Lessons I learnt from Rajasthan

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Rajasthan..!!

The land of history and heritage. The land of kings and kingdoms. The royal kingdom of the Rajput’s seems like a heaven of beauty and peace succored with the glimpses of the glittering sands of the Thar Desert. Waves of invaders have swept over this land leaving stunning traces of their passing: Forts, ancient ruins and many more. This probably is one of the reasons why a non native planning their first trip to India opts to visit Rajasthan. Also why I planned my trip to Rajasthan. On my quest here, I met two guys from New Zealand. I was curious to know why had they chosen this place of all the places in India, the obvious answer was – “Why not Rajasthan”, said Ash (the New Zealander). He added- “I have heard a lot about this place. I have read many stories about King, their kingdoms, the way they have lived their life etc.. I just got attracted by all this and so i am here.”

After being a frequent traveler and visiting many places, Rajasthan in my opinion is not easy. I would say it’s easier to travel in Delhi and Mumbai than in Rajasthan. It is a mix of various cultures and traditions. If me, as an Indian can face problems then people from outside India have to face a lot and they are also prepared for it. Anyway, I am not here to talk about difficulties, it’s all about the lessons I learnt while traveling throughout Rajasthan.

1) In Rome, do as Romans do

If you are in colored shorts, wearing shades and carrying a camera you are always a foreigner. Except in Udaipur (where we were recognized as Indians) you always tend to catch the eye of the beholder and feel like an outsider. If you happen to be in the Local Market, then pack your cameras in and mingle around like a local. The only and easy way to move around freely.

 

2) Never address North East people as Chinki or stare at them

The feeling is really bad when your own people address you as a foreigner or stare at you. Roaming in the local market in Bikaner, I was addressed to by an old man in English-“Which country are you from?” It raged me up but also made me realize the plight of other Indians.

3) Always talk to people in their local language

 

If you know the local language like Marwari then its really easy to travel in a place like Rajasthan.

 

4) Always do your homework before going to any place

Especially in Rajasthan always get some information about the places you are visiting and make a note of distance to and fro. If you do this then Rajasthan will become the best place to travel. I am saying this because you will meet a lot of historians and scholars on streets who will feed you with variety information about the Rajasthan cultures and traditions, which for the fact might not be true. So its better be well read than to be influenced by some false notes.

5) Audio guide is a must

Its a must. I went to Mehrangarh Fort and for the first time in my life I opt for Audio Guide. And its a worth to be paid for than to hire a guide. I got to know the fort more closely and i was totally lost in it. It took me 3 hours to see the fort.

6) Always opt for government buses to go from one city to another

Private Transports is always a menace in Rajasthan. Private buses are really pathetic. I have heard so much about these private players which is why it is a big No No. Some instances:

· We were traveling from Bikaner to Jaisalmer, the carrier was full and we had to keep our luggage’s below our seats. Why?? Because it was also a goods carrier at the same time.

· A cousin of mine was traveling to Mehendipur Balaji and one seat was allocated to two different people.

· You will always be guided to a wrong bus or wrong route.

7) If possible travel by Train

Its the best mode to travel within Rajasthan.

8) Beware of Dogs

Don’t believe in yourself too much. Dogs can attack you anytime while barking at you. So its better to take precautions. Always carry Swiss Knife or any Gun if possible. Its just for your safety.

9) Hostel- a preferred mode of accommodation

 

If possible it is preferable to spend a night at a Hostel. Really an amazing experience. I got to meet lot of people from all over the world and my say is that this experience will be one of the best in your trip and we tend to make new friends too.

10) Summers are a big NO NO

Do not go in summers. The climate is really hot, and we waste half a day just waiting for the heat to go down. The best season to visit Rajasthan: Mid October to February.

Keep these things in mind with some basic travel precautions which is necessary to travel anywhere in this world and Rajasthan is easy. It is my personal opinion and it can vary from person to person. I never knew all these things before and I am sharing it to you all so that you (my fellow travelers) should not suffer. So it was just a start to the Rajasthan story with the lessons learnt. Keep looking forward for more interesting facts and travelogue. Till then stay tuned. 🙂 🙂

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