Indian Excursionist: India

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An old man singing Rajasthani Folk Songs

Rajasthan is a treat for the senses, an alluring kaleidoscope of rich culture, history and colorful people. With its beautiful artisans and their works, Rajasthan is also an amazing destination for the one who loves handicrafts. From the traditional Bandhani to the age-old mind-boggling stone carvings of the Jain temples. Since time immemorial, reams have been written about the desert land, its flamboyant royalty and mighty wars – but it is not until you actually experience Rajasthan for yourself that you understand it all. So we decided to utilize our precious weekend and travel and there we were in the Golden City of India, Jaisalmer.

View of the city from a window at the Fort of Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. With its vast desert and age-old history, it mesmerizes every traveler. A city in between the ocean of the desert has a picturesque view.

A city with lots of architecture which will take you to the 16th century. A sane mind of the 21st century would go insane after experiencing such rich artwork in buildings of ancient Jain temples, grand forts, and houses. If you are visiting Jaisalmer, my personal advice would be to visit every temple in the city and Patwa Haveli to have a feel of the intelligent yet artistic architecture of Jaisalmer or Rajasthan for that matter.

Artistic architecture at the Jain Temple inside the Jaisalmer Fort

After visiting these architectural epics, we now headed to the most visited spot in Jaisalmer, Sam Sand dunes. Sunsets and sunrises are like ATM to the photographers and travelers. It is said that if you want to experience the true nature of a destination, you have to encounter the sunset and sunrise of that place. You will lose track of time when you will encounter the surrealistic colors and transition of the colors during sunset.

Sam Sand dunes

A camel driver at the Sam Sand dunes, Jaisalmer

#IncredibleIndia

Next day we visited the Gadisar Lake. The Gadisar Lake in the city of Jaisalmer is one of the prime tourist attractions. Originally conceived as a water conservation tank to fulfill the water requirements of this arid city, by the then Maharaja of Jaisalmer, Maharwal Gadsi Singh, around the year 1400 AD. Being of such paramount importance, it is perhaps natural to find many shrines and temples dotting the precincts of the lake that has with time become spots of pilgrimage.

Shrines at the Gadisar Lake, Jaisalmer

Finally we visited the fort and the museum. Although if you are fond of old artifacts like guns, shields, arrows, the royal bed where the Maharaja used to sleep etc. then you should visit the museum, else you could just enjoy the local ambiance of the fort, with age old houses and talking to the local masses. As we already have seen a lot of museums in the past we were not eager to spend our valuable time there, instead, we explored the city on foot and found some of the best spots to spend some quality time and find peace after a long day.

A view from a window at the Grand Fort of Jaisalmer

#IncredibleIndia

We ended our journey by visiting the windmills as I never saw a windmill in my entire life for real and as there were hundreds of them in Jaisalmar I couldn't resist myself. And I must say that it was a right decision to see those grand modern machines which are beautiful and useful at the same time.

Jaisalmer may be the quintessential desert town, but it there’s more to it than just that. Resplendent with lakes, some perennial, others sporadic, Jaisalmer has its share of parks, museums, shops,eateries and places catering to different interests.

Apart from being tagged as “Diamond City”, “Silk City”, “Clean City”, awarded the “Best City”, Surat is also known for its amazing food and the way they enjoy it. There is an old saying that says, “Surat Nu Jaman Ne Kaashi Nu Maran” which means dine in Surat and die in Kaashi for the ultimate experience of the soul. The variety of Street foods in Surat will amaze you.

The yummy Khaman to Khamani, the buttery Paranthas with more than 100 varieties and similar number in varieties of Dhosa to even Dabeli, the array of chats from Delhi and Rajasthan, the variety of Handvos it has all.

But what doubles the joy of savouring food here is a unique culture that exists nowhere but in Surat. There is an area in Piplod where the footpath is lined with several hawkers with their menus just as in Restaurants. They spread Carpet on the footpath where people either order food or bring their own and enjoy it on the roadside amidst the shiny lights of Malls and cars zipping past.

If you are visiting Surat, this is definitely not a miss. From variety in almost all the dishes you will also find some unique platters.

