Read this conversation with Mr. Aman Nath, Chairman and Co-Founder of Neemrana Hotels. A historian by heart and a pioneer in heritage hospitality, Mr. Nath has redefined the concept of heritage tourism with his iconic “non-hotel hotel” brand. He also shares the journey of Neemrana, his philosophy of NEEMRANIFICATION, and the challenges of restoring India’s past while blending it with the comforts of modern hospitality.
Kindly tell us about the concept of the ‘non-hotel’ hotel brand of Neemrana.
At Neemrana Hotels, we embrace a unique concept that we call a “non-hotel hotel.” The phrase itself captures the essence of what we do. Unlike conventional hotels, none of our properties were originally built to be hotels. They are all restored and revitalized historical structures—crumbling ruins from bygone eras that we have carefully brought back to life. This pioneering movement, which we call NEEMRANIFICATION, focuses on preserving the past by transforming these architectural gems into vibrant, living experiences.
When you step into a Neemrana property, you’ll notice instantly that it doesn’t feel like a typical hotel – hotel. There are no artificial ceilings with opulent chandeliers, Italian marble, electric fountains or generic, modern furnishings that you find in every other hotel. Instead, you’ll experience the charm of history. Rather than thin, modern walls, you’ll find 4 to 16-foot thick fortified walls that have stood the test of time, offering a glimpse into centuries of history. Our spaces are filled with authentic, meaningful artefacts carefully curated, along with local cultural elements and programs that reflect the rich heritage and warmth of the region.
How many properties have you restored and does it only include Rajput or Mughal or Maratha properties?
Building a single fort-palace in India would have taken the maharajas many generations, but at Neemrana, with our steadfast vision and dedication, we’ve managed to restore and revitalise over 30 historical properties in approximately just four decades. These once-forgotten ruins have been transformed into thriving, revenue-generating assets in the mainstream tourism sector. We believe this number should continue to grow, as there are still many abandoned, dilapidated structures of historical significance across India that we can restore, bringing them back to life for future generations to experience, while working closely with governments to further this initiative.
With a rich tapestry of 700 years of Indian history—from the 14th to the 21st century—Neemrana properties offer guests a chance to experience the past in vivid detail. Whether it’s stepping back to the era of the Ranawats at the 14th-century Hill Fort-Kesroli, or immersing oneself in the timeless charm of the 15th-century Neemrana Fort-Palace, the ancestral home of the descendants of Prithviraj Chauhan, each property provides a unique historical experience. Guests can also explore Dutch architecture at the 17th-century Tower House in Kochi, Danish influences at Tranquebar, Maratha heritage at Deo Bagh in Gwalior, and the legacy of the Maharajas of Punjab at Baradari Palace in Patiala.
Each Neemrana property tells a unique story, allowing visitors to journey through time while enjoying the comforts of the present—an experience that brings India’s rich cultural and architectural history alive in every corner of the country.
What is the biggest challenge in managing 700 team members across 13 locations?
It would have been a challenge to manage 700 team members across 13 locations if we had followed the traditional model of hiring employees who simply work for a salary, completing their 9-hour shifts without any real connection to the organization. However, at Neemrana Hotels, it’s not a challenge at all.
Over 65% of our team members are from the local communities near each of our properties, and they don’t just feel like employees—they are empowered to feel like a part of this noble initiative to preserve and promote their culture and heritage through the Neemrana experience as they have a sense of ownership. For them, Neemrana is their second home, and they see the guests as part of their extended family. This deep-rooted sense of belonging and responsibility makes all the difference. Our team members don’t just do their jobs; they go the extra mile to create unforgettable experiences for the guests who come to visit.
At Neemrana, teamwork is at the heart of everything we do. It’s the key to making our dream work, and it’s what allows us to keep our properties alive with the spirit of the region. In the end, it’s all about people who care deeply about their heritage and take ownership of the legacy we’re creating together.
With such an illustrious career, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders looking to make a mark in the hospitality sector?
If I were to offer advice to aspiring entrepreneurs in the hospitality sector, it would be this: Focus on what makes your offering unique and impactful. When you do that, the revenue will follow naturally. I always think of myself as a historian and restorer first and a hotelier second. For me, hospitality is not just about building a hotel or generating revenue—it’s about creating meaningful experiences that resonate with travellers. The key is to deliver an experience that stays with them long after they leave.
When you create something truly memorable, the business will follow. Take Neemrana, for example. While there are countless luxury experiences around the world, Neemrana Fort Palace stands out with its own legacy. It’s become an icon in its own right and is on the bucket list of discerning travellers globally, not because of its luxury, but because of the sheer experience it offers.
From where did you first get the idea of restoring ruined palaces and converting them into hotels?
The idea of restoring ruined palaces and turning them into hotels came from a deep personal connection to history and perhaps my absence from a physical past which my parents left behind in Lahore during the 1947 Partition of India. As someone who studied history in college and even completed my master’s in the subject, I’ve always been fascinated by India’s rich past. Growing up, I saw how much of our heritage was fading away, especially after the British Raj. With Western influences taking over, our cultural roots were being forgotten, and that really troubled me.
It was this realization that led me to combine my academic background with my passion for preserving India’s heritage. The thought of saving and reviving these beautiful, forgotten structures began to take shape. In 1977, I came across the vast, crumbling ruins of the Neemrana Fort-Palace, and it was a defining moment. I saw its potential and knew it could be restored and brought back to life—not just as a building, but as a living testament to India’s glorious past. That was the starting point. I recall writing in a book ‘Journeys through Rajasthan’ [The gates were spiked and partially open like an alligator’s jaws contemplating a prey, and we walked right in – to be consumed by our own eternity].
Since then, Neemrana Hotels has focused on restoring historic properties across the country, turning them into modern-day heritage hotels. These ‘non-hotel’ Hotels not only offer a glimpse into India’s past but also allow guests to experience our culture, heritage, and values in a meaningful way. Throughout my entire journey, I have discovered countless abandoned ruins of historical significance that were slowly fading into oblivion. It became clear to me that these historical gems needed to be preserved before they vanished forever.
What are the biggest challenges in restoring a ruined fort and turning it into a magnificent piece of architecture?
Restoring a ruined fort and turning it into a magnificent piece of architecture certainly comes with its set of challenges. But at Neemrana, we’ve always taken a positive approach. Instead of focusing on the challenges, we focus on finding solutions. As our saying goes, “Where there is a will, there can be a restored wall.” And this ideology has driven us throughout the restoration of over 30 historical properties.
The process of restoration is not just about construction; it’s about reviving history. It requires a deep respect for the original craftsmanship, and a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the architecture while adapting it for modern use. The challenges we’ve faced over the years have been part of the journey, and we were prepared for them from the very start when we took on our first restoration project back in 1986.
For example, both Neemrana Fort-Palace and Tijara Fort-Palace are perched atop the ancient Aravalli Hills, which are over 2 billion years old. Just getting materials to these locations was a monumental task—arranging for water, electricity, and other resources atop such a remote and rugged terrain was no easy feat. In those early days, we had to rely on traditional techniques of transportation and coordinating this with various agencies took time. But, despite these hurdles, we were determined to make these timeless fortresses alive again.
Fast forward to today, and many things have changed. With an amalgamation of modern equipment, more efficient transportation of resources, and quicker support from government agencies, the process has become far more streamlined. But even with all the improvements in technology, the core of our restoration philosophy hasn’t changed. It’s about authenticity. It’s about using traditional materials and working with local craftsmen who have been part of these regions for generations. This is what makes each Neemrana property so special.
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