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7 Reasons to Visit The Royal State of India: Rajasthan

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The beauty of Rajasthan is in the dunes, the energy in its vibrant folk songs, and the rich heritage in its forts and palaces. Some parts of Rajasthan seem lost in time, whereas certain areas capture the glitz and glamour of contemporary life to perfection.

There are many reasons to book the Rajasthan tour packages. The smooth sand dunes beneath the sparkling skies or wandering through the remains of a massive fort. Everything is unique in its own way. The joys of shopping for classic “jooti” or digging your mouth with “dal-baati” are as varied and intriguing as they seem. Here check out your reason to visit the Royal State of India, Rajasthan:

7Famous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks

Tiger sighting at Ramthambore

Rajasthan is home to wide variety of Indian species. The most famous sanctuary for wildlife worth visiting are Desert National Sanctuary in Jaisalmer and Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. It allows visitors to enjoy walking safaris and horse riding. The National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary, Kota is very famous for Gharials. Also known as red crowned roof turtle.

If you are fond of national parks, then Ranthambore National Park should be your stop. It is an excellent spot to see wild tigers in their natural surroundings. Sariska National Park, Alwar, is another place worth visiting because of its large population of tigers. Discover wildlife in Rajasthan in the most authentic way.

6Fascinating Heritage Hotels

Scenes from Udaipur Lake Palace

Rajasthan has the most number of heritage hotels which provide you the chance to see the royal life in person and become familiar with the princely customs and traditions of this state. One of these historic hotels in the state is Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, which is often referred to as “Jewel of Jaipur.”

The sandstone is carved from golden yellow and adorned with luxury; The Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace located in Jodhpur provides a truly unforgettable experience. The only hotel that is unique and intriguing is the Lake Palace in Udaipur. Other famous heritage hotels include Fort Rajwada in Jaisalmer, Shiv Niwas Palace in Udaipur, and Khimsar Fort, Khimsar.

5Festivals and Dances

Cultural Activities at Pushkar Fair

The sheer number of fairs and festivals held in Rajasthan all through the year makes it one of the most renowned state for the culture of India. These celebrations of merrymaking are highlighted by lively dance and music performances. Turban-tying contests and races for camels, elephant polo, and other unique and exciting activities draw tourist crowds in huge numbers.

The most well-known dances from Rajasthan that have earned international recognition include the Ghoomar dance of Udaipur along with the Kalbeliya dance from Jaisalmer. The other famous cultural activities are Kathputli, Bhopa, Chang, Teratali, etc. The most popular fairs in the state are Marwar Festival, Pushkar Fair, Bikaner Camel Festival, Bundi Festival, and Mewar Fair.

4Desert Safari

Desert Safari Rides

An ideal place to experience the magic of desert safari is Jaisalmer, where you can also enjoy the annual Jaisalmer Desert Festival. Camping under the dazzling stars and calmness of desert when interrupted by the whispering breeze is an unforgettable experience! Another way to experience the vibrant and diverse Rajasthani folk culture is by participating in festivals like the Desert Festival, which is typically held from January to February each year.

3Vibrant Cities

Jaipur Pink City
Patrika Gate, Jaipur

Rajasthan is the most significant state in India as home to the most number of lively cities. Jaipur named as the “Pink City,” and the capital city of Rajasthan is well-known for its palaces and forts. Some of the famous ones are Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, etc.

Udaipur is also famous for its sparkling lakes, such as Lake Pichola, and wonders such as Taj Lake Palace, besides being a shopper’s paradise. Kota is known for its Jagmandir Palace, Kota Barrage as well as Chambal gardens in addition to its famous “Kota ki Kachori.” Then, Jaisalmer offers a rare opportunity to camp under the stars in nights accompanying the dunes of sand.

2Authentic Culture

Scrumptious Laal Maas

There is no doubt that Rajasthan is among the top states for culture in India. The residents are dressed in vibrant costumes known as “angarakha” and “Ghaghara.” The cuisine of the state include things such as buttermilk “khud khargosh” (rabbit meat), “dal baati churma,” “gatte ki sabzi,” “laal maas” and so on.

