Mount Abu : A summer retreat, a peaceful sojourn

With the beginning of spring season, Mount Abu was blossoming in all its glory. The first thing I did on reaching the one and only hill station in the desert was search a comfortable and cozy accommodation. I chose the accommodation at Hotel Lake Palace. It offered all the amenities that a modern day traveller looks for. Apart from this, the hotel was located on the famous Mall Road which was yet another reason to choose this very accommodation. I dumped my bags in my room and went for a wander outside. To satiate my hunger pangs, I entered Arbuda Restaurant again on Mall Road. I had delicious pav bhaji followed by a glass of lassi. Then, I basked in the sun and the glorious weather.

Later in the day, I decided to visit the far-famed Dilwara Temples. Carved out in the most exquisite marble in the world, the architecture of this popular Jain pilgrimage was extraordinary. Details of the carvings on the pillars and ceilings were heart-touchingly beautiful. It seemed to me an unbelievable creation of the human hands. The luminous marble shimmering in the dappling sun was a sight to behold.

Beauty bestows itself in an exceptional form in Mount Abu. And there were innumerable points wherefrom one could appreciate the natural beauty and watch the breathtaking sunsets. I decided to catch glimpse of the setting sun from the Sunset Point. The crowd that gathered here for a view of the spectacular sunset was large. Small colourful shops and souvenir sellers added to the carnival like environ. It was the most romantic sight I had ever seen. How beautifully red flirted with indigo before fusing in the horizon. I enjoyed every bit of it. Then, I relaxed for the day.

I woke up late next morning. After having lunch at the hotel, I was was ready to hop over to Nakki Lake, the flirtatious lake at the heart of Mount Abu. The aura of the place took away with it all my stress. I spent the evening roaming around the lake. I enjoyed thoroughly the cool breeze blowing across my face. Boating here was great fun. Spent an hour cruising in the middle of the pristine waters in the lake. The water gushing from the jet fountain amidst the lake was a delight.

I stepped onto the Mall Road now. Picked up some fabrics and a small bell, had Gujrati thali at Kanak Dining Hall and then I retired for the night.

A Blue Diamond in the crown

Destined to reach Jodhpur the next morning, I started off with a light breakfast. Drove off and soon I reached Jodhpur. The sync here was so unlike other Rajasthan cities. I saw several hotels. None could beat the charm offered by the Umaid Bhawan Palace, one which had recently hit the news when Liz Hurley and Arun Nayar decided to put up their wedding celebrations here.

Known amongst one of the largest residences world-wide, the structure is a dream carved out in yellow sandstone. I received a warm welcome from the royal family of Jodhpur. Fashionable exteriors and intricate interiors were equally stunning. Stepping in the room was like entering the royal world. Peerless paintings enabled me peep into the traditional bygone lifestyle.

After every single corner of the palace mesmerized me, I moved on to step out to experience more colour and life scattered in Jodhpur. Amazing! How many shades of blue, I remarked. Almost all the houses in the city were painted in blue. This not only added beauty but provided protection against insects as well. I chose to sit and notice the impressions of the people passing by. Half grown boys running after one another, young girls performing household chores and women drying brilliantly-hued saris. All this made me realize how innocent and simple Rajasthanis are even in today's fast paced life. I smiled and moved on...

Shopping in Jodhpur was truly a rewarding experience. The markets of Jodhpur display an array of beautiful and antique buys. I picked up a beautiful scarf in tie and dye. Thereafter, I headed towards Sarafa Bazaar and laid hands on some exquisite jewellery in silver. And how could I forget to grab a pair of those famous handcrafted 'Jodhpuri jooties' (footwear) without whose mention the catalogue of Indian footwear remains incomplete. The range available at Mochi Bazaar was fascinating.

The best part about this vacation in Jodhpur was my indulgence in flavourful snacks and cuisine. The famous 'Shahi samosas' followed by a glass of 'makhana lassi' were perfect starters. Moving on, I halted on the airport road to dine at 'Chimney' known for its beautiful village-like ambiance. I am actually short of words that can describe the flawless decor of the restaurant. Thatched huts, floor paved in mud, open-air sitting area and indulgence in great tandoori delicacies made my evening.

And this was not all! The appetizing colours of 'laddoos' mounted over one another aroused hunger pangs in my stomach. I gobbled about half a dozen of these melt-in-the-mouth magic balls within no time at all. Sleep was all that I could now think off. Completely worn-out, I crashed for the night with thoughts of my next destination – Mount Abu lingering on and on...

Rajasthan in all its glory

I moved forward from Bikaner to Khimsar. On reaching Khimsar, I stopped for a tea break at the Khimsar Fort Hotel. Overnight was spent at Khimsar Sand dune Resort, my retreat for the next two days. There were several clusters of cottages in the resort. The staff at the resort was amiable. They had planned breakfasts in the open and dinners outdoors. Dinner accompanied by Rajasthani music and dance added to the entertainment the desert offered.

Now I opted for some adventure amidst the sands. You will have to believe me when I say that messing with sands in Rajasthan is great fun. I started off my adventure in Khimsar with a jeep safari. I saw deer, sambhar and a couple of snakes too. The charm associated with a jeep safari amidst the desert landscape was one of its own kind.

In order to taste the true essence of desert and explore the dune decked terrain further, I had to hire a camel who was my companion for the rest of the journey. I thoroughly enjoyed the camel ride into the sunset. Watching the sunset from an elevated sand dune hypnotized me. I felt as if transported to another world altogether. Hot tea and sandwiches, what more could I have asked for? Nothing but sand could only be seen for miles. Nowhere can the sands be as spellbinding as they are in Rajasthan, I exclaimed.

