photo feature of rajasthan

Mount Abu – Memorable Moments

Hi! I am back with the next JITC for you and though our jewel is a tiny one – all of 25 sq km compared to Delhi’s 1484sq km, it is quite strategically located. The hill station, at 1220 m altitude, in the Aravallis, the only one in Rajasthan is more of an oasis and has been quite popular with the tourists from Rajasthan and Gujarat. But rather than being famous as a conventional hill station it is more famous for the Dilwara Jain temples and in recent years as a headquarter of Brahmakumari’s spiritual centre. Not to mention the World Spiritual University and of course Ekta Kapoor made it famous in her daily soap Kasamh Se

Reaching Mt Abu is no problem as it is really well connected , with butter smooth roads nor is the accommodation, with havelis turned into hotel or conventional hotels and guesthouses

As I always say, there is no lack of information of this small town, as you will always get enough both from hearsay and the net, I will just attempt to bring before you  my own personal observations ( which you can say tips)

As it is a small area, it can be covered in just a day and half , so you can club it with your trip to Udaipur, the beautiful lake city just 185 kms away

The roads are simply lovely and if you are a learner (learning to drive) then the roads are best for some smooth practice.

If you are a nature person, then don’t get fooled by the Hill station tag. It is beautiful in its own way, an oasis among the sandy rugged landscape, but it is not a hill station with alpine forests and winding  twisting climbing roads

The Guru Shikhar Peak is the highest peak.

Don’t be tempted by the road conditions and attempt to drive in at night as there are unconfirmed reports of robbery in the highway leading up to Mt Abu.

Dilwara temples from 11th -13th century are its primary attraction, but photography is not allowed inside.

Other than that of course, there is the hot favorite for strolling, boating and shopping – Nakki jheel or lake. It’s a point you will not miss nor can miss it.

There are other tourist points like the sunset point, the Achalgarh fort, the famous Trevor’s Tank, Adhar Devi temple and many more.

You will find the strange rock formations lining the road  , an interesting sight ( some of which you will find in the slide show)

While there don’t forget to try the Dal Bati chorma – a local dish- the trademark Rajasthani dish in fact- quite unique.

Shopping for Rajasthani block print cloths and lehenga choli is a must. They are rightly priced and affordable- one that will bring a smile to the women of your family.

You can go for camel riding and have a feel of being in the Desert State.

What I found quaint was the hand carts type of thingy near the Nakki Jheel used to transport to and fro the market and up to your hotel. You can ride in one just for the experience.

Being in Mt Abu is an experience in itself, which cannot be measured in words. Here I have attempted to portray Mt. Abu through the images that struck me, while there! Other wise Mt Abu is of course much more than these.

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Jaisalmer – The Land of Sun and Sand

Hi friends! I am back again with another Jewel in the Crown called India and it is Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.

Location: Situated in Western Rajasthan, in the Thar Desert. well connected by National Highway 15, railways and airways (nearest is in Jodhpur300km away) reaching Jaisalmer is a piece of cake and if you plan to fly in yourself then the coordinates are 69.3 to 72.2 degrees E and 26.01 to 28.02 degree north. But travelling there is usually recommended in the winters for obvious reasons .

It’s a major tourist attraction and cultural hub of India.

A city of old world charm and a glorious past, it was founded by Raja Rawa Jaisal, A bhatti Rajput ruler.

Here I will try to show case the charm and the stark beauty of Jaisalmer with a few pictures (through my eyes). But Of course- Jaisalmer is much more than these and is just a photographic representation

The yellow Sandstone Buildings welcome you the moment you step down in Jaisalmer

JAISALMER-City about Forts

JAISALMER- of Havelis…

A fusion of old and new- HERITAGE HOTEL…

Sonar Quila Or The Golden Fort – The heart of Jaisalmer. The old city is inside the Fort

The view outside the fort…

and the grandeur within …

 

 

 

 

Of Bygone Days- Shahi Sawari

 

 

 

 

 

 

People who are still attached to their roots. Old world charm and Mystique…

Of valor and heroism…

 

 

 

 

 

Of  architecture…

Havelis and Forts

 

 

 

 

Crafts and antiquities…

Talaabs and lakes… Famous of which is the Gadisagar lake…

Road to perdition  – Oops ! I mean the sand dunes…

Base camp in the dunes-“Sam Dunes”

A perfect blend of green and golden…

A settlement near the Dunes…

Camel rides and Desert safari… On top of the world experience…

Many hues of a sunset- A beautiful phenomenon…

Accommodation is not a problem as you will be spoilt with choices to stay in luxury tents or cottages. And packages don’t burn a hole in your pocket. Just Haggle!

You will be treated as nothing les than a Royal with culinary treat and cultural treat…

Don’t go by its size and shape of the ethnic cottages, they have all the modern amenities. At nights their music and dance will make you dance…

The games that the sun play !

 

Sunset and Sunrise

 

 

 

A final glance at the seemingly never ending desert! You will wish that your holiday was never ending too!

See you soon with another photo speaks of a travel diary !