Fort JadhavGADH, India's only luxury resort where history comes to life.

IF you want to go back in time, you do not need a time machine anymore. A trip to India's only resort inside an 18th century Maratha fort will quench your thirst to live like a royal and submerge yourself in the glistening history. The Fort JadhavGADH-A GADH heritage Hotel, which is a perfect blend of Indian culture, heritage and luxury in the heart of plush greenery, will transport you from the urbanisation to the era of Maratha legacy.

Spread across the 4.5 acres of land which was once a stronghold of Maratha army lieutenant Pilaji Jadhav, the 300-year-old Fort JadhavGADH in Hadapsar Pune is a place where simplicity meets royalty offering culture and luxury together where stories and memories are made.......

In a chat with FOUR Mr. Vishal Kamat, renowned hotelier and entrepreneur, shared his love and insights on the place that he calls magical. His passion and pursuit for preserving Indian heritage and his humility are the first things to notice on meeting him. The second, a sparkle in his eyes while talking of his accomplishment of being the proud owner of Fort JadhavGADH resort that mesmerized even Rajneesh (Osho).

What inspired you to transform this historic stronghold into a luxury heritage resort?

I fell in love with the place when I was 24-years-old and had visited the place with my father in 2005 when the royal family approached him. I was in awe of the fort and its historical significance. It's a fantasy. We do projects which give you satisfaction and money of course, but, seldom something comes along that can inspire a generation.

Looking back at your journey with Fort Jadhavgadh, what have been the most defining moments—both personally and professionally—in building and nurturing a heritage destination of this scale?

Ans: It has not been easy. When I was working on the restoration, particularly in the year 2013 to 2015, I learnt a lot of things about myself because there were a lot of challenges at that time. The resort wasn't doing as well compared to the present. I was constantly working on how to make it a place that creates experiences, a different story altogether for the patrons. When you stay at Fort JadhavGADH, you should come to appreciate and understand and enjoy the history, the nature and the entire overall environment. You should appreciate all aspects and the thought of the creators of the fort....the detailing and intricate designing to get a feel of the era that was.

How does Fort Jadhavgadh offer guests an authentic Maratha heritage experience beyond just accommodation?

Ans: It is a complete experience detached from the modernisation. The Britishers destroyed many forts, However JadhvGADH survived as it was the residence of the royal family. Now It has 57 rooms where guests can relax and immerse themselves in luxury and get pampered. Aai, the museum especially transforms the guests with display of an array of artifacts collected by my father which date back to 300 years given to him by families in the ‘wada’. The fort is so fascinating that in the late 70’s Rajneesh (Osho) had stayed here and meditated for hours in the dungeon on the property but he handed it back to the descendants of Pilaji Jadhav before we were approached.

In your view, how important is heritage hospitality in shaping India’s luxury tourism narrative today?

Ans. Heritage is an intricate part of my life, the Kamat’s have kept that alive in Fort JadhavGADH. People often misunderstand a fort to be just ruins but here history comes to life. Foreigners too are attracted to this place and we love to show it off. We have weddings here and even film shootings.

As a hospitality leader, how do you balance sustainability, community engagement, and luxury at a heritage property like Fort Jadhavgadh?

Ans. As an Indian, hospitality is the in our culture. We have done our best to give our guests the experience that they can carry with them for a lifetime with comfortable rooms, verity of food that are preferred by our guests with various activities within the walls.