The primary occupation for the people from Rajasthan as well describes the culture of the state. The most commonly cultivated crops are wheat, bajra, pulses, etc. Not only this, Rajasthan also matches itself with the world. The modern side of the state, which is evident in the lavish malls, parks, and many more.

1Perfect Stop for Shopping

Shopping Streets of Rajasthan

The most desirable places to shop within India is Rajasthan. It is because shopping here is also about experiencing the historical aspect of the town. For handicrafts, ethnic handlooms, and artifacts, no place is more enchanting than Jaipur. The most popular locations include Johari Bazar and Bapu Bazar. Jodhpur is the ideal place to shop for things that range from antiques to jewellery. Clock Tower Market and Nai Sarak are two of the most popular alternatives.

Hathi Pol Bazar, famous for its Rajasthani miniature paintings. Bada Bazar in Udaipur displays an array of exotic goods. Another popular place to shop is Sadar Bazar in Pushkar, where you can find leatherware, puppets, textiles and many more.

Places become touristic for their reasons to visit and Rajasthan perfectly defines to be the same. So when are you planning your trip to the royal state of Rajasthan??

Happy Traveling!!

Jaipur Travel Guide: Places, Attractions & Tips

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Jaipur Pink City
Patrika Gate, Jaipur

Jaipur, the name has a magical regal touch. The ‘Pink City’ has always been the capital of several kingdoms throughout the Rajput dynasty, and now, serves as the capital of the largest state of India, Rajasthan. Located 431m above the sea-level in north-west India. Jaipur is a landlocked city with a
cultural and traditional heritage that dates centuries ago.
In 1876, Lord Albert gave the title of “Pink City” when Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur had painted the entire city in the pink color to welcome the visit of Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales. Since then, all the government buildings in Jaipur are built with pink walls.

If you seek for royal touch in your travel activity, then Jaipur is your destination. Here we have a complete travel guide to Jaipur: The Royal Pink City Of India.

Jaipur Pink City
Pinkalicious Patrika Gate

Best Time to Visit Jaipur

As Jaipur is a landlocked city located in the tropical zone, the temperatures are extremes. The best time to visit Jaipur is in the winter season; from October to March. The weather is pleasant, all the tourist places open after the monsoons and our digestive system is also quite efficient then so that we can enjoy the local delicacies.

Top Attractions in Jaipur

1: Jantar Mantar:

Jantar Mantar is a monument built by Sawai Jai Singh II in the year 1734. This monument has nineteen astronomical instruments that were used to read time, date and zodiacs. Jaipur’s Jantar Mantar has the largest stone sundial in the world. This is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jantar Mantar in Jaipur
Instruments at Jantar Mantar

2: Hawa Mahal

It is a popular tourist destination. Hawa Mahal gets its name for the breeze that blows through this monument. Hawa Mahal is not a palace, but, a wall that royal ladies used as a screen when they used to eye the street and street activities.

Hawa Mahal in Jaipur
Seeking window-walls of Hawa Mahal

3: City Palace

In the heart of the city, it was the lavish palace of Maharaj Sawai Jai Singh II. Currently, the palace serves as the royal residence and a museum with an exquisite collection of the Rajput Dynasty. The museum has artifacts, vintage arms and ammunition, the roya dressing, and some other interests of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.

Interior of City Palace in Jaipur
Interior of City Palace

4: Birla Mandir

It is built by the Birla Family in 1988; this temple is dedicated to Lakshmi Narayan. Birla Mandir is built from white marble which sparkles from a distance as a result of the moonlight/sunlight reflection. A soothing and comforting holy place.

Image of Birla Mandir in Jaipur
Magnificent Birla Mandir

5: Amer Fort

Located on the banks of Maota Lake in Amer, a small city 11 km from Jaipur is a hot tourist destination. The fort is located on a hill that offers elephant rides. The entire city can be eyed from the observation deck of this palace.

