Would you like to re-experience History? Facts teach more than books; maybe that’s why we visit museums. But all the showcased handicrafts won’t stand a chance against a true revival of an atmosphere long time gone.  For those who love history, a trip to India is of the essence. It will provide a quite relaxing place where you can embrace the past - and not necessarily the one of kings. You just have to choose your destination carefully among the hotels of Neemrana’s chain.

Aman Nath and Francis Wacziarg, the founders, call their creations “non-hotel” hotels born from the love for meaningful places and bricks that smell of history.

Everything began in Rajasthan, in the Shekhavati’s region, where the couple fell in love with havelis, frescoed houses of a the merchant comunity. Facing the decay of this haveli, they immediately started gathering funds to restore the frescoes in bad state of preservation due to the negligence of the owners. The objective was not accomplished: they published a book (“Rajasthan: the painted walls of Shekhawati”) but they were not capable to make any money out of it.

Today Neemrana’s chain comprehends 27 structures: forts, palaces, colonial residences bought or entrusted in management and turned in easy accesses to the historical heritage of India. All these structures have been chosen among minor monuments, not protected by the government and doomed to fall into pieces.

These heritage hotels are spread all over the country, from the mountains of Uttarakhand in the north to Tamil Nadu in the south. Whether they are secluded in the middle of a forest, in the countryside, on a seashore or in a city, each of them has its particular characteristic that make it one of a kind.

The modification made to the ruins are minimal and hidden from view, to grant the guests with a lovely historical experience. This non-hotels are not meant for lavish holidays, but provide the guests with some nice amenities to enjoy, such as well-equipped pools or luxurious banquets.

Prices may vary on the season and the type of room you wish to rent; from the basic 50¤ room up to 300¤ rooms for a fabulous night without the need of lowing yourself to a compromise.

Neemarana’s Hotels quickly became tourist destinations themselves. The government, in association with other organizations, recognized the founders with the high merit of being pioneers in private restoration and preservation of monuments, sticking to former projects without sacrificing the economical sustainability.

This heritage hotels are the perfect arrangement for those willing to immerse into a country’s history without giving up the comforts of a nice vacation.

Credit

 Neemrana Fort by Archit Ratan