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Havelis (mansions) in Jaisalmer – It’s quite a trek
to Jaisalmer on the edges of the Thar Desert in a far corner of Rajasthan,
but nothing is quite like it. Just wandering around the narrow twisty
streets or looking over the rooftops ("like sandcastles" said
my kids) is an unforgettable experience. To see how rich merchants lived
in luxury, visit the four story havelis (mansions). The
children were impressed that each stone panel took six months to carve
in lacy, intricate patterns. |
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Camel safari (Pushkar, Jaisalmer) – Two popular
places for camel safaris are Jaisalmer and Pushkar. We took an overnight
camel safari from Pushkar. The hotel, which arranged for the camels and
camel drivers, wisely suggested a camel cart for the kids. The kids tried
riding on camels for short periods, but were happier sitting on comfy blankets
piled up in the camel cart. |
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Pushkar – Pushkar is noted for hundreds of Hindu
temples, but my children remember flying kites from the rooftops.
There are plenty of kites stores in Pushkar to shop for inexpensive tissue
paper kites (stock up because they will crash). Spend an afternoon watching
your kites soar above this holy city. |
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Mehrangarh Fort (Jodhpur) – If you’re into
forts, especially huge, massive, tons-of-stone forts, Mehrangarh Fort is
most majestic and imposing. In the fort museum, look for the kitschy cannon
shaped like a dog. The kids imagined it would sneeze out a cannon ball. |
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Lake Pichola (Udaipur) – While
Lake Pichola shimmers and glistens, it’s easy to imagine you’re
a raja being ferried to your water palace in the middle of the lake. Take
an hour boat ride around the lake on the dock in front of the City
Palace. The boat stops at the Jag Mandir, a pleasure palace with
plenty of open spaces to run around. |
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Kumbhal Fort (outside Udaipur) – From Udaipur,
take a day trip to Kumbhal Fort (Kumbhalgarh). Kumbhal Fort is extensive and the battlements look like the Great Wall of China. Perched on hilltop
above the fort, the palace commands spreading views of hills in the distance
and great spots for a picnic lunch. In the palace, don’t miss the
Maharana’s bathroom. |
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Tower of Victory, Chittorgarh Fort (Chittorgarh) – Another day trip from Udaipur is Chittorgarh fort. Inside the sprawling
Chittorgarh fort, nothing is more impressive than the Tower of Victory,
intricately carved with gods and goddesses, inside and out! Best of all,
you can climb up inside the tower, winding round and round, up stone
steps for 8 stories. The stairway is so narrow that when you meet people
climbing in the opposite direction, it's like a Delhi traffic jam. |
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Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary (Bharatpur) – This bird sanctuary, vast expanses of wetlands and drylands, is a
perfect place to rent bikes, take a picnic and spend the day (or two) wandering
around. The park has many water birds, Sambar deer, blue bulls, jackals
and pythons, all of which are easy to see. Guides speak English and are
very knowledgeable about the birds and wildlife in the sanctuary. |
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Junagarh fort and palace (Bikaner) – Bikaner is off the beaten
track, but well worth a stop. The bazaar is non-touristy and Junagarh
fort is a special favorite. The museum has the best collection of antique
weapons, swords, daggers, maces and arrows. The palace is a dazzling fantasy,
with marble fountains, coronation room, music room, exotically decorated
private apartments. Don’t miss the golden Krishna swing. |
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Ranthambhore National Park (Ranthambhore) – The big attraction at Ranthambhore is tigers, but this park is amazing
because it is wild land populated with marvelous animals, such as wild boar,
langur monkeys, Sambar deer, spotted deer, egrets and herons, and peacocks.
You ride around in jeeps or open seated buses, and if you’re lucky,
you’ll spot a tiger (we didn't see one, even late in the day). |
