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IndiaJadhavGadh, Fort-turned-resort and museum, situated just 45 minutes drive from south of Pune - is a unique, must visit place. Located in the hills of Saswad, off Dive Ghat, near Mastani Lake, it is a 300+ year old fort which has been lovingly and meticulously restored, and made amenable to those who explore as well as who love their comfort.
Accommodation: consists of tents, wooden rooms and fort rooms. Tents are well designed, but the most basic stay. Wooden rooms are well-made, with inbuilt air-conditioning and washrooms - but situated near Segway activity area as well as organic farms, hence in a bit noisy. Both of these are a bit far from the fort, needing a trek to enjoy the dining and other facilities in the fort. The rooms in the fort - Kholis, Monsoon rooms, Suites - Maharaja, Maharani and Museum - are tastefully decorated, with good design inside, always freshly painted and have excellent and comfortable furnishing. Even the bath areas are huge, with good provisioning of hot water.
Restaurants: The buffet restaurant "Payatha" and a la carte restaurant "Chajja" are both great with their own USPs.
- Payatha serves excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner, and also host lavani and other performance arts on Fridays to Sundays in the evening. The freshly on-the-spot cooked food, tea and filter coffee of Payatha are excellent.
- Chajja's USP lies in the unique combination of food and drinks, both traditional Maharashtrian as well as continental. They have an excellent collection of wines and cocktails. It has a relaxed preparation and serving time, so recommend eating at a leisurely pace. If possible, do try the balcony seating overlooking the valley - it's an unique experience.
All of these unique experiences, and especially the amazing service, make this Fort a place worth visiting!