Abandoned generations ago, the impressive fort was built atop the granite hill, as much to serve as a lookout as to provide an early line of defence against attacks on Jaipur. Turrets and watchtowers ensured an eagle’s eye view of the surrounding plains on all sides, blocking all possibility of a stealthy approach by the enemy. Thick walls dotted with openings for muskets added to the fort’s impregnable position.

Through the years of disuse, the fort had succumbed to the inroads made by time. Creeping decay, rubble from crumbled inner portions, and overgrown vegetation bearing thorns and brambles marked the fort, now inhabited by denizens who crawled, and an army of monkeys which found shelter within the high walls.

The property is currently owned by the 20th generation of the Mundota family, when the family decided to restore the fort and took a closer look at the property, the challenges were formidable. There was no approach up the hill which was steep and full of thorns. Surprises waltzed at every point, the fort had been inhabited by bats. The thick walls, almost two metres in some places, were formidable. They were so strong, and the owners wanted to preserve them as they were. That has been the idea behind the property – keeping the original structure and style intact, stone was used instead of marble on floors and walls. Also keeping in mind the fact this was a strategic warrior fort, meant to protect rather than house royalty, the furnishings are stark and minimal. Natural rock faces that jutted through the limestone finishing in places add to the realism of being in what was once a rocky refuge.

After an intensive seven-year restoration, the Mundota War Fort retains its original structure of towering turrets and and imposing walls. It offers an intimate experience with only ten luxury suites, all supplied with modern conveniences along with a private plunge pool or jacuzzi. Following a farm-to-table concept, the property offers its guests curated dining experiences with a new daily menu featuring vegetables & dairy products from the property’s private farm. Mundota was always known for its horses, and keeping the tradition alive – the family have their own private horse polo ground which houses some of India’s finest thorough-bred Polo ponies. Guests are offered exclusive access to the Polo grounds and the horses.