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Driving between destinations by a chartered car
When it comes to exploring the colorful state of Rajasthan, there isn’t a better way than driving in a
chauffeur-driven car. After all, how can one capture the ever-changing landscapes and vibrant colors in the countryside
from 30,000 ft! Observing your driver negotiate the long distances, from the comfort of the rear-seat in
your vehicle, is an unforgettable experience. Road network of the state is among the best in the country,
which is why, driving is comfortable. Occasional detour on dirt tracks is compensated by introduction
to a small hamlet, frozen in time. Replete with forts, palaces and cultural wonders, this diverse
land has stark environmental contrasts.
A traveller’s journey from east to the west across the state witnesses land turn into the Great Thar desert.
Romance rides high with you as you watch vivid costumes of locals, village belles and unassuming camels
passing by (not to mention a shy blackbuck antelope or startled gazelle hiding in the bush). On some
drives, the places to be visited en route are equally (or more) attractive than the final destination.
Ranakpur Jain temples (on Jodhpur-Udaipur drive), Kheechan for Demoiselle cranes (on Jodhpur-Jaisalmer drive),
Bharatpur bird sanctuary (on Jaipur-Agra drive) are a few cases in point. Photo-opportunities galore!
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Choosing a “Heritage” hotel
The name of Rajasthan is synonymous with forts, palaces and havelis (mansions). They are the core of every old
city and dominate villages; they overlook lakes, perch on hills, and are found down the most unlikely mud lanes.
Most of them were originally built to ward off enemies but today have thrown the doors open to welcome guests.
A not-to-be-missed experience, as this opportunity to stay in palace-turned-hotels is unique to Rajasthan,
notwithstanding a few other options in the rest of India. Some heritage hotels offer a top-notch luxury
experience, for instance, Lake Palace in Udaipur, Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, and Umaid Bhawan Palace in
Jodhpur. On the other hand, smaller heritage properties like Deogarh Mahal, Rohetgarh, Shahpura Bagh,
Samode Palace have a discreet charm as most of them are run by the former princely families and
visitors are treated like honoured personal guests. “No two rooms are alike” is something to bear in mind
if you are staying in heritage hotels, hence it is prudent to request for browsing a couple of rooms
at the time of checking-in. While years of experience have resulted in hotel-owners upgrading their properties
to provide higher comfort-level, it is best to keep expectations low when you choose a small Haveli or palace.
Uneven stairs, location in busy surroundings come as a part of the experience.
Let the old-world-charm and quaint atmosphere take over instead.
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Meeting a family
The inhabitants of Rajasthan are noted for their ability to shape and decorate their environment.
No visitor will fail to notice the colorful costumes, vibrant traditions of this land where Guest is
treated as God (Atithi Devo Bhava)! Hospitality is deep-rooted in the people despite of the fact
that they face harsh climatic conditions. Soaring temperatures in seemingly long summers or
nippy evenings of short-lived winters – it is difficult to hold back locals in contributing their share
to the society. A rendezvous with local family in the far-flung village or stately home in the city provides
invaluable insight into their daily lives. Joint family system is practiced till date, albeit on a
descending trend in the cities, which allows meeting with a cross-section of people, all living under
one roof. Try including it in your itinerary and result will be an enriching experience.
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Photography idea
Often regarded as a photographer’s delight, Rajasthan has incredible diversity with its myriad landscapes,
sublime beauty and overwhelming architectural wonders. The wide spectrum of opportunities rendered
for travel photographers makes it truly a treasure trove. Shekhawati region is popularly called an
“open-art gallery” for the beautiful murals and frescoes displayed on the exteriors
of havelis (mansions). Great Thar desert, best viewed from Jaisalmer, offers a glimpse in the remotest
of all regions. Enjoying sunset over the sand dunes may sound cliché but it is a great photo-op.
To talk of the beauty of Lake Palace in Udaipur, Meherangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Amber Fort &
Hawa Mahal (Palace of winds) in Jaipur would be stating the obvious, but visiting
Pushkar Camel Fair (held October-November every year) to capture the largest congregation of camels on
earth, in your camera, sounds enticing to everyone.
The Bikaner-Jaisalmer drive on the long flat road dissecting the desert, is also an opportunity
for rare sighting of a shy Indian gazelle, elegant black buck or sturdy Nilgai antelope (blue bull)
in the vast expanse. A shepherd with his unique turban, tending a herd of sheep, with Aravali hills
in the backdrop is a prize catch. Villagers going about their daily lives are an attraction and all
of this is visible from your vehicle – simply stop and click.
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Adventure tourism
With so many architectural and cultural wonders in Rajasthan, most visitors seldom think of going off-the-beaten
track. That said, growing numbers of repeat-visitors are willing to explore the hidden beauty of this
enchanting land. Safaris are the best way to discover villages that are away from the bustling dwellings.
Camel safaris are very popular although horse and jeep safaris are catching up fast in popularity. Owing
to keen interest from some hotel owners in providing the logistics, these are becoming easily available in
reasonable comfort.
Camel safari
Opt for a day-long safari to see the sand dunes or a safari which is spread over many days.
