Amla

Located about 120 km from the city of Indore, Amla is a village that lies between Ujjain and Ratlam. The road to the village goes through open countryside with wheat farms, guava groves and villages. Birds of prey can be seen hovering over the plains. The historical village, featuring many old buildings, was ruled by Sisodia Rajputs from Mewar. It was a bit unique, being a Rajput principality in the Maratha-ruled Malwa. The main reason for visiting Amla is that it’s fort is one of the few heritage hotels in western Madhya Pradesh. Run by the scions of the Amla rulers, the fort is enclosed by high walls. Inside the fort is a courtyard garden enclosed by the facades and arcades. The interiors have been appointed with antiques and old furniture. Parakeets and other fruit-eating birds abound in the area because of the fruit trees nearby. You may also spot hawks and falcons sitting on the walls.

Besides village, Fort Amla is known for agricultural tours of the farms and orchards in the region called Barnagar. This is a major production area of soyabean, green peas, tomatoes and green chilies. The owner also has orchards with pomegranate, mango and guava. Here you can participate in activities like picking fruits and vegetables, farming and meeting local people.