Rajasthan Trip

13.08.14 – Jaipur

Gang of 7 (my sister Winnie, her husband Ulf, her son Lael, from Germany, my son Kern & his wife Raksha, my husband Frankie & self) arrived in Jaipur from Mumbai by flight.  There our Tempo Traveller, our vahan for the trip was there, awaiting.  My school friend Aruna was there to welcome us Indian style with Marigold garland, aarti and kumkum  and we felt like royalty.  She took us home for nice lunch.  Thereafter we all drove off to Nahagarh Fort.  Nahargarh Fort, which means 'abode of tigers', was built in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, founder of Jaipur, on the Aravalli hills. Within it there is 'Madhavendra Palace' built by Sawai Madho Singh. This is a two-storey building which has suites for the king and his twelve queens. It is divided into nine similar apartments and each of these apartments has a lobby, bedrooms, toilets, kitchen and store. He spent each night at different apartment with different queen.  Had a debauchery life.

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On the way back from Nahargarh-Jaigarh., we saw a temple, which we visited Charan Mandir, Ancient temple where footprints of Shri Krishna and his cattles are engraved naturally on rock here on his way from Dwarka to Nathdwara. Behind it we climbed up a tower, which was a watch tower and from there we got a beautiful view all round of the green valley and the city of Jaipur.

Then we went and checked in our hotel “Vimal Heritage” booked via internet. It turned out to be beautiful small hotel with lovely swimming pool, beautifully  painted walls and well kept.  Evening we drove off through Jaipur old walled city, (now no more Pink City) since all the buildings & shops are painted mud colour, to Amer Fort, (also spelled and pronounced as Amber palace), located high on a hill.   Amer Fort was built by Raja Man Singh I.  It was closed in the evening but we went there to enjoy the “Light & Sound” show which illustrated the history of Amer Fort and also the history of Rajputs/Moghals.  It was a lovely experience and we enjoyed the show.  We were invited to Aroona’s place for lovely dinner of “Dal Bhatti and Churma”, where her sister in law Usha and cousin Mukul, joined us.  We had lovely evening chatting away.  Went back to the hotel to rest but Lael, Ulf and Raksha could not sleep without plunging into the swimming pool.  We came out of our room to watch the ruckus these people were making at 11 0’clock at night.  They really enjoyed themselves.

Rajasthan Trip

14.08.14 – Jaipur

After lovely breakfast, we went and picked up Aroona, who took a day off from her hospital, to be with us and guide us around Jaipur city.  We drove off to Amer Fort where we climbed up the Fort, riding on Elephant’s back.  It was awesome experience. The fort contained inside the  opulent palace complex built with red sandstone and marble consisting of the Diwan-e-Aam or the "Hall of Public Audience", the Diwan-e-Khas or the "Hall of Private Audience", the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace) or Jai Mandir (where we were imagining the dancing scene of Anarkali (Mudhubala) in front of Salim (Dilip Kumar) of Mughal-e-Azam film, and the Sukh Niwas where a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over the water cascade within the palace. With its large ramparts, series of gates and cobbled paths, the fort overlooks the Maota Lake, where they tried to grow Kesar in the garden.  It was lovely walking around and exploring. 

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We drove off to Jantar Mantar, which is one of the five astronomical observatories in western central India. The Jantar Mantar is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Sawai Jai Singh. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best preserved of these.  The observatory consists of fourteen major geometric devices for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars' location etc.  From there we walked down to the Museum across, where history of Rajput was on display including paintings etc.

Our guide as usual took us to block printing and silver smith to buy their ware. We then proceeded to have our lunch at MBM, for veg food but for the costs spent, it was not worth it.  After lunch we rambled around and did some shopping, especially for mochadi and sandals.  Again in the evening we were invited to dinner at Aruna’s place where we enjoyed “Lal Mas and Mirchi salan alongwith hot phulkas and dal/rice and kheer. Nice dinner and nice ride back at night through Jaipur city to our hotel.