A camel can cover 15 to 20 kms in a day. These can be organized from Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur
and the Shekhawati region. An overnight camping safari includes, a cook, tent for sleeping, bedding
(although personal sleeping bags are welcome) and additional camel for carrying baggage. Useful
items to bring along are a hat, scarf, sunglasses, sunscreen, ointment for muscle and joint pains
and first-aid box. Cottons are best during the day (sun can be very strong even in winters) but
don’t forget to carry woolens as you will need to wrap up during the early morning and late evening.
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Horse safari
Organizing a horse safari is best done by the horse breeder as they are the experts. Visitor
should have prior experience of horse riding, even if basic, as it is not advisable to get on the
horse back for first time in life to take a horse safari. These are available around Jodhpur
(Rohetgarh family has been organizing it for their guest for many years including Madonna in 2008),
Udaipur, Pushkar, and Kumbalgarh/Chittorgarh. Tagging-on a horse safari with a Pushkar Camel Fair
visit is an excellent option. Camp in style at the luxury tented accommodation “Camp Bliss” during
the Fair; www.pushkarcamelfair.com
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Jeep safari
For the visitors who prefer soft adventure, jeep safaris are just perfect. They are easy to
organize from the hotels where you stay, and suit those who are pressed for time. A half-day jeep
safari can take you to nearby tribal villages from your hotel (Deogarh Mahal, Rohetgarh) or
a wildlife sanctuary (Gajner Palace, Aodhi Hunting Lodge in Kumbhalgarh). As they cover a lot
of ground in short span of time, there has been significant rise in number of tourists opting for
this option.
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Hot-air Baloon
A recent addition to the long list of adventure activities in Rajasthan, Hot-air Baloon rides by
“Sky Waltz” have been received well by the industry. Of course, it is by far the most
expensive adventure activity; nevertheless aerial-views of destinations like Ranthambore
national park, Pushkar Camel Fair, Jaipur, Udaipur (to start in 2009) are unparalleled to
any other experience. Many globe-trotting tourists would have taken such a ride in other parts
of the world, but this one should be unique for its exotic locales. Flight operates between
Mid-September till end of March (weather permitting) and price ranges between US $200 to $300
depending on the location.
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Elephant Polo
Another exciting activity which has the capacity to transport you back to bygone era of the
royal families is an Elephant-Polo match in Jaipur. If you are travelling with a small group
of friends/family, this can be great fun. An extra day in Jaipur is required to include it
in your itinerary.
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Shopping ideas
Rajasthan is a shopper’s paradise; you might have come across this statement many a times.
Yet it doesn’t disappoint even the slightest when one arrives here, owing to its centuries-old crafts
tradition. The rulers of the former Princely states can be credited for giving Rajasthan a rich heritage
of handicrafts as they had extended patronage to talented craftsmen from other states.
Rajasthani Textiles (Tie-and-dye art & Block printing)
Jaipur and nearby Sanganer are best places where you can see the process as well as buy the material.
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Carpets and Durries
Around Jaipur there are several villages actively producing carpets including cotton, silk and woolen floor coverings with oriental and contemporary motifs.
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Handmade paper
Sanganer (near Jaipur) has this cottage industry. Small souvenirs like letter paper, cards, carrier bags and gift boxes etc. can be bought.
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Jootis
These leather slip-on shoes are very popular amongst locals and becoming increasingly likeable by the foreign tourists. Ethnic look, comfortable and easy to carry, jootis are indeed a good buy from Rajasthani cities like Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur.
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Miniature paintings
Distinctive schools of miniature paintings are spread across the state. Various schools are from Mewar (Udaipur), Jodhpur, Jaipur, Kishangarh, Bundi and Kota in addition to influence of Kangra art and Mughal art. History has had a very strong impact on the paintings which include myriad subjects like battle scenes, romantic themes, mythological figures and deities. As you travel through Rajasthan, you can see painters at work on silk, paper, cotton and camel bone.
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Blue Pottery
This world famous art comes from Jaipur and Sanganer. All are hand-moulded and well glazed. Hand-painted vessels are decorated with floral motifs and geometric patterns in combination of blue, white and occasionally other colors. Sanganer is worth a visit to see the craftsmen at work and to pick up some collective pieces. Price varies with the size and quality of the workmanship.
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Precious stones and Jewelry
Local jewelers used to make splendid jewelry for the royal families throughout Rajasthan. The same tradition has continued in the form of finely cut precious and semi-precious stones set in gold with enamel inlay work. Jaipur is world-famous as a centre for the cutting and polishing of imported raw stones. A visit to the walled city’s Johari Bazaar and its narrow alleys is best place to explore if you are interested in some serious shopping but bargain wisely as prices are not fixed.
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Heritage liqueurs
Heritage liquers are made from the recipes of erstwhile maharajas. In an indigenous and inimitable style, these special liqueurs were prepared for the royal families by concocting herbs and spices, keeping in mind the local climatic conditions of the principality and social status. Three types of liquors were Ikbara for the common man & soldier; Dobara for elite middle class & officers and Aasav for the rulers, princes and royalty. A truly royal drink, it is recommended to be enjoyed whilst travelling in Rajasthan. Even for the connoisseur, there is a wide variety to choose from namely; Royal Chandra Haas, Royal Kesar Kasturi, Royal Elaichi (cardamom), Royal Rose, Royal Apple Orange, and Royal Saunf (fennel seeds).
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