All posts filed under: Rajasthan

Rajasthan villages

Offbeat Rajasthan: 10 Awe-inspiring Experiences.

Looking for offbeat places in Rajasthan? From tribal ceremonies to ancient hunting lodges, behold some truly incredible experiences. On a mustard farm deep in the interiors of Rajasthan’s Pali district, Pannibai pulls out weeds in the hot afternoon sun. A few meters away, next to a makeshift hut of wood and twigs, her husband and son cook lunch on a small fire. The family has been here almost 6 months. Come March, when the harvest is done, they’ll take their share of the crop and move. To another village, and another makeshift house. It’s the only way of life I know, she tells me. The real nomad, of the Rabari (gypsy) community of Rajasthan. The villages of Rajasthan are home to hundreds of years of fascinating traditions, many of which will get wiped away with the older generations. Visit these truly offbeat places in Rajasthan and partake of these awe-inspiring travel experiences while you still can: Witness a tribal prayer ceremony Nana Village, Pali District On a late winter night, I found myself sitting in the …

Lakshman Sagar: Add it to Your Rajasthan Bucket List!

Why you should be dreaming about Lakshman Sagar Rajasthan. Over the years, I’ve travelled to and stayed in many amazing places, in many countries across the globe. Even with such high expectations, sometimes a place comes along that completely takes me by surprise. A place that makes me appreciate my life as a travel blogger. A place that I know I won’t forget for a long time. Lakshman Sagar, in the Pali district of Rajasthan, was one such place. Once a 19th century hunting lodge on the banks of a lake (sagar), it has been transformed by a visionary man into the most gorgeous expression of eco-friendly luxury. I’m going to let these pictures speak their thousand words about Lakshman Sagar Rajasthan: The “0 KM” Concept at Lakshman Sagar Rajasthan It implies that everything used to design the rooms has been sourced naturally or locally (from nearby villages). This is the living area of my room, with a chimney in the left corner, and so many colorful and innovative little touches to marvel at. Lounging …

Suryagarh, Suryagarh Jaisalmer

Suryagarh, Jaisalmer: Is it Worth the Splurge?

Wonder if you should splurge at Suryagarh Jaisalmer? Read on. My drowsy eyes prick open at the sight of a massive fort, a short drive away from Jaisalmer city. Its rustic brown faΓ§ade merges with the stark wilderness of the desert, and the sheer grandeur of India’s bygone royal era calls out to me. Khamaghani. Welcome to Suryagarh. The last time I was in Jaisalmer was over 8 years ago. I’m glad those memories have largely faded away, because this isn’t the dry, parched terrain I remember. The sporadic monsoon rains have painted the Thar Desert in shades of green, and sprouted oases on the parched land. I’m surprised to open the window of my cosy, colorful room, and see a semi-green desert, with windmills spinning in the distance. Also See: In Photos: Jaisalmer in The Monsoons The music of the Manganiyar desert tribe echoes through Suryagarh’s expansive courtyards. The retro in-house bar serves Rajasthani delicacies and fusion tapas in earthen bowls. And a majority of its staff, though conversant in English and trained in the …

monsoon

6 Long Weekend Getaways From Delhi to Rejuvenate You.

I think I’ve finally come to love the monsoon season in India. I’m mesmerized by the way the rains paint the mountains an emerald green, and provide relief to the parched desert. The way the clouds playfully flirt with the moon at night. The way the monsoon mist descends on lakes and waterfalls. The cool breeze, the raindrops on my skin, the smell of the earth, they are all subtle reminders of how travelling makes me feel – liberated. Shivya NathWelcome to my blog, The Shooting Star. I’ve been called a storyteller, writer, photographer, digital nomad, “sustainability influencer,” social entrepreneur, solo traveller, vegan, sustainable tourism consultant and environmentalist. But in my heart, I’m just a girl who believes that travel – if done right – has the power to change us and the world we live in.

A Visual Journey of Chasing Monsoon in Jaisalmer.

Ready for the magic of monsoon in Jaisalmer? I’m no monsoon chaser. In fact, I’ve spent most monsoons running away from the rains. But when the luxury boutique hotel Suryagarh Jaisalmer invited me for a bloggers’ getaway in the Thar desert, to experience the magic of monsoon in Jaisalmer, I got curious. I had never, until then, imagined that the vast wilderness of the Thar Desert could be covered in green pastures and small oases. Or that the clear blue desert sky could be engulfed with grey clouds on a terrain so flat, you could literally see them burst into rain at the far end of the desert. Monsoon in Jaisalmer was magical alright, but you shouldn’t believe me until you get a glimpse yourself: ARRIVING IN THE OLD FASHIONED LUXURY OF SURYAGARH  A unique resort built in the style of a Rajasthan fort. A warm welcome by musicians of the Manganiyar tribe, who tug at your heart with the tunes of the desert. === STUMBLING UPON A TYPICAL DESERT SCENE during monsoon in Jaisalmer; a young boy …

A Visual Journey Through Bhap Village, Rajasthan.

Explore Bhap Rajasthan (in Phalodi Rajasthan) through my lens. Late last year, I visited Bhap village, near Jodhpur in Rajasthan. Despite being one of India’s most travelled states, Rajasthan harbors secrets that take long to find, and even longer to forget. Bhap Rajasthan, surrounded by a serene village lake, gorgeous salt pans, massive sand dunes, and friendly people, is one such secret. This photo essay is a collection of fond memories from the days I spent there: *** SOAKING IN THE SERENITY OF PHALODI RAJASTHAN LAKES in Bhap village. Bhap itself is a typical Indian village with no proper sewage or drainage system, but after a disheartening walk through its narrow by-lanes, arriving on the pristine shores of this village lake is nothing short of amazing. Across the lake, we could spot several herds of camels trotting along in the desert. *** LAUGHING WITH VILLAGE KIDS NEAR BHAP RAJASTHAN in a village where Dalit families are still discriminated against and not allowed to visit the village temple. The smiles of these Dalit children give hope …

rural Rajasthan, Rajasthan life, Rajasthan farms

A Flavor of Rural Rajasthan, Just an Hour From Jaipur.

In search of rural Rajasthan, I landed up at an organic farmstay just an hour from Jaipur. Swarms of people greet me as I alight at the Jaipur railway station. Some arrive in the pink city with royal expectations. Some transit through it to seek the desert culture of Rajasthan. And many slyly try to identify first-timers to the city so they can put their touting hat on. I incessantly nod no to the constant soliciting of Madam auto, Madam taxi and Madam hotel, until I reach the exit of the station and someone’s Madam auto soliciting succeeds. I can see his bewilderment when I ask to go to Surya Vatika Road on the highway towards Chomu. The fare negotiation is skewed in my favour for once, because he has no idea where we are going. We drive past the bustling city, past the resorts that line its outskirts. Until we turn off the main highway into a by-lane that winds along vast patches of dry land, barren even at the onset of spring. We …