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JOURNEY INTO ADVENTURE
Sir Edmund Hillary, the great Everester, Who’s thirst for adventure has proved enduring and never-ending , found Rajasthan ideal for undertaking a journey on a camel caravan. It was an unusual way to choose to cross the arid Thar desert.And , following in his footsteps , you too can re-live the adventure. Fortunately, you can choose from a number of safari options and itineraries,and opt to investigate the desert on camel back,horse back, elephant back, or in open jeeps.Or,practice archery in any of the many tribal fairs and festivals.Or go boating- in the Chambal river through the gorges of the Vindhayan plateau of Hadoti, the largest water birds colony in Bharatpur, or in the blue lakes of Mt.Abu,Udaipur,Siliserh….Or, go up in the air,for a bit of aerial sightseeing over heritage cities by small aircraft or in hot air balloons.
The terrain in Rajasthan is tailor- made for most adventure spots,What with its Aravalli and Vindhyan hills, the open desert tracts, the vast lakes and rivers, the Wildlife parks, and little villages abandoned by the march of civilization as we know it, but no less hospitable for it.And threading these together, a landscape where the paths and trails weave through a history rich with forts and places, mansions and cenotaphs.Ans a culture that binds these together into a fascinating journey.
ROMANTIC SAFARIS
A safari Is a journey into the remote areas, but one that is accompanied with rudimentary comforts,and even luxurious amenities.As each journey progresses, there is the excitement of setting camp at a new spot in the lonely wilderness of the Thar, of being entertained by groups of wandering minstrels, of coming in proximity of village life in one of the harshest conditions of the world, of enjoying splendid camp meals and sleeping under the stars that hang suspended from the sky like twinkling fairy lights.
None of these journeys are arduous because the organizers ensure that all facilities are provided , from entertainment to fine dining, and from setting up deluxe camps to ensuring that your sightest needs are met.But eventually, it is the landscape that is spellbinding.For miles altogether, there is nothing but stan D, but from this aridness one can expect the unexpected as groups of women appear and disappear in their colourful clothes, apparently going nowhere.Just as suddenly, medieval cities rise,magnificent for their architectural heritage, and are just as suddenly lost to sight.
CAMEL SAFARIS
There can be no better way of experiencing life in the desert or hills than through a journey into its hinterland on camelback.About the only thing you will have to get used to, when you plan a camel safari , is the ungainly movement of the ship of the desert.The camel may look aloof,but is the lifeline for the people of the desert whose communication rests on this vital beast for their very survival.Most journeys into the hinterlands are still made on camelback, or in camel carts.
A saddle is mouted across the camel’s hump, providing comfortable seating for two, legs astride.At first the rolling gait of the camel is a little disconcerting, but riders soon get used to the rhythm.
Since the sun can get very hot in the desert, the best times for a camel safari are in the morning and evening, even in the cooler winter months.Such safaris are usually run professional outfits who hire Raikas, the camel- keepers who are adept at finding the best routes and waterholes in the desert, andnavigate almost by instinct, guided,of course, by the position of the stars at night.This becomes necessary shoud you be planning a long distance safari over a few days.Camel safaris, of course, can range from just a day to several days, and you can choose an option that best meets your needs and schedules.The most interesting safari tracks are in Bikaner and Jaisalmer.
HORSE SAFARIS
A more recent, and exciting, variation of the camel safari is the horse safari.The Rajputs were born to be horseback riders,and the tradition was strongly enforced in the medieval ages when the cavalry formed one of the most important flanks of the desert armies.Special horses were bred at the Thikaanas or aristocratic homes of the Thakurs who served their kings with armies of horseman.The Marwari horse is an indigenous species, hardy,agile,and among the noteables in world breds.In addition, the Kathiawadi and Sindhi horses are also adept at traversing the desert countryside.
Horse safari are usually conducted in the vicinity of Jodhpur,Jaipur,Dundlod and Udaipur where the hilly terrain and forested countryside are ideal for taking to the trail.There is additional excitement in that the route you choose, and the heritage hotels you stay in, may have been those very ones where the ancient armies once rode and camped.
ELEPHANT SAFARIS
This safari is more popular for visiting forts and places.The most regal way of seeing Rajasthan is on an elephant safari, since nothing can even copare with the majestry of the pachyderm- no wonder the rulers used elephants for their journeys.Equipped with a howdah, a large seat on wich they would sit , complete with soft silk cushions, and with a ceremonial umbrella over their heads, modern day safaris may pale in comparison, but are no less regal on that account.The elephant safari is popularly operated in the Jaipur area.
JEEP SAFARIES
Jeep safaris can slso be fun because the pace can be varid to suit ones needs ,packing in days of fast travelling with leisurely camping.Safari outfits send a recce team ahead for picnic lunches, and for setting up camps in the open.Alternates can be to stay in a choice of heritage hotels that dot the vast regions of the desert. The tribal regions, the small villages, the ruins of old forts, the temple complexes all add up to providing a sense of destination to such safaris.Another rewarding region for jeep safaris id the Shekhawati belt with its painted towns that are in close proximity to each other, but interspersed with the scraggy desert where, for miles around, nothing but the sand stre POLO
HORSE POLO
The Jaipurs were a formidable polo playing family,and the last Maharaja of the state literally died with his spurs on, on a polo field.With the glamour of the game , theydrew international publicity for India, and the sport has remained one of the most prominent in the elite social circuit.Along with Jaipur, there are aiso formidable polo teams in Jodhpur and Udaipur, has kept it alive in the army.
