-
Essay / Pondicherry - 635
The state of Rajasthan has always fascinated me; whether it is its history, its culture, its aristocracy or its gastronomy. This unplanned trip to the spiritual seat of Rajasthan set the tone for exploring it further in the coming year. My sail was launched from Delhi, on a Rajasthan Roadways bus to Jaipur, then from Jaipur to Ajmer. Bus frequency and timing are good, while there are numerous trains connecting Ajmer to most parts of the country. Day 1: Brahma Temple and Ajmer Sharif Pushkar was a surprise in the whole trip. The beautiful lake and the ghats surrounding the lake along with the temples enlighten your spiritual core. The city is known for the Brahma temple and the cattle fair held in November. In the morning I offered prayers at Brahma temple and left for Ajmer. The spiritual colors of Sufism in Dargah Sharif left me spellbound. Spend time at the Qawwali gathering. If you are not a vegetarian, I am sure you will not be able to resist strolling through the lanes next to the dargah. To try Rajasthani Thali and Dal-Baati-Churma, you can push to Mahadev's or Moti Mahal next to Daulatbagh Park. After lunch, I stopped at Anna Sagar Lake to capture the stunning sunset view. But if you have some energy left and a rental bike, take a detour to the city, Mayo College, etc. A late night movie session in Ajmer is also doable. The drive from Ajmer to Pushkar at night may freeze your toes, but the view of Ajmer that you get from the top of the hill is simply out of the world. Day 2: Savitri Temple and Pushkar Well, if you love climbing and are physically fit, set up a target and climb the hill to offer prayers at Savitri Temple. For more details you can read about the legend of this land...... middle of paper ...... and hotels. You can find a decent room for 300-800 rupees. Some guesthouses have shared bathrooms, so check these before reserving your place. I stayed at U Turn Hotel (at Bhola Guest House) facing the lake. You can spend the whole day on the roof over many cups of tea and coffee under the warm sunlight. The place offers decent and affordable accommodation. Travel in and around: Pushkar is a small town and you would love to stroll through the market. But to visit the surroundings, it works quite well if you rent a bike (around 250 Rs. for 24 hours and a little deposit + your identity card), otherwise there is a bus service between Pushkar and Ajmer every 15 - 30 minutes. So, whenever you have time, visit Pushkar or Ajmer and get painted in the spiritual colors of Rajasthan and celebrate the idea of India and its communal harmony..