Overview

Pamper yourself with a visit to the Amraee Guest House in Pranpur, Madhya Pradesh. Located in Central India's Bundelkhand region, the village guest house is about 3 km from Chanderi, famous for its silks. Visit the village and let the rhythm of the looms create magic for your eyes and ears while you interact with weavers and design your own drape. The more adventurous could try their hand at weaving. Watch village life or visit the historic city of Chanderi while its past is unravelled brick by brick. Enjoy the folk tales hidden in the heart of Bundelkhand and surrender to folk music and lively dances of another India! Amraee will rejuvenate you with its earthiness and historic charm.

What we've planned for you...

Choose a mix of crafts, nature and history. The people of Pranpur are engaged in weaving Chanderi silk, pottery, metal work, stone carving and 'beedi' rolling. You can tour Pranpur with a local guide who will acquaint you with the craftspeople. You can interact with them and their families and learn about life in the village, education, economy and anything you want to know about. One can always learn from them so don’t be shy to ask for your turn at the loom or the wheel as most of them are keen to share their knowledge, sometimes for a small price. The experience, however, is priceless. The guest house also organises song and dance shows for guests who are interested in Bundelkhandi folk tradition.

Amraee Guest House is set in the middle of a mango orchard and it abounds in colourful butterflies and birds. Step out for a trek along the seasonal river Babhutia into the forest nearby or just climb the hillocks around for a better view of Pranpur. Your local guide will tell you many fascinating stories and interesting facts on the way. For instance, did you know the adivasis in the area use the root of a shrub to stun fish and make them easier prey? Or that a drongo which sits on the horn of cattle on its very first flight can cause the animal’s horn to fall off? In the rainy season, the forest trek will take you through knee-deep rivers and waterfalls. The sunrise at Rajghat Dam about 20 mins away and the sunset at Chanderi Fort about 3 km away are also worth seeing. Those interested in organic farming could dabble in the Amraee’s herbal garden and kitchen garden.

Chanderi is believed to have been set up by Vakradanta, the father of King Sisupal (King of Chedi who was killed by Lord Krishna). Chanderi is mentioned in the Mahabharata as Chedi, counted among the sixteen kingdoms that India was divided into in ancient times. Visible signs of its historic past can be found in cave paintings dating back to the upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Ages. These are on the banks of the Or and in Urvashi off Nanon village, 30 km from Pranpur. Several 8th to 12th century monasteries were built in Nagar style at Kadvaya (2 hour drive from Pranpur). Forts and palaces in Chanderi stand testimony to its tryst with history. Also among the 'must sees' are The Koshak Mahal, Jageshwari Temple and the Jama Masjid.

Chanderi is a city of 'baolis' or step wells built by the Sultans. There are at least 500 'baolis' across Chanderi, dating back to several centuries. The Mughal Emperor Babur is said to have laid siege to Chanderi in 1528, an event during which thousands of trapped troops of Raja Medini Rai committed mass suicide. Their wives committed jauhar in the fort in one of the largest community suicides in Indian history. The ASI museum at Chanderi offers a peek into sculptures that have been recovered from the 8th -11th century such as those in the Jain sites of Budhi Chanderi and Thoban.

Holiday with a difference...

The Amraee Guest House was set up as part of a UNDP and Government of India project to promote rural tourism. It was inaugurated in 2008. The Pranpur Village Tourism Development Committee maintains and runs the guest house. Its main aim is to promote the weavers, potters and metal workers while developing the village as a tourist site. You can directly interact with the local craftspeople and buy products from them, ensuring maximum revenue to them and recognition of their skills. You can also learn about Bundelkhandi folk art, music and dance.

How Much?

Single Occupancy ₹ 900
Double Occupancy ₹ 1500

* Prices valid up to 31st March 2012

Stay for 24 hrs

Extra bed policy & pricing - Adult ₹ 450/- , Children aged less then 6 stay free

Transfers - can be organized at an additional cost

Meal prices – included in the price

The tariff includes:

All meals and stay for 24 hours

Children in the age group of 0 to 5 - free

Excludes – anything not specifically mentioned

Weekend package:

2D/1N package - ₹ 2950 per person for 2 pax (double occupancy)
2D/1N package - ₹ 1990 per person for 4 pax or more (double occupancy)

Weekend package includes:

Pick up and drop at Lalitpur station, Tour of Pranpur and its crafts persons by walk, Raee / Sehra performance on the first evening of your stay, one day around Chanderi with a guide and vehicle, all meals, coffee and tea included.

Payment Policy – 100% payment to confirm the booking at least 48 hours before arrival

Cancellation policy - 7 days: full refund, more than 72 hrs and less than 7 days - 50% refund, less than 72 hrs - none Minimum stay or other restrictions – Alcohol is not served and consumption is not allowed on the guest house premises.

Guests are requested to follow the instructions kept in the rooms.

Full payment to be made 48 hours before arrival

The tour around Pranpur can be arranged on a bullock cart for an extra charge of ₹ 300/-