Rajasthan on celluloid, now feels
more connected. From Bikaner to Mandawa, Agra to Delhi, 2014 started with a spill
over vacation of 2013. From capital city Jaipur to pilgrim centre Pushkar,
passing Ajmer to reach Jodhpur, meant 8 hours long drive. This was the best
opportunity to befriend our non enthusiastic driver Mr Sonu. Inter city drives turned him
from a passive driver to an active contributor, giving Intercity comparisons.
In his version Jaipur, his native, held an upper hand, over Delhi. I chuckled,
as his comparisons pleasantly reminded me to the likes of Amravati v/s
Aurangabad and Pune v/s Mumbai.
Sam Sand Dunes, gives a glimpse
of Rajasthan, we all are familiar with. Be it "Sooraj hua Madham"
song, or Nanhe Jaiselmer's poster boy, movie scenes unfold at the deserts of
Jaisalmer. Love Aaj Kal's last scene, Shudh Desi Romance last song, its Rajasthan
all the way. There is heightened excitement in watching these movies/ songs
after visiting the places.
Contrast to Jaisalmer,Bikaner
shows the aristocratic side of State. Mandawa, on the other hand, looks like a poor cousin to Bikaner. But their smart lodging
facilities are a real attraction. Mandawa has converted it ill maintained
havelis into Vantage Hotels. There can't be a better example of best out of
waste.
The best part of Rajasthan is
that, even non tourist attractions will give a local feel. Busy roads of
Jaipur, will have camels walking on its sides. Radio stations, loud speakers,
festivities are incomplete without their trade mark " Dumadum Mast
Kalandar Song". Colourful turbans out for sale are hard to resist. I gave
a miss to bags, and bought turbans this time.
Finally from the land of
Maharajas to the land of Shehanshahs. From an architectural heavy weight to a
commercial centre. From a Rajasthani State to a Haryanvi Union Territory. Where
Mahals replaced Minarets and Open Havelis became enclosed domes . Delhi was our
final stop before returning to home city Chennai.
NB - Keeping up with my tradition of posting travelogues late, this post comes 2 months after the actual travel period. :)
4 comments:
Glad you enjoyed the rich and vast cultural heritage of Rajasthan. It's the state we belong to :)
Loved Rajasthan!!
Someday, I should visit Rajasthan. I am afraid it may be too hot, but we are used to heat anyway... Good travelogue, but you could have published some (more) photos taken by you.
Destination Infinity
Rajasthan is such a wonderful place that any number of visits are not enough:)
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