I love this place for the stunning view, and extremely warm and friendly staff. Though the hotel isn't equipped with amenities like TV, or fancy housekeeping services, it does its best to make you feel comfortable. One review here spoke about filthy sheets et al, but I didn't find it so. Only one man took care of cleaning ALL the 30 rooms there, and did an admirable job of it.
Getting to the hotel Karni Fort, Bambora is awful, since the roads are 'raw', bumpy, and there isn't a single toilet on the way. Make sure you don't tax your bladders by drinking a lot before you begin your journey here, which might be hard given that there are 9 beer shops en route instead. Roads are narrow, dusty, but smooth at places. Since this place is a good 45kms (give or take) from the Udaipur airport, be prepared for a long long ride. As you near the fort, keep your eyes peeled for the directions, the sign boards are worn out and the local kids point together in different directions if you ask them.
One thing the hotel doesn't compromise on is open spaces. They have a park as you enter, there's a courtyard inside, and all around you are trees, fields and wind. The doors to the hotel date back to when the fort was built, and are marvelous. You can also take a walk through the nearby village, and interact with the friendly locals.
All the rooms have a breath taking view of rolling fields and plains. I recommend the suite on the first floor (the room name is 'Gloriosa Superba'). It's colourful, spacious, airy and can easily accommodate 4 people. There's a window ledge where one can sleep, and in the morning, dozens of swallows are lined up outside your window, though they're not noisy. You can also see peacocks strutting below. From the ledge across the room, you get a view of the pool side, and the odd 'langurs' that chase you if you get too close (personal experience). Visit the terrace, it's always windy here and has a superb view of the place for miles around.
Food was passable, since they didn't make local food well on request. Also, the tomato soup I ordered the second time was served watery and orange, and tasted suspiciously like tomato ketchup mixed with corn flour. They don't have a fixed menu, so I recommend asking them to describe the food there if you aren't a native. At times, the food is extremely oily. Don't hesitate to talk to the staff about any misgivings or complaints, as their service is unparalleled by any of the high-brow five star hotels I've been to so far.
Another downside is that we had gone their in winter, and it can get quite nippy. Surprisingly, they didn't have running hot water in the mornings, and this made bathing a shivering ordeal.
They have a good collection of books, mainly German and English, with some Chinese, Italian and French titles thrown in. Make sure you ask about the secret passage way they have. It originally ran for 5kms, but most of it was caved in. They also have an 18th century jacuzzi, but it's too expensive.
There is precious little to do here in the immediate vicinity. You won't get internet access, or daily newspapers. This is a place you go to for relaxation and peace. If you want to go sightseeing, the hotel fixes it up for you too. Check out the 1000 year old Jagat temple. Highly underrated and worth a visit indeed.
- Karni Fort Bambora Udaipur
