Built since 1464 AD, Neemrana Fort-Palace is India's oldest heritage resort. It is also 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 became the third capital of the descendants
of Prithviraj Chauhan III, who was killed in battle by Mohammad Ghori in 1192 AD. This picturesque site was chosen by Raja Rajdeo and Neemrana derived its name from a brave local chieftain Nimola Meo,
who when defeated by the Chauhans, pleaded that his name be given to his lost kingdom.
Neemrana Fort Palace covers 25 acres/10 hectares and the stepped palaces of this architectural jewel cut into the hillside to sprawl over 3 acres/1.2 hectares and rises to 10 levels commanding the most
splendid views.
From 1986, the ruins of Neemrana Fort Palace have been sensitively restored and reconstructed. The rooms are furnished with an eclectic mix of traditional Indian and colonial furniture, antiques and
object d'art. Most rooms have private balconies or terraces and the loos are designed to have views!
Neemrana also boasts of an old and very magnificent nine storied baori (step well). This stepwell was constructed around 1700 A.D. by Thakur Janak Singh and the local population informs the visitors
that there are nine storey above and tow below the water lever. It has 170 steps and as you descent, the entire construction becomes telescopic and the felling of entering the grotto overwhelms. From
the water source, you can see the rising tiered structure and the open key. The atmosphere is moist and cool. Both sides of this flight of steps are storey of verandahs which allowed the people to rest
and relax. The pillars have a strong similarity to the architectural design of the pillars of the old temple at Qutub Minar complex outside Delhi which was constructed by Prithviraj Chauhan. Legend has
it that Neemrana, at one time, was the home of Chauhan Rajputs and one descendant of Prithviraj converted to Islam and settled in Neemrana. This Baori is still in use, both for consumption of water by
humans and for irrigation. The backdrop of the Neemrana Fort adds to the scenic environment. |