1. Locha

It is a dish that got invented by mistake while making a normal Khaman due to a messed up consistency and hence got this name “Locha”. But it surprisingly tastes so good that it contradicts its own name.


Source : http://ribbonstopastas.com/recipe/locho/

The best part of Surat’s street food is you have variety in every single dish. Like in Locha, you can have Cheese Roll Locha, Schezwan Locha, Italian Locha etc.

Probably all possible Surti-Western combo you can ever imagine!

2. Ponk Vadas

The reason I wait for winters is this. Again a dish that Surat has the monopoly over. This perfectly crisp Jowar grain fritters are just irresistible. Ponk vadas are served with spicy Sev (Vermicelli) and Green Chutney.

Source : http://www.stutisfoodconnect.com/2014/12/24/ponk-vada-tender-jowar-grains-fritters/

3. Ghari

A sweet dish, dipped in Ghee and stuffed with Dry fruits though full of calories, not all can resist. Ghari is made on the special day of Chandi Padwa wherein, Ghari worth of millions is relished by Suratis. Truly deserves to be in Guinness book of world record!

Source : http://suratikhajansweets.com/Sweets.aspx

4. Surti Sev Khamni

“Khamani” the name sounds as a better half of Khaman. Khamni is a dish with Chana Dal (Split Bengal Gram) as the key ingredient with a unique combination of Garlic, Ginger, Chillies with Sugar that will definitely tickle your taste buds.

Source : http://www.gujaratirecipes.in/surti-sev-khamani/

5. Collegian

Every college student has it in their snacks list. It is a kind of a chat with Peanuts as main ingredient. And as like any other Surti Dishes it is also garnished with Sev.

6. Sosyo

Did you know this is the first ever Indian soft drink? When Gandhiji called for a ban of imported products under the Swadeshi movement, Mohsin Abdul Rahim Hajoori introduced an Indian variant in 1927. The taste was described as ‘the perfect mix of whiskey, rum and soda’ and was called ‘Whisky No’.


Source : https://redscarabtravelandmedia.wordpress.com/tag/surti-12-handi/

Later the apple and grape cider was named ‘Socio’ which eventually became Sosyo!

Each year, over 50 million bottles are consumed, mainly in Gujarat and Maharashtra and even exported as far as UAE, South Africa, New Zealand, UK and USA.

7. Rassawala Khaman Dhokla

Nothing can replace the satisfaction of devouring this tangy and spicy treat. Again a new version of Khaman.

Source : http://aapplemint.com/2011/06/01/from-the-streets-of-surat-rassawalla-khaman-dhokla/

So if you are are a foodie and ever plan to visit Surat then don’t forget to taste the Street foods in Surat.

As children we have heard a lot many scary ghost stories. These haunted stories still scare us in our dreams. We tend to drowse our-self in a pure hair raising experience on most haunted places in world.

It is amazing to see how people, although scared of paranormal events, but crave to feel those unexplained jolts or 'Kick' as it is said now-a-days inspired from Bollywood.

You may have heard about lot of beaches, hotels, houses, palaces and even a complete town being haunted of mysterious powers. Some claim these are true while the others say those are mere mind games which are created by 'chemical locha' and make us think them to be real. One such place is situated about 17 kms from the golden city of Jaisalmar known as Kuldhara Village.

Kuldhara is a deserted place with a despondent environment brings sadness to the heart when one thinks of those unfortunate people who were forced to leave the land of their forefathers. However, the place doesn't seem to be spooky for any reason other than the legends themselves, and for our own perception based on those stories

After a visit to the golden city we had our lunch and headed towards Sam sand dunes. We knew about a haunted village situated nearby, but it was not on our wishlist. We were already mesmerized by the adventures that awaited us at sand dunes, it never occurred to us that Kuldhara Village was on our route. So when driver said that this road leads to Kuldhara Village, The Haunted Village, do you wish to visit ? We responded forthwith. Hell YES !!!!

It was a well planned township, but was demolished by the then king Salim Singh. The story behind this godforsaken town was just like every romantic Bollywood flick we saw. A king liked a girl, who was the daughter of the head of town (The Paliwals). The village did not approve of this. Even the girl rejected the proposal. King got furious, ordered his men to collect extra taxes and create havoc to the life of villagers. Ultimately every villager abandoned the town and since then no one has ever returned.

