Skip to main content

Into the Heart of Rajasthan


Courtesy: ejiusa.com
Early in the morning I headed out for Ranakpur. A cup of tea en-route took away all my inactiveness. Far from the hustle bustle of the city, the rural regalia of the place was enchanting. Surrounded by hills, Ranakpur was cooler as compared to other of the cities of Rajasthan.
 
Evenings were extremely pleasurable here. The Ranakpur Jain Temple is the major draw for the tourists here. Built in white marble, the temple was probably the most spectacular structure I had seen till date. I was impressed to see the exterior of the temple whose charm could bowl over even the most seasoned traveller. I walked up the stairs and believe me when I say that the interiors were
irresistibly splendid.

Over 1400 pillars in white marble dot the interiors of the massive temple. What was even more amazing was the fact that every marble pillar was carved unlike the other. These carvings were so unique and so beautiful. Words fall short to describe its matchless glory and photographs are not enough to display its splendour. It is purely white everywhere with sun rays entering in through spaces and settling gingerly over the gleaming floor. The temple was magnetic enough to allow a visitor sit and keep looking for hours, I bet.

I captured the beauty of the temple with endless clicks of my camera though photographing the religious idols was strictly prohibited. The temple visit had immensely impressed me.

Courtesy: holidayiq.com
I had lunch and decided to move on to the next destination Khimsar. Right after reaching Khimsar I began to look for a hotel. There's no better option than Khimsar Fort Hotel. I must add that the staff at the hotel was extremely amiable. Dinners outdoor under the starlit sky were romantic. Rajasthani dance and music was an added attraction.

The vast stretches of sand in Khimsar are ideal for sand play. Jeep safari was the best way out to explore the wilderness in Khimsar. I opted for a jeep safari then. It was the best way to catch glimpses of animals like deer, sambhar and some snakes. Jeep safari was truly an unmatched experience. One of its own kind!

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.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Sufi Capital Wrapped In The Barren Hills Of The Aravallis

Courtesy vacationsindiaplus.com I packed my bags to the Ajmer city, nestled in the base of Aravali mountain ranges. The historic city was established by the great king of the Chauhan dynasty, Ajaipal Chauhan in the 7 th century. On arriving Ajmer, I was surprised to see the true secular nature of India that is enlivened in the life and history of this great city. This renowned pilgrim centre showcases a perfect blend of Hindu culture with Sufi traditions . Ajmer was flanked by majestic mountains on all sides. I booked a room in Hotel Mansingh Palace. The most lively attractions of the city are the religious songs and Quawwalis, which can be heard at every street, especially at the holy Dargahs . I visited the Dargh of Ajmer Sharif at night, the most famous pilgrim center in the city, dedicated to the great Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti . Religious convocations, called 'mehfils' were organized in the mehfil khana, a voluminous hall meant for this purpose. A few