An essential stop in your Punjab itinerary is Bharatgarh Fort. Located on route between Amritsar and Chandigarh or Punjabiyat at Gurdaspur and Patiala it really is a great spot in Punjab for a two night stay. Team it with a visit to the very excellent Khalsa Heritage Centre that is a nearby 20 mins drive and you have a real winner.
Bharatgarh Fort is a unique place to stay. It’s the only living fort in Punjab and the home of Deepingar and Maninder who are a really lovely and interesting couple. They are the ninth descendants of the original owner of the fort back in 1783 who was one of the twelve rulers in Punjab. Deepingar is very helpful for organising taxis and helping you plan, so do ask for his recommendations. His suggestions for drivers are very good and the rates good value. Maninder is especially good at explaining Sikh and Punjabi heritage and history and why things re the way they are. Ask her all your questions. Both Deepingar ad Maninder are very accessible for help and support but they are also very sensitive to give you your own privacy and independence. They strike the perfect balance.
Housekeeper Manjit does a good job of looking after your day to day needs and Triveni in the kitchen cooks tasty meals. Meals are very generous and can accomodate your special requests. I recommend the full or half board option. A lavish breakfast and morning tea (before breakfast) and evening tea (around 5pm) is already included in the room tariff of 8500INR ($170 AUD including taxes) for the Heritage Suite. Lunch and dinner are 400INR ($8 AUD) per person for the vegetarian option or 500 INR ($10 AUD) for the non-veg option. You do need to know to bring cash for the payment as there are no credit card facilities.
The Heritage Suite is a real treat if it’s available. It has a great terrace overlooking the valley and village and gorgeous antique furnishings. But the Bastion Suite is also nice, as are the rooms which are cheaper. Wifi is usually good as are the hot showers, in room fridge, tea making facilities and everything else you could want or need.
Do take an early morning walk down to the Sutlej Canal.
And in the evening after a trip to the Khalsa Heritage Centre and evening tea, take a wander through the village. I picked up some great dupattas (shawls/scarves) inexpensive dramatic Punjabi earrings ($4 AUD each) and bangles from a very sweet and helpful young woman near the Avtar Sweets shop on the other side of the road).
And prioritise the Khalsa Heritage Centre. You really need 2-3 hours at least to appreciate the detail and effort that has gone into explaining Punjabi/Sikh history simply and creatively with multimedia at the Khalsa Heritage Centre in Anandpur Sahib. It’s such a fantastic resource and totally free!
The Heritage Suite with full or half board, the trip to the Khalsa Heritage Centre and the taxis organised through Deepingar, are all very good value. Along with the great value, you have a unique and very special opportunity to stay in a real and living fort with a special couple who share their lives and experiences with you.
Pleasure to host you and you have planned your holiday very well.this is the way to see India.
Thank you so much for your positive feedback! You are so right!