Image of Amer Fort in Jaipur
Great Wall of Amer Fort

6: Jal Mahal

This was the summer hunting destination of kings. Water Palace is built amidst the Man Sagar Lake in Mughal-Rajputana style. It is the prettiest architectural building and provides the best view of the lake and Nahargarh hills. Although there is restricted visitors entry at Jal Mahal, you can enjoy the best glimpse of the palace through boat ride.

Jal Mahal
Picturesque beauty of Jal Mahal

7: Bapu Market

Local markets complete the city. Delhi has Karol Baug, Mumbai has Crawford Market, similarly, Jaipur has Bapu Market. Located on M. G. Road; this market has everything to offer from clothes, local imitation, fashion accessories to fine home décor. Besides, no market is fulfilled without street food.

Image of Bapu Bazaar in Jaipur
Handicrafts at Bapu Market

How to Reach Jaipur?

Being the state capital, Jaipur is very well connected to all the major cities of India.

By Air: Jaipur International Airport is located on outskirts of India. It serves 2-5 million passengers daily, making it one of the most functional airports in India.

By Train: Jaipur Junction falls on a very important route in Indian Railways’ rail network, Mumbai – Delhi. Jaipur Junction falls in the western line of Indian Railways; making it a well-connected railway station in India. Train services from the entire country are available.

By Road: The city is a part of India’s Golden Quadrilateral as well as one vertex of the Golden Triangle. The connectivity is enough for travelers across the country to reach Jaipur on a regular basis.

Where to Stay in Jaipur?

Being a favourite wedding destination in the country, there are numerous 5-star hotels in Jaipur with the likes of Radisson Blu, Marriott, Trident, The Lalit etc. For those who want to feel the city and its authenticity, it is highly recommended to stay in the hotels situated within the cities. A few 3-star and 4-star hotels are located within the city.

For budget travel, booking on OYO rooms, Fab Hotels etc. is highly recommended. The rooms are neat, tidy and fulfil the purpose of pleasant lodging.

Tips for Fun-Filled Experience Exploring Jaipur

  • Jaipur is not a metropolitan that is alive and kicking 24×7; while planning, start your day early.
  • Enjoy the local street delicacies instead of hopping around global/local chain restaurants.
  • The local shops in the markets may not accept cards, thus, it is handy to carry enough cash.
  • Although, Jaipur is a major city with several lodging and boarding facilities, pre-book your stay.

If not done with the royal palaces, then you can easily head to Udaipur. The other pleasant city of palaces and lakes in Rajasthan.

Top 11 Road Trip Destinations in India to hit off with your Bike this Season

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Bike Trip
Still from a bike trip

Do bold bike tours across long distances get the adrenaline pumping through your veins?
If you are an avid biker and have a biking group, or if not so, a companion who would accompany you to exciting lands on a bike, you must explore these places in India on your motorcycle. The thrill of biking is combined with exceptional landscape views and breathtaking beauty that the Indian subcontinent promises. Mountain biking is another big charm that holds the bikers interest. Some of these exotic locations are discussed below covering north to south of India that should not be missed. Look out for the top 11 road trip destinations to hit off with your bike this season.


1. Manali to Leh

This is one of the most popular destinations when you want to go for a bike tour. Leh-Ladakh regions are the dream location for all bikers. The breathtaking landscapes of Ladakh trip and the exciting passageways of Rohtang pass and Khardung pass will leave you with memorable experiences. It is approximate of 1360 km and the best season to take this expedition would be in the months of July, August, and September.

Waterlogged enroute Srinagar


2. Chennai to Munnar


For all those Chennai workaholics who really need a break after a worked out weekend can get slaying with this refreshing bike tour from Chennai to Munnar. It is a 10- hour long drive covering around 600 km, but the greenery in Munnar can trick you into staying there a night. A total recommendation for a short bike trip.

