THAR DESERTS , RAJASTHAN , INDIA

Thar Desert

Thar Desert, Rajasthan

Also known as the Great Indian Desert, the Thar Desert extends into two states of north west India (Rajasthan and Gujarat) and in the eastern region of the neighbouring country, Pakistan. The arid region extends in an area which is 800 km long and 400 km wide. The desert is bordered by Indus and Sutlej river in the west and the Aravalli ranges in the east. The alluvial plains of Haryana and Punjab occupy the northern region. Nearly three fifth of the total Thar area is under farming while more than one fourth has been developed into pasture land.

The annual average rainfall is less than 25 cm and there is only one river, Luni, that flows from between the region. This river flows out to merge with the Arabian Sea. Farming in this region, as evident from the amount of rainfall, is not at all easy. Infact four out of ten years suffer a situation of severe drought. And then, there is strong winds that blow for nearly half the year in this region.

As many as 700 species of plants exist in this area of which 107 are grass alone. These plants have the capacity to survive in the driest of conditions and are usually edible, especially the grass variety. The animal species of the desert region is also noteworthy. Actually, The Thar Desert houses some of the best breed of livestock in the country and thereby contributes to production of wool in Rajasthan which is half the total wool production in the country.

The land of shifting sand dunes, broken rocks and scrub vegetation has the visitors in a state of great excitement because it is completely different from what they have been used to. Though the region is arid, there is no dearth of attractions. Three of the most attractive cities of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bikaner are a part of the Great Indian Desert.

CASTLE MANDAWA, SHEKHAWATI, INDIA

Castle Mandawa

Castle Mandawa Shekhawati, Rajasthan

In the colourful region of Shekhawati, Rajasthan, lies a small remote town, Mandawa. It was a halting place for ancient traders who came down all the way from China and Middle East. The town itself came into existence after Thakur Nawal Singh built a fortress here. The fortress initially attracted numerous common people and later traders to settle down in the surrounding areas. Mandawa soon flourished though later with the dwindling in the caravan traffic business lost its earlier zeal. The merchants were forced to look into other options elsewhere in the country. Yet their love for the place encouraged them to build numerous havelis.

Today, the fort that gave life to Mandawa as a town has been converted into a heritage hotel while the other havelis form a major source of attraction.

Castle Mandawa, which became a hotel in 1980, is every bit royal! From the moment guests step into the premises of the hotel, regality makes itself visible at every step forward. The hotel building is imposing and the entry of guests grand. On the back of a camel or horse, the guests make a dream entry with blowing trumpets and rhythmic beats of drum adding a regal sound effect. Traditional Indian welcome with tilak and garland add more charm to the colourful entry of the guests.

During their stay, the friendly staff ensures that the guests feel at home even while away from it.

BUNDI FORT , KOTA , INDIA

Bundi-Fort

Bundi is not hounded by tourists in the same manner as some of the more famous Rajasthan cities. This is the reason why many people in search of a peaceful yet exciting vacation opt for Bundi. Situated in the southern part of the colourful state Rajasthan, Bundi is 39 km north west of Kota. It is easy for tourists to explore this typical Rajasthani city and its history within a very short span of time on either a taxi or auto rickshaw or simply a cycle.

In the year 1193 when Prithviraj Chauhan lost out to Mohammad Ghori, numerous Chauhan nobles fled to Mewar to seek a safe refuge. However, there were still others who were not intimidated and hence moved towards newer destination in the Chambal valley. There they subdued the Meena and Bheel tribes and established their own supremacy in the kingdom of Hadoti. Later during the Jehangir rule, Bundi was forcibly separated into two parts, Kota and Bundi. The state lost its earlier prestige with the rise of Kota, though it continued as an independent state within the British rule. Later, when India gained independence, Bundi was incorporated into the state of Rajasthan.

The name Bundi is derived from the name of a former ruler.

PUSHKAR CITY , INDIA

Pushkar City

Myths and legends float throughout India and Pushkar is no exception. The holy lake here is believed to have appeared miraculously when a lotus flower fell off from the hands of Brahma. The name itself draws from the flower that fell off - Puspa meaning flower and kar meaning hand. But legends do not end here. The story also has inputs from Goddess Savitri, wife of Brahma. After all, it was she who made Pushkar the land of Brahma, the only place where he was to be worshipped by future generations.

Pushkar today is an esteemed religious destination for Hindus and Brahma highly venerated god here. Around 400 temples and 52 bathing ghats make other attractions of the city appear dwarfish. The nights do not have just stars to sparkle up the atmosphere, rather there are deep rooted faith in the hearts of devotees that makes this place radiate with unparalled charm.

The Pushkar fair is a riot of colours, especially red and yellow. Turbans, lehangas and dupattas seem to fill the entire atmosphere with bright enthusiasm. The atmosphere is charged up as if the accumulated enthusiasm of the people throughout the year has finally found expression. It is a time when tribals, general tourists and filmakers from all over the world make a beeline for Pushkar. Giving them company are thousands of camels, horses, goats and sheep. And behold! they come completely decked up and walk with a panache that eludes even the most confident person around. No wonder, they are the celebrities of this fair.

Explore Pushkar, a small place on foot or on a bicycle. Some really good experience lay hidden in this mystical town.