Travel Log/Hotel review: Living in the 1500s via Fort Neemrana in Rajasthan, India

What was life like before air conditioning, the internet, and smart phone (seriously, I barely remember life before the internet  - ahh the dark ages!)

Overall Review
I embrace the trappings of modernity, but am also enamored of architecture and sites that recall the past.  It is pretty amazing and difficult to find sites like Neemrana Fort-palace in Rajasthan that was built in 1464.  My good friend got married there and it was a great chance to stay at the fort as well.  While you have to endure a 3+ hour drive from Delhi to the fort, you will see so many interesting things (the drive itself is an adventure and we got in an accident on the way back - keep your eyes closed).  We slowed down for camel traffic and saw the city melt away into the country side.  Have patience during your drive and don't be afraid of oncoming traffic (I would have a heart attack if I drove here!)

The fort itself has such beautiful character.  The outdoor areas had such vibrant color without being too bold.  Don't you love the turquoise chairs?  I also loved all the beautiful doorways - each one peeked into another corner of the fort.

Room
I loved attending a wedding at the fort and getting to stay here.  Keep in mind that the amenities aren't super modern so the shower may take a little longer to warm up and you'll have to remember to bring your large key around.  There is a wide variety of rooms too so I'd recommend a splurge if you want a bit more space.

Service
Service is great and there is always someone to help with a bag or offer a drink.  There is a lot of staff around, but their English isn't always great so keep that in mind.

Pricing
The pricing really ranges - right now the rooms range from 2500 to 22000 Rps (or about $50-$440).  If you're with a group, get a suite for a lot less!  Our room was on the lower-middle end of the range.

Facilities
Be careful and wear comfortable shoes around the complex because there are a lot of stairs everywhere as well as a steep walk up from the front gate.  Otherwise the restaurants were modern and the pool well maintained.

I hope you enjoyed my peek inside this fort palace!

Travel Log: A Northern Indian Wedding at Neemrana Fort-Palace in Rajasthan, India

What do you imagine when you picture an Indian wedding?

If you envision vibrant jewel tones, contagious singing and dancing, and a visual delight of ceremony and fashion you are right on! This was actually the fifth Indian (Hindu) wedding I've attended but my first one in this region. The wedding venue, Neemrana Fort-Palace, only added to the romantic vibe of the occasion. The beautiful arches and architecture hailed from 1464 and have been restored in beautiful detail.   I'll write a separate review about the Fort because it was really lovely.   It was quite an experience walking on such lovely and historic grounds.  The warm colors and grand spaces just enhanced the beauty of the wedding itself (really when will you witness a wedding in an amphitheater?!)

Here are the highlights of the wedding:
The bride receives henna and there are lots of performances at the sangeet the day before the ceremony.

Flower petals adorn the grounds during the wedding day.

The bharat band and groom are here on the wedding day!  Don't try to out dance a middle-aged Indian lady.  You will lose and I can only say "Told you so!"

The ceremony progresses (for a while - it is actually common for most guests to leave because it is so long and the poor couple and family are left alone on stage!)

I told you it was in an amphitheater - lovely venue!

 What a way to end the night!