Neemrana, Rajasthan

There was a time when Neemrana was just a story my father told us--the place we were from originally, somewhere in Rajasthan. Yes, it was home to the direct descendants of Prithviraj Chauhan, the last Hindu king of Delhi, but unlike wealthier, better known princely states like Jaipur or Udaipur, it wasn't even remotely cool. From what my father said the fort was completely run down, and the remaining royal family living there broke and destitute, but still, I always wanted to visit it-- someday.
Fast forward a few decades, add a couple of enterprising history buffs--who bought the old fort, restored it, and turned it into a premier hotel--and here we are, having a back-to-our-roots vacation of a lifetime. I know there are more glamorous forts and palaces in Rajasthan, but for me, personally, Neemrana is the best of them all. You can take a Chauhan out of Neemrana, but you can't take Neemrana out of a Chauhan. (In case you're wondering ... Chauhan was my maiden name.)