The scenic roadways to Munnar


3. Delhi – Jaipur- Ranthambore


This route is known as the golden triangle tour of India. It’s a bikers thrill to explore the mini bylanes of Chandni Chowk in Delhi and ride through the pink city of Jaipur exploring historic forts and monuments of Rajasthan. While Ranthambore has a rich wildlife park and known for its wildlife adventure. Bikers can have thrilling nature experiences up quite close and it can be a photographer’s heaven. It is an 8- day tour covering 464 km and counted upon as one of the best bike tours in the country.

Village scenes between Ranthambore


4. Sikkim- Darjeeling


Again, one of the most suitable destination for mountain biking, covering tiny hamlets and villager who are super friendly. This trip will refresh you with its pleasant winds and a breezy atmosphere. You may even spot tiny fields growing sweet potato or carrots. The best time to visit Darjeeling in its full beauty is in the month of October, just before the harsh winter sets off.

Mountain Biking in Sikkim

5. Ahmedabad to Rann of Kutch


This five- day tour of the Rann of Kutch on the west side of India is a very traditional and enriching biking experience. It is best advised to visit this region in the full moon period to get a breathtaking and spectacular view of the full moon over the Salt Lake. Do not forget to stay overnight in the Kutchi mud houses called “bhunga” It can leave you with starry midnight memories.

Bike decor amidst white salt at Kutch


6. Manali to Spiti Valley


One of the best mountain biking tours in the Himachal Pradesh valley. It is a 568 km stretch and filled with spectacular views of the Himalayan range. One of the attractions includes camping at the Chandratal lake. The most beautiful time to visit it would be from May to July.

Langza Village, Spiti


7. Mumbai to Pune


This most famous 93 km stretch is a second home to most Mumbaikars and Punekars. A totally recommended bike trip as the Mumbai- Pune expressway lies on the western ghats covering picturesque Lonavala. Just buy your stash of food and loads of ‘chikki’ and sit back and enjoy the long ride.

Pune-Lonavala Stretch


8. Bangalore to Bandipur Forest

This is a forest route stretching around 235 km and takes around 5 hours to cover. It is a beautiful highway trip with lush greenery to the Bandipur forest area. The developed road is lined with modern eating out options like McDonald’s as well as Café Coffee Day. Besides the common bike routes, this one is another small adventure beauty.

Bandipur Forest


9. Jaipur- Jodhpur- Jaisalmer

Coming on to this desert trip, it would be best to visit this place from November to February. It is a very long trip covering the forts and palaces across the desert region of Rajasthan in 1723 km. Be prepared for a very dry and hot climate and be ready with your tanning lotions, whereas biking in the winters would also be pleasant and much more bearable.

Desert Bike Trip


10. Gangtok to Lake Tsomgo


The North -Eastern region of India, with its exquisitely pristine landscapes, lies largely untravelled and unexplored. A road trip from Gangtok to lake Tsomgo, in Sikkim, is the best example of mountain biking. But, the mountainous trek will leave you asking for more with its adventure filed terrains. It is short and recommended road trip at 55 km long, to be taken in the winters.

Tsomgo Lake


11. Vishakhapatnam to Araku Valley


Lying in the southern region, this road stretch is a wonderful ride for bikers. The pristine beauty of the Bay of Bengal and the eastern ghats will leave you with a refreshing experience. It is 116 km long and recommended to visit between the months of March and October.
The must visit locations here are the Borra Caves and the Tatipudi reservoir. Biking in these regions can get pretty fun and it can be a totally different experience from other modes of transport. Biking allows you to visit nature quite closely and explore the surroundings at your own freedom.

Araku Valley


So what are you waiting for? Pick up a location for your bike tours and get set going on your Yamaha!

