We left the opulence of the Sara Villas and the artistry of the Havalis and headed deeper into the Desert. As we drover further towards the Thar Desert it became clear that we were driving off the normal tourist map as thatched mud huts lined the road and the villages became even more run down. Our destination was Khimsar Fort. On entering the village of Khimsar we could see what seemed like a mirage on on the hill, the Maharaja’s residence and our hotel, Fort Khimsar. As soon as we became aware of the Fort our vehicle was swamped by hundreds of turbaned men yelling and covering the road. Davinder forced his way through the crowds and into the driveway and into another world. Residence of the 18th, 19th and 20th Maharaja of Khimsar this fort is converted into the most gorgeous hotel. Though we like to imagine the crowd was because of our arrival, apparently it was actually due to the unveiling of a statue of the old Maharajah.
We sat on the rapparts and enjoyed a delicious roti and dhal for Lunch. After a long overdue bout of exercise in the Gym and swim we did a little shopping from the local crafts men and women.
Dinner was served by fire light in the old ruins within the fort at which point we all agreed that we had found the location for the next James Bond movie and pinched ourselves at our own good fortune.
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