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.