Udaipur- Lake, Lake Palace and more

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Nested on the shores of the stunning Lake Pichola and surrounded by the rustic Aravali ranges, Udaipur presents you the setting unmatched anywhere in India. It is the place that offers the calmness of a boat ride along with hustle-bustle of the market. The magnanimity of the palaces with the simplicity of street food and quaint old-world feel hotels with all the modern amenities. A perfect selection for the architecture and culture related travel activity.

Padharo Mhare Des…

Udaipur’s skyline offers a pretty romantic setting, right from the time you set your foot in the city. Fantastical palaces and havelis perched upon the banks of the man made lakes makes the city stand out in comparison with other cities of Rajasthan. Here are the list of things one can indulge in on their visit to the City of Lakes.

A Mural depicting Battle of Haldighati at Udaipur Railway Station

Experience the Royal aura at Taj Lake Palace

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Taj Lake Palace, as the name strikes, visuals of a grand building floating in the middle of the lake will appear before your eyes. 

A grand welcome with a shower of rose petals and platter of refreshments is just the tip of the iceberg of the grand treatment to be followed.

Built as a pleasure palace by Maharana Jagat Singh II in the year 1766, the palace oozes grandness from every nook and corner. 

Magnificent courtyards, intricate architecture and elaborate interiors leave you in awe as you walk past them sipping on the finest of wines from the hotel bar, “Amrit Sagar”.

The restaurants Bhairo and Jharokha offer the most stunning views of the lake Pichola and the city palace as you indulge in the finest Continental and Rajasthani cuisine in the respective restaurants.

Spend your evenings enjoying the beautiful cultural dance and music performances in the King’s Courtyard. The grace and the swirl of the performers will leave you spellbound. That’s Incredible India for you!

Enjoy the Sunset Boat Ride with Surreal Shades of skies

Known as the Venice of the East, Udaipur is home to 7 artificial lakes created across the city. The best way to enjoy the beauty of the lakes is by taking a boat ride.

City Palace at Dawn

Boating in the lake is open from morning 9.00 AM till evening at 6.00 PM, from the city palace. The best time to take the ride is around 5.00 PM, just before the sun is about to set, as you get the best shades of the skies during that time. 

A pretty Venice-esque bridge

The boat ride would make a pit stop at the gorgeous Jag Mandir, the recreational palace of the king, and is also known to be the inspiration of the wonder called Taj Mahal. Of late, the palace is gaining popularity as the most sought-after “Wedding Destination.”

The Scintillating Jag Mandir

From celebrities to industrialists to Hollywood stars, many have tied their Nuptial Knot at this very place. Besides this, Jag Mandir offers a marvellous view of the City Palace and Taj Lake Palace, shining brightly under the setting sun.

Get awed by the Grandeur of City Palace

Front View of the Palace

The City Palace of Udaipur is the largest palace of Rajasthan and 2nd largest Palace of India after Mysore Palace. The construction of this humongous palace was spread across 400 years and 21 generations of rulers.

City Palace from Lake Pichola

However, most significant contributions to the palace can be credited to Maharana Jagatsingh II and Maharana Fatehsingh.  The quarters within the palace are interlinked through a number of courtyards and corridors and are planned in a way to avoid surprise enemy attacks. 

The palace offers a splendid view of the Lake Pichola on one side and Udaipur city on the other side through the beautiful and colourful windows. And the post-sunset view of the palace is worth dying for.

Witness the amazing sunset at Sajjangarh Palace

Sitting on top of the hill, Sajjangarh Palace offers the best sunset view in Udaipur. Known as the Monsoon Palace, it was chiefly built to overlook the monsoon clouds and hence derived its name. The fort offers a panoramic view of the city’s lakes, palaces and the countryside.

Amazing sunset from Sajjangarh Palace

But the USP of the place is mesmerizing sunset from the top of the palace. Overlooking the gorgeous Aravali ranges, observe the skies as they change the colour with each passing moment as the sun moves down towards the horizon.

Soothe your soul with lip smacking food

Udaipur is a food lover’s paradise. Rich in taste and extremely flavorful, the food takes you to another level of gastronomical pleasure. 

