FORT BISHANGARH POET MOMENT
Land of a Thousand Verses: A Poetic Journey Through Time
Crafted in collaboration with celebrated poet Nikita Gill, this experience invites guests to explore Rajasthan’s storied past through poetry, landscape, and living memory—guided by Dr. Wamiq Saifi, a modern-day Raj Kavi whose ancestors once served as royal poets to kings and queens.
Price
INR 80000 per couple
Duration
5 - 6 hours
Recommended Dress
Resort casual wear is advisable with consideration of seasonal temprature. Sports shoes are strongly recommended for this experience.
Additional Details
This Moment was crafted in partnership with acclaimed international poet Nikita Gill, Dr. Wamiq Saifi, and our team at Alila Fort Bishangarh.
Experience
Long before history was written, it was recited—passed down in verse by poets of the royal courts. At Alila Fort Bishangarh, that tradition lives on. Spend a day hearing the stories of the land brought to life in verse—through fortresses, temples, villages, and timeless terrain.
This experience was created in partnership with acclaimed poet Nikita Gill and unfolds in three immersive chapters, led by Dr. Wamiq Saifi, an Urdu scholar and descendant of a distinguished family of Raj Kavis—the official poets of Rajasthan’s royal courts, entrusted with preserving legacy through words. With poetry as your guide, the journey moves through fortresses, temples, villages, and quiet landscapes, weaving together the past and present in elegant rhythm.
The first chapter begins within the fort itself, where the sound of nagadas—ceremonial drums—marks your passage through silent corridors, dungeons, and watchtowers. Here, Dr. Saifi revives the stories of warriors and royals, his verse echoing against ancient stone.
In the second chapter, you’ll venture into the rural beauty of Amarsar, birthplace of the Shekhawati clan. Trek through the Aravalli hills, pause at the ruins of Amarsar Fort, and visit the 5000-year-old Mata Kali Devi Temple, where each step invites reflection.
The final chapter brings you to Shahpura, seat of present-day Shekhawati royalty. Amidst frescoed halls and historic havelis, poetry continues the narrative—now rich with memory, artistry, and renewal.
Across all three chapters, the presence of poetry—past and present—offers not just storytelling, but a deeper sense of place. These are not simply tours; they are living narratives, carried forward by a voice rooted in royal tradition, yet attuned to the present moment.
Itinerary
Arrival & Welcome
Guests are received at the Haveli with a traditional Rajasthani welcome—folklore, vibrant dress, and the soulful sounds of the Ravanhatta, a centuries-old stringed instrument. This marks the beginning of an evocative poetic journey through time and place.
Chapter I: The Fort Unfolds
Begin at the Pehla Darwaza, the gateway to Alila Fort Bishangarh. Walk through silent corridors, dungeons, and terraces as Dr. Wamiq Saifi brings the stone to life with verse—stories of warriors, lost traditions, and enduring spirit echoing through the architecture. For guests preferring a seated experience, this chapter may be enjoyed in the Kachhawa Library with visual accompaniment.
Chapter II: Amarsar and the Aravallis
Venture into the rural landscape on a guided trek past ancient temple ruins and through the low ridges of the Aravalli hills. Pause at the open-air Mata Kali Devi Temple, nestled high in the rocks, where devotion and natural beauty intertwine. At Amarsar Fort—the birthplace of Maharao Shekhaji—Dr. Saifi shares the story of a warrior’s honor and sacrifice, told in verse amid crumbling walls and sweeping views.
Chapter III: Shahpura and the Legacy of Shekhawati
Travel to Shahpura, the cultural heart of the Shekhawati region. Visit the town’s historic fort and haveli, adorned with royal portraits and fading frescoes that reflect centuries of noble lineage. Here, poetry gives voice to place, tracing a legacy still visible in the quiet grandeur of its architecture.
Guftagu: Reflection and Farewell
The experience concludes with a gentle gathering—over seasonal refreshments at the organic farm or the Kachhawa Lounge. In this final moment of guftagu, or poetic conversation, guests are invited to pause, reflect, and carry the emotion of the day forward.
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Get a glimpse into Rajasthan’s creative soul as you spend an intimate day with the region's best artisans on this artisan trail through Shahpura. Gain a newfound appreciation for ancient crafts—and reconsider your connection to "stuff"—during this enlightening outing.
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Daya ki Rasoi—A Culinary Excursion
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From harvesting honey and vegetables to milking goats and mastering spice blends, this hands-on cooking journey connects you with the land—and the locals who live from it.