Fort Baroda (A Stately Heritage Homestay)

Written by Mandira Mitra 

Nestled in the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh is a state rich in history, culture, and architectural marvels. It’s a land where tales of valor, dynasties, and artistic brilliance unfold with every step. Fort Baroda is a 400-year-old Fort. It was built by the Gaur Rajput Rulers. The Fort comprises a mix of Rajputana, Mughal, and Indo-Persian Architecture. Presently it is the residence of the erstwhile royal family of Sheopur-Baroda State. Located on the bank of the Seep River, the fort at Sheopur district of MP embodies the changing architectural styles patronized by various rulers who reigned from the sixteenth to twentieth centuries. It is very famous for wood carving. Every chunk of this art is a silent testimonial of its notability. 

A Few Key Points : 

1. How many guests can the homestay accommodate in total? How many per room?

The rooms are all furnished with charming antique and contemporary furniture. Cherished family heirlooms adorn the nooks and crannies of the rooms, as the vibrant landscape of Madhya Pradesh is echoed in the décor and opulence.

Fort Baroda Homestay can comfortably accommodate a total of 10 guests at a time.

The Facilities are as follows:-

Free Parking, Free WI-FI, Daily House Keeping, Designated Smoking Area, Air- Conditioning, Heater, Private- Bathroom, Wardrobe, Outdoor Fireplace, Outdoor Furniture, Terrace and Garden, Fire-Extinguisher, 24-Hour Security, Free Toiletries, CCTV camera surveillance at common area.

2. What kind of family heirlooms and antique collections are on display? Can you share some examples and photos? 

Fort Baroda is a grand architectural influence from Mughal, Hindu, and Persian. The magnificent courtyards define the grandeur of the Fort with striking architecture that represents the Heritage and Luxury of Madhya Pradesh. With a view of the ‘Char Bagh’ a Persian and Indo-Persian garden layout. No matter what angle you choose, you will just admire the grandeur of the Fort. Guests can explore different sections of the Fort during their stay. Left is the ‘Deodi’ – the entrance to the Hawa Mahal complex of the Fort. A stay here will satiate your quest for something quaint, beautiful, rustic, and unexplored all at once.

Today Fort Baroda is the home of Raja Saheb Prithviraj Singh Ji and his family. Still maintained in the grandeur as envisioned by his forefathers, Raja Saheb Prithviraj Singh Ji, Rani Saheba Purnima Kumari, and their son Rajkumar Mahipat Singh invite you to experience the opulence of the Fort Baroda. The large beautiful rooms, collection of antiques, manicured lawns, and the home-cooked culinary delights of The Traditional-Royal cuisine, all promise a memorable stay at the Fort.

• Antique Paintings,
• Antique Furniture, heirlooms
• Brass artifacts etc.
• Generation family photographs

It will surely be an experience. 

3. What kind of special experiences can be arranged for guests?

The Host lives in the same premises as the Property. They are available all the time. Yes, they do like chatting and spending time with the guests explaining to them about the property and telling historical facts. Yes, the Royal Family does make arrangements for special experiences for the guests.

Govardhan Puja at our place holds a special experience – Lord Krishna on this day defeated Lord Indra by lifting the Govardhan Parvat on his little finger and saving the villagers and animals from the wrath of nature.

Gangur celebration – Gangur is colorful and one of the most important festivals of Baroda, and it is observed throughout the area with great devotion by women folklore. Devotees worship Gauri, the wife of Lord Shiva during the festival. Gana is a synonym for Lord Shiva and Gaur which stands for Gauri or Parvati, a symbol of Saubhagya (marital bliss). The festival also marks the celebration of spring, harvest, marital fidelity, and childbearing.

Jal Mandir is always decked up during Shivratri. The fair hosts cultural artists’ performances along with Kavi Sammelan. Shivratri fair is organized at the Chandra Sagar Jal Mandir which was constructed in 18 th Century by Raja Bijey Singh Gaur of Sheopur–Baroda.

Other than this guests can experience the local cuisine cooked by the villagers on the side of Parbati River. A visit to Cenotaphs (Chhatri’s) which are an architectural tribute to the rulers of the Sheopur-Baroda state.

Spread over 25 acres, Fort Baroda is just an hour’s drive from Kuno National Park – the home of cheetahs. The main attraction of the fort is the stunning Sheesh Mahal, where the Royal family resides even today.

In a nutshell, we can offer the following:

• Meals alongside a river bank on top of forts Burj.
• Sunset and sunrise on the bank of the Parbati River
• Outdoor cooking experience
• Village safari
• Heritage Walk
• Experience local culture and festivals
• Royal family’s traditions and rituals

4. How to spend 48 hours in the region.

1. Kuno- National Park – Home of Cheetahs in India
2. Sheopur Fort
3. Rural jeep safari
4. Heritage Walk
5. Village Walk
6. Celebrate Festivals with the Royal Family
7. Char-Bagh Royal Families Cenotaps.
8. Visit to step wells and ancient Baories
9. Sundowners alongside the river.
10. Rural food cooking experience

5. Can you share some more details about the food? What are some signature dishes? What is included in the thali?

The meals at the Fort Baroda are inspired by Chambal and Central Indian cuisine, each dish is painstakingly prepared in the traditional kitchens of the royal Fort, where every ingredient – including the wheat and pulses is sourced from our organic farm.

Rani Saheba Purnima Kumari of Sheopur-Baroda presides over her kitchen in person, taking special care that the spiciness of each dish is carefully adjusted, giving our guests the option of choosing non-spicy meals. We offer our guests a variety of dining locations spread throughout the property.

The Favorite and signature dish are the“Sheopur-Baroda Traditional ‘Thaal’.

Menu comprises –

1. Laal Maas (non-veg)
2. Paneer gravy.
3. Moong daal.
4. Safeed aloo (white potato)
5. Bhindi ki saag (ladyfinger)
6. Masala rice.
7. Kheer (sweet dish)

6. What is usually served for breakfast?

A mix of Indian menu like Poha with sev, puri sabji, and partial continental.

7. Where are meals served? Is it a buffet or a set meal/menu?

All meals are served in the dining room. We do have both buffet & seat in the dining room with a set menu.

All meals are homely traditional dishes which gives the guests a boutique experience. The Menu is set for the meal.

8. What are the hobbies and interests of the Royal family? What do they like to do in the area?

The Royal family’s hobbies include the restoration of their heritage properties, social work, and preserving the cultural heritage. The family is keen on cooking traditional dishes. Royal families always believe in conservation so have an interest in wildlife.

During festivals, there are a lot of rituals royal families do.

9. Does the family live in the same house or a separate house on the property?

Yes. It’s a 400 Years old Fort built by the Gaur Rajput Rulers. The Fort comprises a mix of Rajputana, Mughal, and Indo-Persian Architecture. Presently it is the residence of the erstwhile royal family of Sheopur-Baroda State. 

The Host lives on the same premises as the Property. They are available all the time. Yes, they do like chatting and spending time with the guests explaining them about the property and telling historical facts. Yes, the Royal Family does make the arrangements for special experiences for the guests.

10. What is the neighborhood like? Is it quiet or busy? Is it a city/town or a village? 

The fort is located in a huge area therefore it’s totally quiet. It is located in a fort (Baroda). Neighborhood is a residential area.

Author: Jaun Shahi