Hope you had a wonderful, crazy and fun times with your loved ones.
This Holi we tried to fulfill my childhood dream to going to a holi party wearing white, playing only with dry colors, no water wastage, Live music and have crazy fun times safely.
The moment I got to know about the Dhulandi Festival’18 I was so sure to be a part of it. It was organized by Rajasthan Tourism, strictly for Foreigners and guests of Hotel Khasa Kothi in Jaipur where the event was organized.
Khasa Kothi is a heritage Hotel built by the then Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II to provide a comfortable stay to his important (khass) guests. It was acquired by Rajasthan government years ago after we got independence. Its huge with lush green lawns, in the heart of the city.
Festival was very well organized with live music, wedding bands, local dancers, custom clad theater artists and photo booths. People were enjoying the festival in its true colors, foreigners and Indians alike.
Dhulandi Festival is organized every year by the state tourist board. You can experience this year’s craziness from our pictures below.
The Splendid Khasa KothiBefore the fun beginsLet the Fun beginDhulandiFolk MusiciansFolk DancersHappy funny peopleVibrantLets play HoliPosersTourists from New ZealandTourist from DelhiFun is in the AirHorse RideSwirling InSmile, Its the BestWhat’s better than a smiling face?? Two Smiling faces
NamasteNamaste from Italy
Had to take a pic against this beautiful vintage dresserWe made a lot of friends and shared countless laughter
“Every Hundred feet the world changes” whoever said this would definitely not been to India. because if he did, he would have kept the number even lesser than hundred.
India carries numerous world’s inside it, at every 10 steps we have different getups & different visuals to look for.
Even though we have been to different parts of Rajasthan, but doing a road trip to Jaisalmer broaden our horizon towards the colorful state.
Jaisalmer FortEarly Morning Fort view from Hotel
With the Jarring climate & being a border town, Jaisalmer is one thriving city I have ever been to. It’s more than the dessert & landscape with varying shades of Gold. Its got vivid character & humble soul to it and beauty which only its beholders can see.
Jaisalmer is approximately 900kms from New Delhi and is reachable via superb mishmash of Smooth National Highways. we drove a total of approx. 2200kms In & out with friends and it was altogether a different experience compared to when we drive alone.
As a tourist, you might want to visit Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisar Lake, Bara Bagh & Of course Sand dunes in Sam in Desert National Park. But I Like to travel offbeat and away from the maddening crowd. So we went to Longewal post and Tanot Mata Temple which is 180 km each side from Jaisalmer followed by lunch in a locality’s family in a tiny village midway. We didn’t know the family and they don’t know us but just because we shared the same family name. They offered us amazing homecooked Rajasthani food and warm feeling to cherish it in our hearts forever.
Fort Entrance. Early morning since it becomes crowded laterWindows from FortJharokasRani MahalThose Red Hand marks are from Queens who did Jauhar in 13th CenturyCanon made up of 5 Material Gold Silver Brass Iron & BronzeFort at NightGorgeous Sunset
Evenings we spent on sand dunes near the bonfire with our own drinks, food, and own Garbage bags. As an educated & responsible Tourist, It’s very important for all of us to carry our own shit instead of letting it be there for next tourists to see.
Sam sand dunes camps are Overrated, Overpriced & highly populated during high season. We haven’t done any package booking for dinner,dance & bonfire.
How can you plan this Roadtrip over any long weekends?
You need a drive first. rented or own, not necessarily a 4X4WD since roads are as smooth as butter. Traffic is not much, it’s sparsely populated after Ajmer highway.
Have at least two good & experienced drivers among the group.
Leave early in the morning from Delhi like 4:00AM and have breakfast near Jaipur which covers 25% of your route by 9:00AM.
The whole route is well equipped with Fuel stations and local Eateries. NO Worries
Follow the same while returning but keep two days aside for traveling and at least two days for the local stay.
Budgeting details (All figures are approx in INR and for round trip with your own Car)
12K Fuel, rest depending upon the Car Mileage.
2K Toll Taxes.
2K per day for the hotel.Jaisal offers a lot of budget hotels & hostels. We stayed in a superb hostel (HosteLaVie Jaisalmer) for foreigner and its worth every penny.
5K per person for tickets & recursion activities like dune bashing, Camel rides or parasailing etc.)
We reached Jaisalmer by 7:00pm and started at 4:45AM, with relaxed driving and stoppage at every 180-200kms.
Jain Temple Inside the FortBeautiful Carvings inside the templeInsane RoofsJain TempleTemple InsideHow can basement be so beautiful?Jaisalmer War MuseumParasailingSam Sand Dunes CampsAnything for good picturesSun is the king hereThe Ship of DesertSunsets are Dramatic.Dune Bashing at Thar in TharFrom where I standLast Border security CheckpostOasisPoor Animal. I was scared as hell on top of it.Peaks at Bara BaghBara BaghAll Road leads to Desert, with visibility of 5kmsHow to Brave the Sun, even in WintersBatti Bombs.Local foodOldest Gate in the FortEarly Morning scenes inside the FortLet’s accessorize!!!Sunsets are my weaknessWindmills are my weakness.. too.. so dreamyPerks of Roadtrip
Hope you liked the pictures & might find the information helpful. I am clearly suffering from Vacation overwhelmingness and just wanted to share.
People in such distant places are so pure and gentle that the usual cunningness and over smartness of metropolitan cities have not reached here yet. They are so content with whatever they have.
