Neemrana

It is Rajasthan's closest palace from New Delhi, situated at 122 kms. on the Delhi-Jaipur highway - only 100 kms from Delhi's international airport. Sited on a majestic plateau, concealed in a horseshoe formation of the billion year old Aravalli ranges.

Neemrana Fort, which dates back to 1464 can be credited with having started the weekend holiday craze that’s beset Delhi. The story began when the Fort, embraces by a horseshoe-shaped hill, was bought by writer Aman Nath and Francis Wacziarg from its Chauhan owners. They did a terrific job in resorting the fort, turing it into an opulent non-hotel on 10 levels.

Delightful in the winters and romantic in the rains, the Fort is tolerable even in Rajasthan’s summers, thanks to the high heat of noon. Discover bits of the fort at leisure or simply slump in a comfortable chair and gaze at the plains blow from a private deck as you sip your cuppa.

Though only the public areas are open to visitors, what you can access is spectacular Each room has been individually refurbished to create a different character with unique Indian objets d’art and colonial furniture. The dining room and lounge have open balconies and windows, and the restaurant often doubles as a performance area. There’s Suraj Kund, the royal reservoir – turned – swimming pool on a hillside terrace. And of course there are the famous loos – each with a view !

A rough trail downhill passes by an ancient baoli about a km away. This step-well plunges steeply down 11 levels with only the last two underwater. Echoing the architectural style of the 1700s, the 170 steps aren’t recommended for small children or arthrtitic knees. Also, villagers no longer come to draw drinking water from its now stagnant pools. Verandahs around each level are supported by pillars. Experts. Say these bear a strong resemblance to the columns in Delhi’s Qutb Minar complex – hardly surprising given that both there sites were chauhan strongholds’

Location : Just of the Jaipur highway

Telephone No : 01494 – 246006 / 8

Email : sales@neemranahotels.com

Website : www.neemranahotels.com

Accommodation : 44 Rooms.

Tariff : Rs 2200 – 12,000; TE Credit Cards Amex, Visa, Master

Facilities : Restaurant, bar, gym, health spa, Jacuzzi, indoor games, library, meditation. Sightseeing, swimming pool, yoga,