Start your day with the amazing Kachoris, a flattened ball made of flour stuffed with either onion or moong dal. A tasty and heavy breakfast that will give you the energy to get through the first half of the day.

Traditional Lunch at Udaipur

After the Kachoris you savoured in the morning are digested by the juices in your stomach, satiate your belly with the signature Dal Baati Churma. Soft and round Baatis, made from wheat flour and baked in clay oven, are served with Dal made from mixed lentils. The Baatis then crushed and poured with Dal, topped with dollops of ghee are to be savoured using your hands. It is a must try dish, recommended place in Udaipur is Krishna Dal Baati Centre.

Enjoy the Mirchi Wadas and Bread Pakodas at Manak Lalji in the evening, while sipping hot masala tea from kullads(earthen cups). It is nothing less than Nirvana.


Spicy red mutton curry full of spices and oozing with the aroma at Udaipur

After hogging all through the day, as the lights sparkle all across Udaipur, dent your teeth in the delicious Lal Maas. A spicy red mutton curry full of spices and oozing with the aroma, while viewing the lovely city glow by the lakeside, ending a lovely foodie day. When in Varanasi, check out the food culture of the city.

Unleash the shopping monster at local market

Just like another tourist place, Udaipur boasts a local market where you can unleash your shopping monster.

Choose from a wide range of souvenirs, clothes, artefacts, footwear, home decor items and traditional crafts work at the Hathi Pole Market. The market is so colourful, that it will tempt you to purchase everything available on sale.   

With so much to offer, Udaipur is an ideal place to spend your vacation. Plan your next trip to Udaipur and get amazed by the royalty, the beauty and the calm of this lovely little place.

Head up to your new year with a goal of positivity with an ideal destination. Check out our work on 8 Destinations to visit for a good start of your next new year.

Rann Utsav – Cultural Fiesta of the White Salt Desert

Rann Utsav Cover Image

Behind the dry and arid region of the desert, stands a place with rich history of arts, culture and heritage. The eerie silence of the barren lands is enough to give you goosebumps, but add to beauty of the place. I never knew deserts can be beautiful until I visited the magnificent desert of Kutch. That’s the unique charm of the place, which makes you wonder about the miracles of nature. 

Rann Utsav Tent city front image

Rann of Kutch is around 50 km from Bhuj city, hence if you visit there you must experience stay at tent city in Rann Utsav. Been there, done that, here is an account of magical experience at Rann Utsav.

The Arrival

Image of People welcoming with music at Runn Utsav
A Musical Welcome

The tent city is located at Dhordo village, which is located around 50 km from Bhuj city. The pick-up facility is provided by the Rann Utsav team, arranging pick-ups from railway station and airport. After a good 1.5 hour ride, as you step down from the vehicle, you are welcomed on the sounds of the dhol accompanied by folk dance. The energy of the beats wears off your fatigue. Above all, it livens up the atmosphere.

Tent City Experience

After checking in the tent city, you are at your leisure to explore the place. Spread across an area of 5000 sq.meters, tent city houses 500 tents and cottages, 2 dining halls, a shopping area, some photo points and one activity area. But, the good part is the availability of golf carts to ferry you around the place. 

For the shopaholic souls, there’s a dedicated area to let out the inner shopping monster. There’s a plethora of items on sale, for instance, bandhni duppattas, hand-woven shawls, metal artefacts etc. You can also try your hand at various crafts like pottery and clay modelling at nominal charges and make your stay worth. The dining experience is one not to be missed. An excellent spread of Gujarati cuisine is on offer, not once or twice, but four times a day. Enough to leave you with foodgasm. 

Magical & Mystical White Rann

As the evening nears up, you grab your camera and head towards the mystical white rann to witness the beauty of the desert. A barren salt flat that extends over an area of 17000 sq. km and stretches across International Border to Pakistan. Once upon a time this area was a seashore. But owing to tectonic movements, a part of ocean dried up in the region leaving behind the huge flat salt plain. 

