The Mud Fort

The Mud Fort at Kuchesar was the seat of the Jat kingdom of Uttar Pradesh, built in the mid eighteenth century and since preserved and turned into a heritage hotel. It still carries elements from the British era.

Its practical appeal is the distance: about seventy minutes from Delhi, which makes it a genuine weekend rather than an expedition. The grounds are large, with lawns and mango orchards to picnic in.

Days are built around the village rather than the building. There are bullock cart and tractor rides, bicycles to take around the village, pottery making, outdoor games and the farms to walk. The fort is also used as a wedding venue and for private dinners. Note that booking ahead is required to visit at all.