We are all aware of how huge India is as a nation, so I have decided to provide a snapshot of the North-Western State of Rajasthan. As the largest state by area, it is also one of the most cultural and colourful. Far more than just the Taj Mahal which is located in the neighbouring state of Uttar Pradesh, it is so surprising how many travellers visit in order to say they have seen the iconic mausoleum built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz in 1632. The best time of course to view the Taj located in Agra is at sunrise and it is certainly worth waking for - the crowds are far less at this time. So let us discover Rajasthan.
Our story is so much more as one discovers when we fly into Delhi. The ruins of the ancient Lal Kot and the minaret of Qutub Minar with different coloured sandstone used in the construction of the exquisite fluted tower is a blend of Islamic architecture and South West Asian design. It is one of the most visited sites in the city. One of my highlights is visiting the museum of Mahatma Ghandi, and walking the path which leads to where he took his last breath, the result of an assassination. The museum was formerly his home where he held meetings with some of the world's greatest leaders.
While there is so much more I could write about Delhi, there is also much more to tell you about Jaipur the capital, Udaipur the 'city of lakes' Jodhpur the blue city and Ranthambore National Park, it is the excitement of seeing the Palace in Bikaner and the old Havelis (homestays), and the thousands of camel that line the roads lead by herders of old. Waiting for hours for a lone leopard to descend from the clifftop on the outskirts of the desert town of Ranakpur provided us with palpitating hearts, such a special event.
Another memorable stay was that of the Veedaranya Haveli owned by a good friend Dr Shruti Poddar. Located in the small town of Ramgarh Shekawati, I cannot recommend a 2 or 3 night stay highly enough.
Riding camels in the Thar Desert is exciting on its own but sitting in the sand dunes as the sun sets and the sky reveals a myriad of hues from oranges to pastel pinks placing the ships of the desert into silhouette is a memory that will last a lifetime. Enticing India is our name and we would love to show you as much of the country as your heart desires.
