Rajasthan, an explosion of colour 2009/2010

With the intention to get away from the typical Rajasthan city and temple jaunts, our expedition started
off in Delhi with a walking tour of the old city, and in particular the flower and food markets. The sounds,
smells, bustle and welcoming banter produced magical memories.

Then a flight west to Jodhpur or the “blue city.” Christmas Day was spent pleasantly pudding free and
instead we visited nearby Bishnoi villages where life has not changed much for hundreds of years. The Bishnoi are staunch believers in the sanctity of plant and animal life and are perhaps some of the earliest
conservationists – they were notoriously massacred when they stood in the way of their trees being felled
for a polo ground but that was history and their trees and land are now upheld respectfully it seems. We
continued touring unspoilt villages like Nimaj and stayed at the 18th century palace hotel, Devi Garh – what a spectacular restoration and a very special place to stay.

Covering hundreds of miles over two weeks, wonderful shepherd, farming, weaving and potting villages we
continued to explore, away from the large cities and we were treated to insights into local tribal ways and wonderful dancing. Two days camel trekking provided an intimate experience of the desert and an appreciation of just how uncomfortable a camel can be! We loved the big night sky and stars, got used to the tent cots and our crew made sure we were very well looked after on the food front, ie we weren’t roughing it! Jaisailmer and then Jodhpur again completed our Rajasthan exploration although we then went
on to experience the beauty of Corbett National Park at the base of the Himalayas and yes, we did see Tiger! A day in Jaipur flying kites from rooftops for Makar Sakranti and alas, time to return home. Click the trip report button above to read more.