Tucked away in the heart of Kutch, Gujarat, a 120-year-old fort has been given a new lease of life. Once a symbol of regal history, this heritage marvel now serves as both a luxurious homestay and a CBSE school—all while being nestled amid a breathtaking orchard of 1,000 mango trees. Combining history, hospitality, and education, this transformation is redefining sustainable tourism and learning in India.

A Fort with a Rich Past

Built over a century ago, this fort stood as a testament to Kutch’s royal heritage. With its intricate stone carvings, traditional courtyards, and rustic charm, it once housed rulers and warriors. However, like many historic structures, it faced neglect over time. Instead of allowing it to crumble, a visionary family decided to preserve its legacy—but in a way that would make it relevant in the modern world.

From Royal Fortress to Heritage Homestay

Understanding the growing appeal of heritage tourism, the fort’s custodians transformed it into an eco-friendly homestay. Guests can now experience:

  • Authentic Kutch architecture, with rooms restored using traditional craftsmanship.

  • Organic farm-to-table meals, with fresh ingredients sourced from the surrounding mango orchards.

  • Cultural immersion, including folk music nights, handicraft workshops, and nature walks.

  • Sustainable living, as the fort is powered by solar energy and rainwater harvesting.

Visitors don’t just stay in a hotel—they live within history, experiencing the grandeur of the past with the comforts of today.

A School That Teaches Among Mango Trees

While the homestay welcomes travelers, the fort’s second transformation is even more remarkable—it now houses a CBSE school! The idea was to provide quality education in a serene, natural setting. The school is unlike any other:

  • Classrooms are built in open courtyards, allowing children to learn amidst nature.

  • The syllabus integrates sustainability, with lessons on organic farming, renewable energy, and conservation.

  • Students have access to over 1,000 mango trees, making it an ideal place for hands-on learning in agriculture and ecology.

  • Teachers blend tradition with modern education, ensuring students grow up with both academic excellence and cultural roots.

A Model for Sustainable Development

This initiative is more than just a restoration project—it’s a blueprint for how heritage conservation, tourism, and education can co-exist. By repurposing a historic structure, the project has:

  • Created local employment, by hiring artisans, teachers, and hospitality staff.

  • Boosted eco-tourism, attracting travelers who seek meaningful experiences.

  • Promoted heritage preservation, ensuring that Kutch’s history continues to thrive.

The Perfect Getaway & Learning Retreat

For those seeking a unique vacation, this fort-turned-homestay offers a rare chance to live like royalty. For students, it provides an education beyond textbooks, where they grow up surrounded by history and nature.

In an era where urbanization often overshadows history, this 120-year-old fort stands as a beacon of sustainable progress—where the past and the future exist in perfect harmony.