RAJASTHAN TRIP

15.08.14 – Mandawa:

After breakfast, we drove off from Jaipur to Shekhawat & Mandawa alongwith Aruna  & Usha, who joined us for this trip. It was nearly 3 hours drive from Jaipur.  Mandawa,  not very famous,  is part of Shekhawati region. Mandawa is situated 190 km off Jaipur in the north. Mandawa is old medieval town known for its fort and  with colourful Havelis.. This town has been referred to as the "open art gallery" of Rajasthan because the entire Shekhawati region and not just Mandawa is dotted with fascinating mansions (havelis) that have lavishly painted walls and lattices windows and carvings. Thakur Nawal Singh, the Rajput ruler of Nawalgarh and Mandawa, built a fort in 1755 to protect this outpost.  Mandawa was a trading outpost for the ancient caravan routes that stopped here from China and the Middle East. It is now a broken down, nearly dead town with ruined places, now surving on tourist crowd.

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We stayed in Hotel Shekhawati,  within the narrow  bylanes of houses and havelis, but this hotel  was beautiful and colourful with painted walls in a haveli.  In fact the suite occupied by Ulf & Winnie had nice Kamasutra paintings.  We had our dinner and breakfast on the terrace.  The meals provided was great and the ambience under the sky with candle lit dinner was lovely.

RAJASTHAN TRIP

16.08.14 : Ajmer

In the morning after early breakfast on the terrace, we drove back to Jaipur where we dropped Aruna & Usha,  on our way back to Ajmer.  We stopped at Sophia School & College. Visiting my school and college brought back old memories. It was Saturday afternoon n everything closed but could walk around school n college grounds. You felt great when one of the sisters remembered me by my name i.e.after 45 years. Had lunch at my friend Aroona's family home at Bagh Cottage. Her sister Nalini took care of us and also met her younger sister Beena & her husband, both doctors.  In fact parents & all 5 sister of Aruna are doctors .  Visited Dargah Sharif and it was crowded and jampacked.  Luckily got introduced to one of the Kadims  over there through Nalini and we were able to enter the shrine inspite of the crowd.  Then walked from there to Annasagar, a lake surrounded by trees having bats and migratory birds like herons, cranes etc nesting and lots of fishes being fed with corns and walked  around the city.  Stayed in homestay "Mayo Villa" nice place with good care n food. 

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RAJASTHAN TRIP

17.08.14 : Pushkar / Jodhpur

After breakfast drove to Pushkar from Ajmer (1 ½ hr drive). Pushkar  is one of the five sacred dhams (pilgrimage site) for devout Hindus, is one of the oldest existing cities of India. It lies on the shore of Pushkar Lake. The date of its actual origin is not known, but legend associates Brahma with its creation. Very few temples to Lord Brahma exist anywhere in the world and Pushkar is one of the main Brahma temple.  Pushkar Lake formed when lotus was dropped by Brahma. The Pushkar lake has 52 ghats where pilgrims descend to the lake to bathe in the sacred waters, (it was a sight to watch)  and visits the temple. The temple was crowded due to Janamastmi  but well managed and there was mela around with lots of shops and  Rajasthani beautiful belles. Had fun walking around and  getting lost. Our men were angry with our shopping spree. It was one of the best places to shop around.

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We left for Jodhpur from Pushkar , the roads were horrible and dry. Reached late evening n could not see much but will do so on our return journey.   However we galavanted around Clock Tower n the market place and felt the small city. Had local food of ghati kadi n parathas, makhani lassi mawa kachori n rabri.  We checked in Hotel Kiran Vilas Heritage, haveli type hotel  with  small rooms , not worth the cost. We sourced out another “Marwar Hotel” for our return stay, spacious room at cheaper cost