Special matches can be organized for visitors to either watch or participate in, on advance notice.
CAMEL POLO
At various tourist festivals in the state, camel polo has been introduced as a friendly , competitive spot.Perhaps the only place in the world where it is played , the game provides a great deal of amusement and mirth, but is not yet a serious pursuit.If you would liketo have a game especially organized, request your tour operator to have it arranged or contact the camel polo association of India,Jaisalmer.
ELEPHANT POLO
Nepal and Rajasthan are the only ywo places where the polo is played on elephant back.Though not a serious sport, it attracts the international media because of the oddity of a fast game played from the backs of pachyderms.Though elephant polo too can be specially organized on request , competitions are arranged annually at Jaipur’s Chaugan Stadium during Holi festival(February-March).
BICYCLE POLO
For those who like the fast pace of horse polo , bicycle polo provides an option that is at least as exciting . During the sixties and seventies , a lot of impetus was provided to the sport, particularly in Bikaner, though in recent years it has become some what dissipated.
However , for those who may like to participate in a friendly match , or to observe one, special arrangements can be made on request.In more recent years , the sport has developed a following in Jodhpur and Shekhawati regions.
MOTOR RALLIES
When the first motorcars started coming to India,Rajasthan’s princes aristocracy were among the earliest to order them.No wonder the state has such an extensive network of roads that connects even small towns and villages.
VINTAGE CAR RALLY
An annual event, the Jaipur Vintage Car Rally, though a recent addition, has become an important one on the Indian social calendar.Held in January, and keenly contested, it invites prestigious entries.Since sme of the aristocratic families have still kept their vintages in their garages, the turnout too is impressive, with some cars dating back to the very early years of the turn of thecentury.
However , if you are a vintage car buff, and are likely to miss the rally , you will find it heartening to note that many of these beauties are still in peak running condition, and are , in fact, also hired out for special occasions, rides, incentive parties, or marriages.
DESERT SAFARI
The desert safari has become a popular circuit with rallyists, but there are several other rallies where, along with the Himalayas, the desert too is included in the rally itinerary for a change in the terrain.Since Rajasthan’s roads, with the exception of the Delhi-Jaipur, and Udaipur-Mumbai artries, are fairly isolated, they are ideal for such sporting events.
CART RACES
Cart races can be held , pulled by camels and , on occation, even asses.However, knowing the donkey’s tendency for stubbornness, most people decide more wisely to lay their bets on the camels.Camel cart races are held in sandy terrain, and the carts are especially decorated for the events, with streamers and buntings.Camels can be made to run fast, and as they lope ahead, the carts seem to jump behind to keep pace with the beasts.
TONGA RACES
Similarly, the tonga or horse chariot provides an environment- friendly mode of transport in most towns of Rajasthan,Though, obviously, it is also slower.However, just how fast these ponies can race is put to the test during fairs when tonga races are organized.With their owners astride the carriage,whip in hand, egging along their ponies, they make a wonderful sight as they cut a swathe through the sandy countryside.
KITE FLYING
The people of Rajasthan have adopted different sporting events over the years, and these have provided a great deal of variety to their lives.Interestingly, there is an eclectic quality to these sporting events that can range frommore sophisticated sports such as golf to the well- known Rajasthani passion for kite-flying. The passion for kite-flying in Jaipur is legendary,and every city has community clubs where the sport is ardently practiced.Every city skyline is alive with kites during the early morning and evening, and sometimes even during the day.Children gather at rooftops to compete about both their prowess as well as the resilience of their strings.Makar sankranti on 14th of January is when the sport of kite flying almost endemic,with anInternational Kite Flying Competition in Jaipur and Jodhpur, while the monsoon period is another favourite.However but for a brief spell during the peak months of summer, kite flying continues throughout the year. Visitors can participate through the simple measureof buying colourful kites and string inexpensively for only a few rupees and joining the Rajasthani people at what could almost qualify as the state festival.
BICYCLING
The most popular mode of transport in Rajasthan could also provide the ideal leisure, since travelling on a bicycle is almost therapeutic, provides exercise without being exhausting, and is certainly inexpensive.Bicycles can be hired almost anywhere in Rajasthan, and literally for a song .Though the bikes tend to be basic,they are foolproof and unlikely to develop major sangs.The period of hire can range from a few hours to a few days.However, those looking forward to doing sone serious biking in the state should opt for buying racing, gear bicycles that are available in all major towns, and are not expensive.At the end of the trip, such bikes can either be sold or simply gifted away.Obviously, bikes are ideal when exploring the countryside where towns are in close proximity or for getting around the hilly idylls of places such as Mount Abu.