The experience was enthralling. Changing colours of the sun over the desert horizon, moonlit flooded over desert landscape are sights not to be missed. Days drenched in sun and crisp nights... It will not be easy for me to stem out from the fond memories of Khimsar Tour.

On my way to the amber hued city - Jaisalmer, I had a sound sleep in the taxi. I asked the driver where we exactly were as soon as I woke up. “Outskirts of Jaisalmer”, he answered. I peeped out of the window. From retina to horizon, sand scattered upto miles could be seen. I feel it is the right place for a soul. I mean, a place where quiet sand sits below an endless sky is where soul exists.

The golden town of Jaisalmer is packed with colours, celebrations and laughter. No other city evokes medieval desert flavour better! True desert companions, camels in Rajasthan are real show-stealers. Apart from the colorfully dressed locals, I was amazed to see the well-clad camels.

Moving further, my eyes caught hold of an old yet stunning haveli. I immediately decided to stay here. The architectural structure was treasure in itself. Carved in sandstone, it was a five-storied monument. My hotel room was on the top floor and an exclusive view for miles to go seen from the balcony was an added charm. Meals tasted even better when served on the roof top. Watching the sun rise along with a cup of tea in my hand was a moment of pure bliss for me. The instant was perfect, something I could have only imagined.

Later in the day, I visited the famous Jaisalmer Fort. Built out of yellow sandstone, the fort is fondly called the Golden Fort. The Jaisalmer Fort adds an ethereal appeal to the city. The fairy tale like beauty associated with the fort enthralled me. Springing up from the vast stretches of the golden sands, the palace complex, beautiful carved havelis and several temples that the fort houses are equally beautiful. The colorful interiors of the fort exhibit a great deal of richness and royalty.

After a long time, I grabbed the camera to recapture my passion for photography. And then endless clicks capturing the awe-inspiring monuments, desert sunset, merry-making and celebrations. Photographing the lively and hospitable Rajasthanis was purely pleasurable. My Jaisalmer Tour was simply an unbelievable travel-in-time experience.

Savor true essence of India

Yet another journey, yet another expedition and yet again... a chance to explore India at its best. I started off from Delhi - the main gateway into India. Vast Indian diversity melts perfectly at the country's capital. The past amalgamates flawlessly with the present. From the airport, I boarded a taxi so as to reach the hotel. It was an hour drive away from the International Airport. I could see the streets pulsate with exciting activities as I passed by.

Soon, I landed up at the hotel and entered my room. The interior of the room was tastefully decorated and beautifully restored. After freshening up and having breakfast, I set off to begin exploring various corners of Delhi. Accompanied by Dhananjay, my guide for Delhi tour, I was first of all taken to Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk. It is believed that if you begin the journey from a holy shrine, it will end up in good. Very true...

Jama Masjid is a monument of great elegance. The collection of several unique things makes the mosque even more interesting. I was truly enchanted to see a copy of the Holy Quran produced on the skin of a deer.

On stepping out from the mosque, I gobbled a plate of hot Jalebis from the famous 'Jalebi Wala'. It was delicious! Every fresh turn and every new curve in Chandni Chowk presented an entirely different Mughal aura before my eyes. If Dhananjay would not have pre-defined the route, I would have surely lost my way.

In the afternoon, I visited yet another architectural marvel - Qutub Minar. A leisure pad for the locals, the monument is impressive so much so that made it difficult for me to take my eyes off this magnificent monument. Other attractions in the complex were equally magnetic. I thanked Dhananjay for his contribution to this memorable Deli tour. Later, I stepped in at Chor Bizzare for tantalizing my taste buds. Apart from the food, the art deco of the restaurant too was beyond compare. I am not likely to forget this gastronomical journey ever in life.

Next morning I departed for Agra – the city of love. I enjoyed the soft music played in the taxi during the 5 hours drive. I stopped at Mathura as I could not resist myself from visiting the most beautiful Iskcon Temple en route. Now I continued the drive to Agra. Just a mere thought of the world famous monument Taj Mahal fascinated me alike other Indian and foreign tourists from all pockets of the globe.

Upon arrival, I went straight way to my hotel room. I decided to visit Taj Mahal the next morning. What better than shopping in Agra streets could I indulge myself in? Traditional handicrafts including rugs and gem stones were my first picks. A couple of bags and belts were also added to my shopping bag.

Applauded as the apex of Mughal architecture, Taj Mahal seemed to me nothing less than magic created by the hands of humans. You will have to believe that morning hours are the best time to see one of the seven wonders of the world. You will be bowled over to witness the changing colours of the Taj at different hours of the day. The icon depicts the proud passions of Shah Jahan's love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The tour guide helped me explore exquisite interiors of the monument in white marble. As I moved on, I turned back for one last glimpse of the majestic Taj Mahal.

Next I visited Agra Fort, a gigantic structure in red sandstone. Standing along its fence made me feel like touching the sky. Ah! The feeling was great. Incomparable... I must say. The aesthetic sensibilities of Shah Jahan, Akbar and Jehangir are perfectly interwoven in the architecture of the fort. Interesting, isn't it? The erstwhile aura that floats through the halls and structures inside the fort gripped me equally. As soon as dawn broke, I left for my hotel. The next morning bidding goodbye to Agra, I headed forward towards the flamboyant capital of Rajasthan – Jaipur.