NEEMRANA (Alwar District, Rajasthan):

Strategically sited 122 km from Delhi, Neemrana is synonymous with the prominent fort. Its othe assets are the 9-storey 18th century 'Bawadi or Stepwell', the Rani's Palace and, suprise suprise, Gold and Silver craftmen tucked away in the 'Sonaromwali Gali'.

Local lore has it that Raja Todarmal built the Bawadi as part of relief work in 1752, expending the magnificent heave of 130,000 silver coins. The deep well running parallel to the bawadi at its back is planned to be integrated in the bawadi to a regional haat for the craft of Neemrana and beyond. The fort was restored with local material and converted into a heritage hotel. Restoration is a continuous process......

SAMODE (Jaipur District, Rajasthan):

A mere 9 km from Chomu town, Samode is tucked between low-lying hills on one of the gateways to Shekhawati, the well-known visitor circuit of Rajasthan. The Samode community comprises  mainly of artisans who have helped th evillage retain its historic identity. Samode has a Palace and a Bagh, both well featured in trave guides. Constructed over 600 years ago, the Palace is known for its "Sheesh-Mahal"- Replete with mirrors. The Bagh is marked by its green setting.

There are temples, bawadis and havelis, each with a silent story while the village walkway is surprisingly full with a diversity of crafts....lacquerware to carpets!  Some local families are venturing into home-stays. This will no doubt be a new mutual experience, backed by traditional Rajasthani cuisine and hospitality.