TREKKING
The hilly areas of Rajrsthan provide several days of ideal trekking opportunities.The Mewar belt with the Udaipur-Kumbhalgarh-Chittaur combine, or area around Mount Abu, or the Sariska-Aiwar-Amber belt is best for trekking.winter is the best time for trekking, though the monsoon months provide romantic, green getaways.It is best to trek in a small group, and carry only basic necessities, since provisions can be bought along the way, but do ensure a supply of boltted water.Trekkers can choose a camp in the open countryside,though there are likely to be quaint, personalized hotels available in most areas.Trekking can be along established routes, though a more exciting option may simply be to chart one’s own trails, moving practically as one likes.
CAMPING Camping is a fine art in Rajasthan with established camps in set locations that would be fit for royalty.Especially created tents include those with bedrooms, a small hallway or leisure areas a rich ambience.Such tented camps can be found at places like Samode Bagh, an hour’s journey outside Jaipur, or at Pushkar for the duration of the fair in November.However, such tents can also be hired, and agents use them to create cities wherever required; or for moving visitors to different places, where these tents are plegged each night.Such camping expeditions bring the outdoors alive, albeit in style.From the food to the entertainment, everything takes on a more exciting edge while at camp.
NEW ADVENTURE OPTIONS
In recent years, people have begun to discover another facet of Rajsthan its open spaces and unspoilt countryside as ideal for the newer aerial sports that have gained populrarity in the West, and in some other parts of India.
AERIAL SIGHSEEING.
Facilities that provide a bird’s- eye- view over townships and tourist attractions is a recent attraction in the state. A few aviation companies have launched programmes for aerial sightseeing at Jaipur, Udaipur, Kota, Chittaurgharh and Mt. Abu. Special packages have also been developed that offer panoramic views over forts and palaces.
BALLOONING:
Visitors can travel short distances between town and historic resorts in these hot air balloons. The best, of course, is to coast over fairs such as Puskhar or Baneshwar or Nagaur in a hot-air-balloon. Jaipr is now popular centre for ballooning.
PARA-SAILING : A sport that is begging to tried out in Rajasthan. With its open, sandy countryside, this has sor far only been offered by operators who have brought in their equipment with them.
RAIL TROLLEYS: Just 8 Kms from Jaipur lies the largest inland lake of saline water, the Sambhar lake. Thousands of flamingos congregate here in the winter and are best observed from open rail trolleys pulled by a vintage steam engine.
WATER SPORTS
Water sports may appear an alien concepts in Rajsthan but the presence of large lakes has actually made the development of such sports possible. Even though they are not popular yet, the opportunities exist, a fact that was brought home when the water games during the prestigious Asian Games in 1982 were held at Jamua Ramgarh on the outskirts of Jaipur.
STEAM RIDES : The Chambal river can be navigated from Kota to Dholpur aboard a steamer, with the help of the Forest Department of Kota.
Boating : Regular boating is offered at several places in Rajstha,, whether on the lakes n Udaipur, or at places such as Siliserh near Alwar. Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation has made paddle boats available at a number of lakes.
Trails of Wilderness
Rajasthan’s wilderness resources have always been closely linked at eh grassroots level, but recent initiatives have guided the development of nature trails and eco-tourism parks close to cities of tourist importance. The parks endeavour to build back eco-systems that have been disrupted be territorial encroachments over the decades, so that pristine environment can be recreated for the co-existence of wildlife and vegetation.
NAHARGARH BIOLOGICAL PARK : Located in the vicinity of Nahargarh Fort, outside Jaipur, the biological park is spread over 7.2 Sq kms of the Naharagarh Sacntuary (50 Sq kms). It consists of quartzite and granite rocks and rvegetation of the region is adequately represented though tropical dry deciduous and tropical thorn forests.
JHALANA FOREST TRAIL : The perfect way to return to nature,m the Jhalana nature Trail in the eastern Aravallis outside Jaipur provide an opportunity to explore the natural and man made attractions of this 10 kms long trail on foot, or in jeep, or on horse and camel back. Three different trails offer the opportunity to explore the bio-diversity of the region where, besides the natural course, attempts have also been made at greening and reintroduction of faunal species.
MACHIA SAFARI PART : An area of 650 ha. Outside Jodhpur, once used for hunting expeditions, is now being developed as a safari part. The Machia fortress and recent memorial built to commemorate freedom fighters are attractions, besides a vegetation cover that pans the entire area.
Within the park, five nature trails have been demarcated that include the fort and a view of the wetlands to the park. Passages are available for those willing to trek along these routes, to commune with nature.
BIRDWATHCHING FAIR: Observing and identifying birds can be lot of fun. Besides Bharatpur, birdwaters, especially beginners, have found new sites for birdwatching. Jal Mahal, near Jaipur,Kheechan village near Jodhpur, Gajner near Bikaner, Sorsan near Kota, Sonkahlia near Ajmer are some popular habitats where birdwatching fairs are being initiated. Several lakes, ponds and reservoirs spread over the state offer the enthusiast an opportunity to oberve bidlife and its behavior.
