New Delhi : V Resorts Fort Auwa, opens in November 2013 in a quaint district named Pali, nestled beautifully on the banks of the River Bandi, just 35 km from Jodhpur. The Fort is famous for the 1857 mutiny in Rajasthan that began from Auwa when various Thakurs of Pali region confronted the British. Fort Auwa was surrounded by the British army and the conflict lasted many days. One British officer, Captain Mason was shot dead on the way to Auwa and his head was hung at the fort gate!

Pali is also the land where the Pandavas rested when on exile and sages meditated. The fort is being renovated keeping in mind its historical presence so that it appears as a relic of the long-gone period and is there today for the adventurous traveler to discover.

Vaibhav Dayal, Co-Founder of V Resorts said “Such restored forts are few in India where you get a glimpse of a bye gone era and you can live in an ambience which brings to life an epoch thousands of years old. Untouched nature and a rich cultural heritage is what makes Fort Auwa unique and striking.”

The fort has seen a lifetime of wars, the battle scars still visible in bullet ridden walls; the fort heralds a history 1000 years old. The architecture of the fort is an unusual mix of pre-Mughal traditional Hindu sculpture with Neo-Colonial, Indo-Saracenic style. The old fort is embellished by decorated surfaces, and horseshoe, pointed, and multi foil arches, spires and minarets in a magnificent manner.

The Fort has 19 rooms available to guests as well as a dining area serving authentic mouth watering Rajasthani cuisine. As you enter the courtyard there is a steeple in the middle and it is surrounded by old historical ruins which give you a fleeting glimpse of times gone by. It offers the discerning traveller an aesthetic peaceful retreat. Create your own memories here, watching the sunrise and sunset on old stone walls; celebrate tranquillity in this land marked by history. It’s a magical fairy tale setting and a near perfect historical destination.

Places of interest close by:

Bangur Museum

It is situated in the Pali city, named after Mr. Bangur, like many other buildings in Pali-Bangur Hospital, Bangur Dharmshala. Many old historical and artistic items like dresses, coins, arms etc. are kept here to attract tourists interested in Rajasthani culture.

Lakhotia Garden

Lakhotia Garden is situated in the heart of Pali city and surrounded by a pond. One beautiful temple of Lord Shiva is also situated in the middle of the garden.

Somnath Mandir

Historical Somnath Mandir is famous for its historical background and Shilpart. This Shiva temple is situated in the middle of the city. It was constructed by King of Gujarat Kumarpal Solanki in 1209 or A.D.1152.

Baoris

There are numerous Baoris (stepwells) in Pali and each has its own unique design and architectural excellence.

Maharana Pratap Smarak

The birthplace of Maharana Pratap, situated near Somnath temple. He was a loyal king and fought for India’s Independence.

Source : Khyati Minglani