White Lands and Purple Skies
Lit under Moonlight

In an honest opinion, the place is worth all the hype. The white backdrop appears so beautiful that you just cannot take your eyes off them. And it becomes even more beautiful when the full moon shines at night. As long as your sight reach, everything is shining and sparkling under the beautifully lit moon. It is one experience you must have in your lifetime. It’s just like a fairy tale ending to an eventful day.

If the moonlit desert wasn’t enough to enthral you, a captivating sunrise definitely will complete the formalities. As you notice the changing shades of the skies from black to pink to orange to blue, from the horizon, emerges an orange ball with a Midas touch, turning everything to gold. 

Captivating Kalo Dungar

Still being hungover from the magnificent views of the white desert, after a sumptuous breakfast, you head towards Kalo Dungar. Standing at an elevation of 300 m above sea level, Kalo Dungar is the highest peak of Kutch and was used as a compass in olden days while travelling. 

Sunset at Kalo Dungar

It takes around one hour ride from Tent City to reach Kalo Dungar. The peak is situated around 500 m from the parking spot and you can either walk or enjoy the camel-back ride to the top. Once at the peak, you have a panoramic view of the desert and the back-waters of Khari River. On a clear day, you can even see Indo-Pak border through binoculars. 

There is an interesting legend associated with the place. Over 4 centuries ago, there lived a saint named Pachmai Peer on the hills. One day a pack of wild jackals appeared in his ashram and stood expectantly in front of him. Looking into their eyes, he realized that they were famished. All that he could offer them was a spartan meal of rice and dal. And offer he did, and the jackals went back with their tummies full. 

Jackal of Kalo Dungar

The ritual of feeding continued for months till one day when there was no food in the ashram.  Realizing that his guests will have to go back hungry, the Peer, in a gesture of unimaginable generosity, chopped off his hand and offered it to the jackals, saying ‘lo ang’, which meant ‘here, eat my hand’. The jackals, as on every other day, went back satiated. But from that day onwards, the inmates of the ashram have made sure that the jackals of Kalo Dungar are fed, not once but twice a day. And they haven’t missed it even once in the last 400 years.

Marvelous Mandvi

After witnessing the generosity of the saint, we return to base and have a lavish lunch at the Tent City. After an hour of leisure time, we set off for Mandvi Beach. If anyone asks me about my favourite beach destination of Gujarat, Mandvi beach wins hands down. 

The pristine blue waters of the sea are a treat to sore eyes. The huge windmills set at the shore add to the beauty of the shores. And the flocking sea-gulls become an icing on the cake. 

A couple of kilometre towards the north of the beach stands the magnanimous Vijay Vilas Palace. The central high dome on the pillars, the Bengal domes on the sides, the windows with coloured glass, carved stone ‘Jalis’, domed bastions at the corners, extended porch and other exquisitely stone-carved elements, make the palace worth visiting.  

The palace is hosts a private beach and is home to the Royal Family of Kutch. A closer look and you can recognize the shooting spots from the movies Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Lagaan.  The topmost point offers an unobstructed view of the sun slowly setting into the Arabian Sea, ending a day full of events.

Cultural Events at Tent City

You return from Mandvi around and have a gourmet dinner ready for you, but the fun isn’t over yet. You move towards the activity area where you will get up close and personal with the colours and flavours of Gujarati folk performances. 

The stand-out performance of the night is the Siddi Dhamal. The Siddis are the descendants of the indigenous Bantu tribes of East Africa, who migrated to the subcontinent during the Colonial Era. Bringing the African touch of Zumba and Haka, Siddi Dhamal is one refreshing act performed on the beats of the Bongos. It is another experience that livens up your mood and incites the inner aboriginal in you.

As the music plays in long into the night, you enjoy every moment of it and reminisce the wonderful moments spent in the magical, mystical and beautiful desert of Kutch.