Neemrana Fort Palace: Guide For First-Timers

Let us go back to the times gone by and imagine-it is the 15th century, you are the prince/princess of Rajasthan, taking a deeply relaxing hot water bath surrounded by people serving you exquisite food, there is an aura of resplendence with pleasant music, and indeed life could not get any better. Living the royal life in the princely state of Rajasthan is no longer a fantasy but a dream come true. The 15th-century palace of Neemrana which is of great historical importance was in ruins until recently paid attention to and has been since converted into India’s first heritage hotel. Located at just 100 Kilometres from Delhi, this palace is one of the favorite destinations for a leisurely stay, often swarming with celebrities to just unleash and relax.

Sitting on a plateau of the 2 billion-year-old Aravalli ranges, if you thought this palace could not get more historically rich, you are in for a surprise. Neemrana’s occupants were of the royal Prithviraj Chauhan lineage. Following the siege by the British Empire, the rulers fled, leaving the palace in ruins. It wasn’t until 1986 that the palace was restored to its previous glory. Go for hotels in Neemrana right now to explore the best fort in Rajasthan.

At present, Neemrana fort palace is touted as one of the most unique hotels in the world! It is an architectural wonder as the restoration has brought the heritage linked with the palace to even more astounding heights. Another important piece of information about the restoration is that the original doors and windows and many major elements of the palace are kept untouched and restored to their original splendor.

Nestled among the quiet Aravalli range, this exquisite heritage resort drapes the cliff across a large area of 25 green acres and is 14-tiered by its original stance. There are 72 suites in total with features adorning the hotel such as hanging gardens, pavilions, and balconies adding to the aesthetic value of the grand palace. There are 3 conference halls as well where ceremonies and celebrations take place. The beauty of the palace is further enhanced by two large dazzling pools that sparkle in the sun and gleam in the moonlight. There is a special upper-level pool that is converted to a sauna in winters. Budget hotels in Neemrana are available for all types and kinds of tourists to book.

This palace screams of nothing but royalty, with every detail tailored to match the lavish lifestyle of ancient Indian nobility. The contemporary twists added to the palace which also suits the modern requirements of the elite set of travelers make it even more alluring. The palanquin services offered to carry the specially-abled and elderly to the likes of royalty highlights the theme that anyone can be a royalty here. As we all know how our modern culture is inclined towards healthy eating; hence, they also have a separate eco-farm providing raw materials for organic food to be prepared. The famous Maha Burj gold-platter thali for Rajasthani cuisine has to be tried at least once in your lifetime.

There are various packages which one may choose according to their needs. If you are looking for a trip to the fort during a weekday, the entry fee comes up to Rs.284 with a lunch buffet provided for Rs.1416 between 9 A.M. and 2:30 P.M. If you are planning to visit on a weekend, the entry fee is Rs. 584 and the lunch buffet costs the same(Rs.1416) between 12 P.M. and 2:30 P.M. The timings to visit and tour the fort palace is from 9 A.M. till 3 P.M. If you are planning an overnight stay the tariffs vary from Rs.4500 till Rs.35000 without taxes. Hotels in Neemrana are both economical and comfortable.

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Things to do:

Once you have reached the palace and are going to immerse yourself in the experience it has to offer, you might not want to go any further and explore the relaxing vibes of the place. Neemrana has much more to offer if you are ready to wander more and ditch your tempting leisure time.

The cultural events organized inside the palace’s premises are something to look forward to. Offering cultural and heritage exposure to Rajasthan and its rich traditions, Neemrana music foundations perform every weekend along with various folk dance performances.

The Raj Kund located on the edge of the plateau is well-known for its rejuvenating property and calming experience. Special Ayurvedic massages tend to unnerve your senses and create a rejuvenating aura. There is a list of treatments that are offered, which can be tailored to your needs. Hotels in Neemrana near the palace are also available.

There is a multimedia tour encasing the rich heritage of the palace which can be taken as you walk around and explore it. There are camel rides also provided, which take you on a tour to the nearby places and also inside the palace. Surely, you are bound to feel like a true Rajasthan royal with this ride!

There are few things that can be done outside but in close proximity to the palace.

1. Ziplining

This popular and thrilling adventure sport found its way to this palace nearly a decade back. Quite opposite to the calmness you experience inside the palace, zip-lining from the fort leading into the bushes will kick in the adrenaline rush you have been missing out on. This zip line extends to about 400 m and lasts about 2-2.5 minutes in total.

2. Boari stepwell

Adding to the ancient history of Neemrana is the largest and deepest step well in India leading to a pool of cool water that never goes hot due to its architectural construction technique. Located very close to the palace premises, this archaic well gives us a glimpse into the kind of lives people of Rajasthan led around 3 centuries back. What makes it more fascinating is how the step well’s water is still fit for consumption and is used by locals to date. Budget hotels in Neemrana in and around the stepwell are also available.

3. Vintage Car ride

The management of Neemrana has gone great heights to ensure that visitors have an immersive cultural exposure. The residents of the palace are treated to an exclusive Vintage car ride around the village for 5 Km. the ride costs 1300 rupees plus taxes for three people.

4. Sariska National Park

If you are into wildlife and nature, this famed national park is a spot you do not want to miss after traveling this far. Located at a distance of 116 Km, this park is deep within the forested area of the Aravalli range. It is well acclaimed for being one of the few tiger reserves in India. The variety of flora and fauna is spread across 800 sq. km. Visitors can take a safari package to witness the wildlife it has to offer more closely. The dense forest, streams of flowing water, and cliffs formed from canyons are sure to bring you closer to nature. It is one of the places for top sightseeing in Haryana.

5. Fort of Kesroli

A 2-hour drive from Neemrana would take you to the Fort of Kesroli, a 14th-century architectural wonder. The seven turret fort has also been converted into a luxury hotel and offers a distinct experience from Neemrana fort.

6. Bala Quila or Alwar Fort

Another ancient marvel is the ruins of the Alwar fort located on a high cliff. This is one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan. It boasts 15 large and 51 small towers within its vicinity. Apart from being magnificent architecture also offers splendid views of the city of Alwar from the top. It is open from 10 A.M. till 5 P.M. and entry is free. Those wondering how to travel from Delhi to Neemrana can look for online travel bookings.

7. Vinay Vilas Mahal or City palace

Even though there are numerous forts in and around Neemrana, the city palace offers a different perspective. The ground floor of the palace reflects a pool of water bodies. There is also a museum that gives us a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle lived by the royals. The palace is open every day from 10 A.M till 4 P.M. except for Saturdays. The Best hotels in Neemrana are available for bookings around this palace.

The best season to visit Neemrana is from September to March. The climate varies between 27 degrees to 5 degrees which is sure to make your stay pleasant. It is suggested to plan and book your stay in Neemrana a few months in advance. The ideal way to reach the fort is via Delhi by road, where the nearest airport is also located. Since Neemrana is located on the Delhi-Jaipur Highway, traveling by private vehicle will help in easily getting to nearby places as well. As for public transportation, the Rajasthan government-run buses are available from Delhi.

An additional tip if you are traveling as a family, is to look into the family-friendly packages offered at the fort palace and choose your stay accordingly. The Fort palace is a must-visit to live like a true Rajasthan royalty, even if it is for a few days.

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