This place was not at all spooky. But it was a unique experience of exploring a demolished town. The tourism department has renovated a house, which they claim to be the home of the Paliwal Brahmins.The hut was not even close to a place which will give you the chills. Infact its beautiful architecture was ruined by the tourists, who ruined the place with the 21st century garbage. People are so pathetic that they even carved their love stories on the walls. I mean it was somebody's house.

Nevertheless, the carvings and some house paintings gave us a feel about the past.

The town had a temple which was pretty much new in construction. But as per the locals it was ancient. A couple couldn't resist the picturesque landscape and grabbed the photo opp at the roof of the temple. It is an unique experience to see people capturing the memories of their journeys with their loved ones. I believe these are mere modern tactics to preserve your experiences. These travels should mark a memory in your heart as well. Then and only then you can say, yes we enjoyed our getaway.

The disrupted walls of once a home to the working class of the 18th century Jaisalmar. It seems unrealistic, as how can a person do such ferocious deeds and ruin life of innocent lives just to satisfy his selfish interests.

My friend taking a stroll in this secluded town.

We saw a bunker like structure in the house. People say that these were built for hiding from the atrocities of the King. This was somewhat spooky considering it was all dark in there and there was not any kind of stairs to climb down and explore what's in there.

So after experiencing this not so haunted place we were about to exit this village, when suddenly my eyes discovered something funny and unique which was not expected. Jurassic Cactus Park.

Scientists say that in earlier ages the sea at Jaisalmer was deepest nearby at Kuldhara village due to which fossils of many types of sea animals were found there. The stones at Jaisalmer basin are of different time period with which it is easy to find out after a study. The scientists also found evidence of a river flowing after the Jurassic period. As per geology, after the Kremedian period (150 million years ago) the sea started moving backward and rivers started flowing. Fossils of flying dinosaurs were also found in nearby villages of Jaisalmar including Kuldhara.

So we were not too happy with this visit except for the fact that some dinosaur fossils were found in these areas. It may also be true that during the English rule, people wanted to protect these fossils from the hands of the greedy, so they devised this whole horror story.

If you want cheap horror, you can sure visit Kuldhara Village. But if you want the real deal, I would not refrain myself from saying that you will be disappointed here. I would not at all recommend anyone to visit Kuldhara Village, because the only horror at this place is of not finding anything worth visiting and wasting your time.

It was the start of the weekend and I woke up early smelling the cold breeze. I watched out of the window and there was greenery all around and the beautiful smell of the early morning gave jitters to me to go out and enjoy this gift of nature.

So I called up my buddies and woke all of them up, after hearing lots of shouting from them for waking them up early (They thanked me later though). We took our motor bikes and so began the journey to Ubeshwar and Keleshwar Waterfalls.

Ubeshwar is a Shiv Temple situated 25 km from Udaipur. As it is said that the path traveled to reach a destination is more beautiful than the destination itself, same thing happened with us. We never saw Udaipur being so beautiful as we saw that day, it was mixture of everything wonderful combined together. From early morning breeze, to green mountains sound of the wind gushing by and a sweet cold atmosphere.

It was green all around and we enjoyed the drizzling at some places and also fought the scorching sun. It was mixture of weather which made the Aravali mountain ranges even more alluring. It was like sun was playing 'peek a boo' with us.

We reached the temple and after paying our homage to the Lord Shiva we continued our journey to Keleshwar Waterfalls which was around 10 kms from Ubeshwar. We were all set to jump in the waterfalls and enjoy the fresh water bath.

We could see the waterfall from far away which made us even more excited to reach there fast. Finally we started to climb up the mountain to our ultimate destination the waterfall. We saw trails of water gushing by our sides and its speed gave us the chills of how fast the waterfall is flowing.

We reached the top and were so tired that we wanted to jump in the waterfall and begone with the pain of the trek.There were some amazing wild things we found during our trek to the top, out of which this flower stand completely different from all the green.

After the bath in the cold water we were so hungry that we did not wait until we reached back to the city, but we asked a local villager to cook some ' Dal Bati' for us and by god the taste of the food was 'finger licking good'. And then we headed back to our house and after that we slept like never before completely carefree when we reached home.