RAJASTHAN TRIP

18.08.14 : Jaiselmer

After breakfast of Alu Parathas with dai and of course omelette, we drove off to Jaiselmer  from Jodhpur (5 hrs) journey. Roads are good. Our driver halted at OM BANNA Bullet Baba temple located in Chotila village of Pali district near Jodhpur, Bullet Baba temple is a temple plus memorial. Here a Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle is worshipped. On way we got to see colourful ^]people, carrying flags, young & old, men and women all walking miles and miles towards the RamdevTemple. Ramdev Pir is a Hindu folk deity of Rajasthan in India. He was a ruler of the fourteenth century, said to have miraculous powers who devoted his life for the upliftment of downtrodden and poor people of the society. He is worshiped today by many social groups of India . His followers believe him to be an incarnation of Vishnu. He is revered by Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs.^[1Jaiselmar is a desert city. We stayed in a hut with basic amenities. They offered us camel ride to the dunes where we sat and watched the sunset.  Night we enjoyed watching local musician n dance n local veg cuisine. Our tour guide surprised us with birthday cake for Kern and it was fun for all of to sing and  enjoy the moment. We slept under open sky with stars,  on Katiyas covered with rasiyas, cool night on the dunes n awoke to the sounds of screeching of peacocks n twittering of birds. It was wonderful to watch the sunrise in the morning.  This was one of the beautiful stay in our trip.

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RAJASTHAN TRIP

19.08.14 : Jaiselmer

Visited Jaiselmer city, called Golden city because all houses and havelis built of yellow sandstone.  The town stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone, crowned by a fort, which contains the palace and several ornate Jain temples. Many of the houses and temples are finely sculptured. It lies in the heart of the Thar Desert.  Jaisalmer is named after Maharawal Jaisal Singh, a Rajput king who founded the city in 1156 AD. "Jaisalmer" means "the Hill Fort of Jaisal". Jaiselmer Fort now called Sonar Killa is beautiful shining like gold in the sun, with carved palace, havelis n beautiful Jain Temple.  Later walked down the lanes flanked on both side by yellow sandstones  Havelis with intricate carved balconies. Visited beautiful  Patwa Haveli, built by rich Marwari merchant. Again slept the night under  starry sky with lovely chilly breeze under raziya.

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On way back from the city, visited Kuldara Village 400 yrs old, totally ruined, haunted place.  The village used to be the residence of the rich and learned paliwal Brahmins. The daughter of the village chief was a doe-eyed beauty who'd just stepped into her sixteenth year. The notorious king of Jaisalmer happened to lay his eyes on this beautiful girl and wanted to take her as his wife. The king was famous for his debauchery and some loyal friend tipped the chieftain about his mal-intentions. The entire village of Kuldhara evacuated bag and baggage in one night and all that remained was an empty village without a single soul. As the paliwal Brahmins left, they cursed death upon anyone who ever came to live in that village. As we entered inside we saw an entire village--empty with broken walls and bricks strewn all around. A self-sufficient village with a deep well, a few temple like structures and houses. Home to people several centuries ago, complete with sleeping, cooking and bathing areas. The dusty little village had long narrow lanes crisscrossing everywhere -don't know whether it was the heightened senses but one could really feel strange faces peeking from behind the walls.  It is eerie to walk around this dead village where no one is living even now. 

RAJASTHAN TRIP

20.08.14 – Jodhpur

Woke up to lovely sunrise . We traveled from Jaiselmer to Jodhpur very early and   we went directly to Mehrangarh, beautiful carved Fort/Palace on top of the hill. Mehrangarh Fort located in Jodhpur, is one of the largest forts in India, is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its boundaries there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. Luckily there was elevator at Rs 35 per person. We had a nice guide who took us around n explained both male n zenana sections with intricate carvings. There are seven gates, which include Jayapol (meaning 'victory'), built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Fattehpol (also meaning 'victory') gate was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh to mark the defeat of the Mughals.  Museum with lovely paintings, armory, embroidery, howdah, cradles, n palanquins. It took us more than 3 hours to savour the place n enjoy the view from above.

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From there we went to Jaswant Tada, Tajmahal of Marwah, built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh by his wife. It is a 19th century royal cenotaph built in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore  ruler of Jodhpur This place is exclusive cremation ground of Jodhpur Royal Family and monuments are built for them. We enjoyed Jodhpur and  the blue city  We then went to our Hotel Marwar Heritage where we relaxed n enjoyed in swimming Pool. This was a beautiful hotel with spacious room and good food, vegetarian though.

