I have always been fascinated by the grandeur and majesty of forts and palaces. Those magnificent monuments speak of a glorious era gone by! They tell stories of kings and kingdoms, of war and bravery, of passion and gallantry. Naturally, I was psyched and along with a bunch of friends zeroed in on the Neemrana Fort Palace which is one of the best weekend getaways from Delhi, India.
Built in 1464 AD, Neemrana Fort-Palace is India's oldest heritage resort. It is located in the ancient town of Neemrana in Rajasthan, India. An architectural delight, it is sited on a majestic plateau, veiled in a horseshoe formation of the billion-year-old Aravalli hill ranges.
Getting There
It is some 106 kms away from New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. You can take the NH48 highway to Jaipur and reach the palace in two hours. You can also reach the palace by taking a train from New Delhi Railway Station, which is some 120 kms away from Alwar, and reach in two and a half hours.
We took the NH48 (I would recommend going there by road) to reach the palace nestled amidst greenery on the Delhi-Jaipur highway. The scenic Aravalli hill ranges were definitely worth the drive! The ideal time to visit this place is from July to March. The monsoon here is quite refreshing and soothing, whereas the winter is delightful.
The Mighty Palace & our Royal Welcome!
As we ascended the slightly hilly entrance to the fort-palace overlooking the town of Neemrana, I was awestruck by the giant entrance gate, embedded with spikes huge enough to immobilize an invading army! The “Dwarpaals” (Royal Gatekeepers) with their trademark handlebar mustaches and red turbans welcomed us with folded hands. The entrance was lined up with the traditional “palanquins” which is a one-person carriage traditionally used by royal women for transport.
Living up to the royal tradition, we were welcomed with the refreshing drink - “Gulaab Jal” (Rose Water) which is an exquisite drink made from rose extracts, a drink which was used to welcome kings and ambassadors in medieval India!
As we were escorted to our rooms, the “Anurakhshak” (Guide) told us of the history of the palace and that this quaint site was chosen for construction by king “Raja Rajdeo” and that Neemrana derived its name from a brave local chieftain Nimola Meo, who when defeated by a neighboring kingdom, pleaded that his name be given to his lost kingdom.
From 1986, the ruins of this Fort-Palace have been sensitively restored and reconstructed. The rooms are furnished with a mix of traditional Indian and colonial furniture and antiques. Most rooms have private balconies or verandas designed to have views!
The Lavish Food!
Being a foodie, I definitely hit the jackpot at Neemrana Palace as food is an integral part of the Rajasthani culture. With a plethora of restaurant options - like the “Aam Khas” (Common Special), “Panch Mahal” (The Palace of Five), Amaltasse, “Aranya Mahal” (The Forest Palace) and “Holi Kund”, we were spoiled with choices.
We decided on the Panch Mahal for its mouth-watering banquet and an equally impressive food décor (Trust me on this! The delicacies had been beautifully laid out!). I highly recommend the famous “Laal Maans” (translates to “Red Meat”) which is a mutton curry prepared in sauces and hot spices like chilly and garlic and eaten with chapati or rice. For vegetarians, I would recommend the “Besan Gatte” which is a dish made of gram flours. (Spice alert! Rajasthan being an arid place has very few spices, chilies being one of them and so it is used a lot in Rajasthani food giving it its signature red color).
Activities
1. Dipping in Raj Kund - the pool on the plateau
I was revitalized at the Raj Kund, the pool-on-the plateau. Relaxing in the pool above the landscape to the horizon surrounded by many sun-deck porticos! The cherry on the cake was Neemrana’s Ayurvedic massage which completely rejuvenated me. (Just what you need after a hectic week at work!) A host of treatments, including those for detoxification and rejuvenation, were also offered there.
2. Camel Rides!
As cliché as it sounds, riding on a camel cart is the best way to explore the beautiful gardens and the nearby villages at Neemrana. A ride for two cost us around INR 500.
3. Vintage car ride
Zipping around the Neemrana villages in a million-dollar vintage car (which once belonged to the king of Neemrana), I was transported back in time. The ride dove me into the history of the town and the downfall of its rulers. It costs around INR 1000 for three to four people and is definitely a recommended activity if you want to feel like royalty (at least temporarily) !
4. Zip-Zap-Zoom - The Zip Tour
For the adventurous ones, this is one of the most thrilling and memorable things to do in Neemrana Fort Palace! Zip tour is India’s first new zipline aerial adventure and a must experience for everyone coming here.
5. Cultural events
Cultural performances are organized every weekend by the Neemrana Music Foundation which adds to the charm of the palace. For natives and foreigners, this is great way to immerse yourself in the Indian culture!
After all the exploration, the food and the activities, we decided to pack our bags and head back to Delhi. Driving back through the sunset was the perfect end to a perfect day!
Overall, Neemrana offers a unique experience of seeing and ‘living’ history. Being here takes you back to days of royalty and lets you experience exceptional hospitality of this beautiful town. Be it your romantic escapade, a family holiday, or a weekend trip with friends, this place has something for everyone to cherish for a lifetime.
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