Ramathra
The tiny hamlet of Ramathra, located around 2-3 hours’ drive from Jaipur, Agra, Ranthambore, or Gangapur, is home to the idyllic Ramathra Fort. Loosely translated as ‘Rama stopped’, the hilltop enclave is so named as it is believed Lord Rama paused here – presumably to admire the rich rural scenery – during his epic journey from Ayodhya to Lanka. The Maharaja of Karauli granted Ramathra to his son Thakuar Bhoj Pal as a local fiefdom in 1645, with the fort and surrounding area remaining in the family to this day. The majority of local life has now moved out of the fort into tiny farming hamlets below; a walking tour of these villages is one of the retreat’s ‘must-dos’. The neighbouring Kalisil Lake – which stretches almost 17km when full – is lively with bird and animal life, and is a beautiful spot for a late afternoon boat trip.