas are within the fort premises. Guest
rooms have been created by strengthening the
existing structures and adding on partition walls
and picture windows to vantage views.MAR-APR 2018 SEAB 71
ARCHITECTURE + INTERIORMAR-APR 2018 SEAB 71