India Display

Early in the morning I headed out for Ranakpur. A cup of tea en-route took away all my inactiveness. Far from the hustle bustle of the city, the rural regalia of the place was enchanting. Surrounded by hills, Ranakpur was cooler as compared to other of the cities of Rajasthan. Evenings were extremely pleasurable here. The Ranakpur Jain Temple is the major draw for the tourists here. Built in white marble, the temple was probably the most spectacular structure I had seen till date. I was impressed to see the exterior of the temple whose charm could bowl over even the most seasoned traveller. I walked up the stairs and believe me when I say that the interiors were irresistibly splendid. Over 1400 pillars in white marble dot the interiors of the massive temple. What was even more amazing was the fact that every marble pillar was carved unlike the other. These carvings were so unique and so beautiful. Words fall short to describe its matchless glory and photographs are not enough to...

Khimsar was left miles behind, but the sands are unaffected of borders. I stepped in Pokhran, the renowned spot for Nuclear Experiments and was welcomed with full “warmth” by the desert. The sun was about to set down when I arrived Pokhran, so atmosphere was not too warm but I knew it was going to be cold in night. Pokhran is located around 112 km. from the main Jaisalmer city. I remember the telecast of extreme Nuclear tests/explosions of May 1974 and May 1998 on television which drew international attention towards this small town. The town falls in the midway of triangular route between Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bikaner. I stayed in a guest house in the night and enjoyed the traditional teekha & chatpata (spicy) Rajasthani food. The local people in the guest house told me about the legendary tale behind the formation of these deserts. According to the myths, Lord Rama once wished to dry up the ocean of Sri Lanka to get a way to reach there. But when the king of that ocean prayed...

Tourist season was at its peak. Jaisalmer was now packed with tourists crazy for forts, festivals, feasts and safaris. I headed towards the Sand Dunes to explore the captivating beauty and lifestyle of the interiors of Jaisalmer in a closer way. Infact, to be part of the Desert Festival was perhaps the major reason, which could not be fulfilled on my last trip. I could devote another one day for the purpose. All the hotels were already booked, but luckily I got a small room in a budget hotel. The hotel, its services and amenities were not up to the mark, but the tariff was hefty, probably because of the season. The food was undoubtedly delicious. The essence of Rajasthani food itself makes it out of the world. Extra-ordinarily flavoursome! In the evening, I asked the manager to arrange a camel ride for me along with a guide. The guide took me to a small market area where several local people were shouting in high notes beckoning tourists to have a camel ride with them, quite similar ...

While I was exploring the sand dunes and enjoying the unique fairs at Jaisalmer, a friend of mine, who resides in Jodhpur, invited me to come to his place for a sightseeing trip over the weekend. I asked the manager of my hotel to book me a ticket for the royal train 'Palace On Wheels' to Jodhpur. It was Friday, 11:30 pm, when the royal train departured from Jaisalmer. I had already informed my friend to receive me at the Jodhpur Railway Station the next morning (Saturday) at 8 am. Palace On Wheels is truly a journey worthy of Kings. The train offers a vibrant journey through the royal land of sand dunes and regal palaces. I was amazed by the intrinsic ambience in the train that goes perfectly well with the majestic charm and beauty spread so lavishly all over Rajasthan. Rated as one of the top ten luxury train journeys in the world, it offers you a fascinating trip to the splendid forts and palaces of Rajasthan in seven days, along with the royal history of Taj Mahal in Agra....

After my lavish and pleasurable journey on the Palace on Wheels, I arrived at Jodhpur. It was my second visit to this enigmatic city of Rajasthan. Chayan, my friend, being very punctual, was waiting for me at the station. I hadn't met him for a couple of years, I guess. Being a bachelor, his flat in Jodhpur was actually disheveled and unkempt. Even so, I liked it, as it reflected the typical bachelor's freedom - to enjoy every bit of life. Chayan's flat is close to the Polo Ground, which was hosting the three day International Desert Kite Festival. After a cool shower and a heavy breakfast, we moved on to the Polo Ground that was full of the kite flyers from India as well as all over the world. This International Kite Festival is celebrated every year in the month of January (on Makar Sankranti). People were gathered to reveal their kite flying skills with full enthusiasm and vigor. Air Force helicopters were also releasing a number of kites from the sky. The sky was f...

Aravali mountain ranges. The historic city was established by the great king of the Chauhan dynasty, Ajaipal Chauhan in the 7th century. On arriving Ajmer, I was surprised to see the true secular nature of India that is enlivened in the life and history of this great city. This renowned pilgrim centre showcases a perfect blend of Hindu culture with Sufi traditions. Ajmer was flanked by majestic mountains on all sides. I booked a room in Hotel Mansingh Palace. The most lively attractions of the city are the religious songs and Quawwalis, which can be heard at every street, especially at the holy Dargahs. I visited the Dargh of Ajmer Sharif at night, the most famous pilgrim center in the city, dedicated to the great Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti. Religious convocations, called 'mehfils' were organized in the mehfil khana, a voluminous hall meant for this purpose. A few local people told me that the dargah hosts Urs Fair annually in the month of November/December. The fa...

Scottish Country Dancing : Scottish Country Dancing is Scotland’s version of social partner dancing. It’s always danced in groups, in much the same way as courtly dancing or square dancing. Many Scots will know enough to get up and join in one or two dances. They're often danced at social events (even at the pub!), whereas only trained dancers would attempt Highland Dancing. Scottish Country Dancing is an ideal hobby, because it’s good exercise as well as being very social. You don't need a partner because you're dancing in a group and will be paired up for each dance. Even if you do have a partner, you have to cooperate with other couples in the dance, which is a great ice-breaker.  Scottish Country Dancing keeps you on your toes! Danced properly, Scottish Country Dancing is energetic - while in motion, the dancers are up on their toes at all times, skipping and hopping in a variety of bouncy steps. It's definitely cardiovascular exercise! Fortunately, there are p...