RAJASTHAN TRIP

21.08.14 - Kumbalgarh

Today we are on way to Kumbalgarh.  Long journey to Kumbalgarh but worth it, via Ronaukpur, famous for beautiful Jain temple.  Kumbhalgarh Fort is a Mewar fortress in the Rajsamand District of Rajasthan.  Kumbhalgarh is also the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, the great king and warrior of Mewar. It was a place of refuge for the rulers of Mewar at times of danger. A notable instance was in the case of Prince Udai, the infant king of Mewar who was smuggled here by his Dahima  in 1535, allowing her own son to be killed, when Chittaur was under siege. Prince Udai who later succeeded to the throne,  was also the founder of the Udaipur City. Kumbalgarh Kila is on top of rocky mountain surrounded by hills and dense forest. It is a majestic fort with palaces, temple n sentry posts, lots to climb but worth to watch the view around.  Evening we watched sound n light show and heard the Mewar history. This fort was captured only once by the Moghal,  Akbar that too  with help of Amber and Marwar rajputs, for 2 days only.  We stayed at  Haveli Resort, beautiful  hotel overlooking green valley n hills. We surprised Raksha with small cake on top of Indian sweet to celebrate her birthday.  This was one of the best hotels we stayed with spacious rooms and ambience.

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RAJASTHAN TRIP

22.08.14 - Udaipur

We landed in Udaipur from Kumbalgarh after late breakfast, after exploring the forest around. Visited City Palace where royalty are still residing and some part under Taj Mahal hotel. Palace is beautiful with paintings, silver items, and embroideries, and sculptures. Museum inside had beautiful display and this palace is facing Lake Pichola, where you could look across Lake Palace, now hotel. From here we proceeded to Fatehsagar,  where we enjoyed   paddling boats in the lake.   Udaipur is a city of lakes, palaces and gardens. Our hotel  “Mewar Haveli” is within narrow lanes of old city. A beautiful haveli with some rooms overlooking the lake through the other havelis around.  The restaurant is on terrace overlooking the lake and we enjoyed our dinner watching beautiful lit up lake and surrounding havelis and temples. It was so magical that we stayed up late enjoying the atmosphere. 

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RAJASTHAN TRIP

23.08.14 – Udaipur

Morning we drove to  Jaisamand, 1 1/2 hour drive away from city. We were accompanied by Nihal, his wife Monika and their pretty and sprity daughter Pehal (pet name Anni).  Anni kept us all occupied throughout our trip and also she danced so beautifully in the evening at home. Jaisamand Lake is Asia's second-largest artificial lake,  with lots of fishes, was created in the 17th century when Rana Jai Singh of Udaipur built a marble dam across the Gomati River.  On either side of the lake  are the palaces built for the past kings favourite queens. Graceful marble chhatris flank the embankment and beautiful summer palaces of the Udaipur queens. We went for 1 hour boat  ride around,  surrounded by hills. To add to our fun, it started raining heavily and we enjoyed ourselves.  Outside at the Dhabha we stopped and  had freshly fried fish. It was yummy. We returned back to city but it was continuously raining and we could not move out and so we just chilled out at our hotel. Evening we were invited to Kern's classmate Nihal’s place where we were served traditional Mewar food of Dal-Bhati-Churma, eating sitting on the floor. We were treated royally, offering turban to the men folks  as sign of honor, and the ladies were gifted with sarees and bangles. It was a lovely evening spent with their family.

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Our trip to Rajasthan, though hectic and lots of driving, was lovely and exciting. The experience in Jaiselmar was mind blowing and the best hotel we stayed was in Kumbalgarh.

RAJASTHAN TRIP

24.08.14 – Mumbai:  We returned back to Mumbai from Udaipur by flight early 5 o’clock in the morning. Everything went on schedule except last day of rain. Now will be back to hectic Mumbai life.