India Rajasthan - A Cultural Revelation

Today, Patrick just came back from a trip to Rajasthan, Northern India. He was there for a five-day film festival cum seminar called Films of Desire: Sexuality and the Cinematic Imagination. It is also the fact that his short film CHOICE is being shown there, hence, they flew him there to participate. It was a joint effort by organizers like CREA, The South and Southeast Asia Resource Centre on Sexuality, hosted at a picturesque venue called Neemrana Hotels. When I saw the photos taken, I could not help but to also include them here for I think there were some really nice pictures taken of that place. Though I was not there personally, I could sense the vast difference in terms of social, cultural and economic status Rajasthan is compared to here at home. Patrick said this trip made him believe that there is no where else better than home. He said the Neemrana Fort Palace that they were housed in cast a huge difference between the resort and the small down down below, which is only a 5-minute walk away. His first stop was an outskirt small town near Delhi. The town is dry, dusty and wild boars literally roams the streets. Cars honking everywhere. From there, they still need to take a 2-hour bus ride before they could reach Rajasthan, the place of the event. But all in all, he said it was an unforgettable experience and though this was the first year, the Festival is very well coordinated and organized. Don't you just love those steep staircases leading to the rooms?! Amazing!

Here are some interesting facts about the place:

History
Built since 1464 AD, Neemrana Fort-Palace is among India's oldest heritage resorts. 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.

Location and Sightseeing
It is 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.

Description
The property 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. Including a vista pool to the horizon. From 1986, the ruins of this Fort-Palace have been sensitively restored and reconstructed. The rooms are furnished with aneclectic mix of traditional Indian and colonial furniture, antiques and objets d'art. Most rooms have private balconies or terraces and the loos are designed to have views!