We just got back from Ramgarh Bungalows and I can't stop raving about it. In any case I am a big fan of Neemrana and this was our second stay at a Neemrana property this year. My husband and I and our two daughters spent three days at this beautiful, tranquil property from December 20th - 23rd and I have to write a detailed review to do justice to what we experienced - so please do bear with me.
First a few details that is not easy to get from the details Neemrana has put on the site. The property is actually in three different locations! I don't know about others but when I read and re-read the details mentioned on the site and in the other reviews - while I understood that the property is divided into separate bungalows at different levels - what I didn't realize was that these bungalows are at separate locations in the village. To be more precise - there is one main winding road that goes through the village and you first cross Ashok Vatika and Cliff House - then you walk down the main road for some more distance and then cross Writer's Bungalow and finally after walking another half a kilometer you come to main complex which houses Old Bungalow, Vista Villa and Rose Cottage - as well as the dining halls, kitchens, library, lounge etc. Now this is something to be noted because all meals (except breakfast I think on prior request) have to be taken at the main complex. So you have to be prepared to walk down and then again to the uphill climb on a full stomach. Not really very difficult or problematic but maybe something people should be told in detail at the time they are looking at the various rooms and making their selections - this is just a small suggestion that I had for Neemrana - please do look into it and see if you would like to make the info on your site a little more detailed or maybe just even put in a disclaimer stating the bungalows are all not in the same complex.
Now - with those details out of the way - I must say we totally fell in love with this place - the staff make you feel like you're family - Sandeep was just wonderful and catered to every little detail that we needed - especially whatever our 9 and 4 year old demanded! Shailender is a superb manager and such an efficient presence to have around all the time. The food is exceptional and the best I have had in any Neemrana property till date....whether it was the simple Indian fare or the special continental meal the chef prepared for us on request the first night. We went during the week and that too in off season and therefore there were very few guests - all the better for personalized service I must say! If you do not mind the extreme cold (temperature would hover around 1 degree in the night) - this is a perfect time to visit. The mornings will be bright and sunny with lovely walks and fresh steaming pakodas and ginger tea waiting for you when you come back. Breakfast is standard - with eggs made to order, parathas/puri subzi, bread, cereals, fruits and neemrana;s array of jams, jellies and chutnies. Lunch is dal, 2 subzis, one non veg dish, salad, papad and dessert. Dinner is much the same with the addition of a soup, two continental dishes and an additional sweet dish. While all the food was heavenly - the caramel custard, mutton curry and baked dishes deserve special mention. And oh! The chef makes a mean cold coffee!
The rooms are big and typical of Neemrana properties...we stayed in the lemon roon and this was perfect since there were additional beds for both our girls and they had a smaller annex room where they could spread out their toys and mess around. We asked for an additional heater since our girls wanted to use the annex room and the staff produced a child safe one within minutes!
They have surprisingly well stocked library as well and it was a pleasure to curl up in the sun and read.
There is nothing much to do of course other than read, play board games, go for walks and have long conversations.....but then isn't that just the point?