Neemrana Fort-Palace

It all goes back to 1464, when Prithviraj Chauhan III, after being defeated by Muhammad Ghori, left Delhi and set up what’s now Neemrana Fort-Palace. The fort stood strong for centuries, but by the time India got its independence in 1947, parts of it had started falling apart. Raja Rajinder Singh eventually moved to Vijay Bagh, and the fort was left abandoned for a while.

In 1977, Aman Nath and Francis Wacziarg came across the fort while researching a book on frescoes called The Painted Walls of Shekhavati. They were immediately drawn to it and got in touch with the Raja. Fast forward to 1986, and they bought it for Rs 700,000 (USD 7,900). They thoughtfully restored the fort, and by 1991, it opened as a heritage hotel with just 12 rooms.

Over the years, the fort won the INTACH-Satte award in 2000 for restoration and tourism and was even nominated for the Aga Khan Award in 2004. The fort-palace has also hosted events like the International Festival of Indian Literature in 2002, Mastermind India, various conferences, and countless weddings. Beyond the history and grandeur, it also supports the local community, provides jobs, and offers guests a stay that’s completely one-of-a-kind in the Aravalli hills.

This 15th-century hilltop fortress spans 14 levels, with nine palace wings, each having its own character, from the grand Durbar Hall to the serene Hawa Mahal, and every corner is adorned with intricate carvings, frescoes, and old-world charm. The fort-palace is a stunning blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, and its terraces and ramparts offer breathtaking views of the surrounding Aravalli hills.

While there are plenty of steps and ramps, two modern lifts added in 2016 make it easier to enjoy much of the fort without losing the sense of adventure. Neemrana Fort-Palace has 81 rooms and suites, along with hanging gardens, two infinity-like pools, including a temperature-controlled pool, an Ayurvedic spa, and a gym.

Dining at Neemrana Fort-Palace means everything’s fresh and local, and the menus really show off the flavors of the region. Mostly, it’s North Indian fare, but they mix it up with South Indian, French, Italian, Chinese, and Thai dishes too, so the buffet spreads never get boring. Lunch and dinner pop up in different spots around the fort depending on the season, so every meal feels a little different.

Hawa Mahal Restaurant
Offers light snacks throughout the day. Perfect for a quick bite or tea while enjoying views of the fort’s courtyards.

Opening hours: 11 am to 11 pm

Jalgiri Mahal
Serves North Indian cuisine along with Asian, Chinese, and desserts. it’s great for breakfast, lunch, or a relaxed dinner in historic surroundings.

Opening hours: 7 am to 11 pm

Uncha Bagh & Mukut Bagh
Set amidst hanging gardens, these venues serve authentic Indian and multi-cuisine meals. Outdoor dining with greenery and a serene ambiance.

Holi Kund
It is set on a terrace with sweeping views of the fort and the landscape beyond. The setup creates an intimate, open-air atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed dinner under the sky.

Qanat Mahal
Specializes in local and international dishes, including Mughlai fare. A charming spot where you can enjoy traditional flavors in a heritage setting.

Raj Mahal Bar
Full-service bar with lunch and dinner options. Indoor and rooftop seating provide stunning fort views, ideal for evening drinks.

Opening hours: 4 pm to midnight

Aatam Sukh Bar
Casual spot for cocktails and drinks paired with light food. A great place to unwind after exploring the fort.

Jag Mag Restaurant
Indoor and terrace seating overlooking the Aravalli hills. Offers multi-cuisine meals in a relaxed yet historic setting, perfect for lunch or dinner with a view.

Neemrana makes for a unique wedding venue, offering a mix of history, architecture, and natural beauty. Couples can book anything from a few rooms to the entire property, making it suitable for both intimate gatherings and large celebrations. Ceremonies can be set in courtyards, terraces, or rooftop gardens, with options for traditional or contemporary décor.

Entertainment can include drummers, classical musicians, dancers, or live performances. Dining is equally flexible, with Indian and continental menus laid out across different venues. With its historic vibe, scenic surroundings, and flexible spaces, Neemrana offers a setting that can be tailored to suit a variety of wedding styles and preferences.

One of the highlights they offer is a wedding spa station, a simple way to make the day feel extra special. They usually set this up for the Mehendi or Sangeet, when the celebrations are lively and guests can use a little pampering. Guests can enjoy 10–15 minutes of hand or foot massage, a thoughtful touch that shows gratitude and care. There’s no limit on how many guests can use the service during the scheduled hour. Rates are Rs. 40,000 (USD 450) for 5 hours with 2 spa stations.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

For relaxation, the Ayurvedic Wellness Spa is available, along with complimentary yoga sessions. Guests can also unwind in the temperature-controlled pool, gym, or recreation room, which includes billiards, table tennis, and board games. Evenings often feature theatre shows and folk dance performances, giving everyone a chance to enjoy some local culture.

For parents looking for a little break, Neemrana Fort-Palace has the Masti Mahal, where kids can entertain themselves with toys, games, and funny mirrors. There’s also an outdoor play area at the base of the hanging gardens, perfect for little ones to run around. There’s a pool room too, right by the reception.

Neemrana also offers plenty of ways to explore. Guests can enjoy camel rides or vintage car rides to nearby villages, or trek up the hills and dunes to visit the historic 18th-century stepwell. Camel rides start at Rs. 400 (USD 4.5) per person, camel carts for 3–4 people cost Rs. 1,000 (USD 11), and a 5-kilometer vintage car ride around the village is Rs. 2,000 (USD 23) for up to four people.

Neemrana Fort-Palace is also a great choice for business meetings and private gatherings. They offer creative, open-air conference spaces in winter with views over the countryside, or you can choose from a variety of interiors, each with modern facilities. Neemrana goes beyond conventional event spaces and is ideal for private celebrations, business meetings, or any gathering that needs a memorable backdrop.