If you are looking for some awesome weekend getaway options that are not mundane and are just a drive away from Delhi, then the Neemrana Fort Palace situated along the Delhi-Jaipur highway will blow you away. It is just 122 kms away from Delhi and 150 kms from Jaipur. A royal holiday set against the beautiful Aravali mountains awaits you at the Neemrana Fort Palace in Alwar which is also home to some of the best monuments of it’s time.
The Neemrana Fort Palace was constructed in the 15th Century and it is one of the best heritage hotels you will ever find in India. Like all the other Neemrana properties, this one too has been restored keeping its authenticity alive with a Non Hotel Hotel vibe. This fort was the third capital of the descendants of Prithviraj Chauhan III.
The minute you step foot on their premises, a traditional Rajasthani yet colonial architecture welcomes you and at the same time transports you back in time as you walk through the larger than life wooden gates.
Neemrana Fort Palace is strategically placed on a hilltop that is a humongous 12-tiered space spread over 25 acres. We stayed on the 11th level of the magnanimous grand room called “Gajendra Mahal” which translates to a Palace of the Elephant King. It comes with a huge verandah and a private staircase leading up to the room. The rocking chair and some chai-pakoda make for ideal sunset companions while you laze in your heritage verandah.
You have clear views of the countryside from one end and it also overlooks the terraced gardens where we loved dining under the moonlit sky. This grand room has all the aesthetics and ambiance in sync with the elephant theme, which is also showcased through artefacts that depict the stories of the elephant king who was rescued by Lord Vishnu and delivered to heaven.
My favourite corners were the two swings (big one and a smaller copper one) and the two separate washrooms with a bathtub as well. Plus, did I mention it also comes with an old-fashioned study table and the 4 persons private Jacuzzi right across our verandah over looking the entire city.
Here are some of the things we absolutely recommend for you to try at the most loved Neemrana Fort Palace :
- A dip in one of the two pools that have such different settings and look and feel.
- An early morning Yoga session with a professional coach which is such a calming way to start your day. I was the first one to be here by the way on all the days and I love their spacious and airy Yoga room.
- Neemrana’s signature couple’s massage at their Ayurvedic spa that is followed with a sauna and stone-carved shower area is a grand experience. Don’t forget to try their organic body scrubs and polishes.
- Neemrana also has India’s first ever “Zip-lining tour” in their property and is a splendid aerial sport for all you adventure lovers.
- Cultural, musical and dance activities take place at the hotel that you can be a part of at their open amphi-theatre and outside Hawa Mahal.
- Vintage Car drives can be arranged for you by the hotel staff on booking in advance that take you around the area and the local markets. You have to make some quick pit stops for beautiful pictures with the mountains in the background.
- Make sure to try different cuisines from various restaurants of the fort. Their chaats and bruschetta were my personal favourites.
- You can book a camel ride that takes you around the fort to “Chand Baori” or “Rani Ki Baori” (stepwell) which was built by King Chanda of the Nikumbha Dynasty in the 9th century AD. It is truly an architectural wonder with 3,500 perfectly made symmetrical steps.
- Drop off your kids at “Masti Mahal” and let them have a ball with other kids and a room full of toys and funny mirrors.
- Enjoy Rajasthani cultural activities at Hawa Mahal while you dine with your family and loved ones.
Since all the rooms are designed in a different manner, on our last night, we shifted to another suite called “Donna Mahal”. This is also known as the suite of the Lady and it has beautiful gardens on the side. I loved the French architecture and designs right from the stained glass fanlights to the carved French windows and the verandah with wooden pillars. Such a beautiful contrast this was in the two flavours of our Suites from this trip.
I would personally suggest you to stay here for minimum three nights to experience this grand fort entirely!! Happy Heritage Travel people!! Stay tuned for our Neemrana Vlogs that will be out soon.
Book your own room now – Reservations
Check out our stay at Neemrana Fort Tijara & Fort Kesroli here
Until Next Time loves!!
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