India 2023-Back to India-Camels, Mustard, Safaris and Living like a Maharaja.

[RB]

Around Bikaner
National Camel Research Centre- a short drive found us amongst many camels but very few tourists. This really was a fascinating stop where you wandered around the centre at your own pace. Our visit was timed to catch the milking. We had seen thoroughbreds on walkers before but not camels. There were plenty of informative signboards around and an excellent museum section. We finished the visit with a coffee based on camel milk.



Ladies only in this section


The exerciser was opened in 2022

 

[RB]

Bikaner Camels Continued













Coffee seemed to taste pretty sweet

 

[RB]

Our day was not done! We had an excellent visit to the Seth Bhandasar Jain Temple, the oldest existing structure in Bikaner-12th Century (Which Indian temple is believed to be made with ghee (clarified butter), instead of the use of mortar? - Quora) Magan knew the current custodian (something like 40th generation?) and he gave us a great tour around

I always feel safe when I see these fire buckets

 

[RB]

More of Seth Bhandasar Jain Temple






Indians are very keen on taking this style of photo to illustrate ceilings

 

[SeatBackForward]

Nice TR, Thumbs up! (Get the reference?)

 

[RB]

Nice TR, Thumbs up! (Get the reference?)

Think I have missed it

 

[SeatBackForward]

Think I have missed it

Ha, an ideal accompaniment for reading excellent Trip Reports about India

 

[RooFlyer]

I went through and had a morning in Bikaner on my last trip, and saw completely different things - so far. But I did note the camels! . Shows the amazing amount of things to see in India, even in just this one place, amongst thousands!

 

[RB]

Ha, an ideal accompaniment for reading excellent Trip Reports about India

Thanks have now googled it. Beers, rum & bottled water were my preferences. Our driver was telling us that all the villagers where he lives drank 100ml of Indian rum each night to avoid covid

 

[RB]

Bikaner continued
We followed this with a walk & tut tut ride through the Old Town - too narrow & chaotic to drive around. Very noisy,colourful & chaotic and we encountered a fellow with a metre long moustache.











In amongst the traffic & chaos was a beautiful haveli- they gave us a walk through

 

[RB]

The next morning we drove out to the Karni Mata/Rat Temple at Deshnoke, certainly not something we would normally do! On the way out we also noted an incredible ritual in a suburban area- there is a short section of road where approximately 50 stray dogs wait patiently for a breakfast that is provided each day.
Interesting Facts About Karni Mata Rat Temple - Karni Mata Temple Rajasthan Tourist Guide
No luck seeing a white rat but thoroughly enjoyable and surprised there was no smell within or emanating from the site.

Got to get offerings


Right footwear


Join the lines










Pigeons have also worked out it is a pretty good place to be

 

[RB]

Back in Bikaner it was time to visit the massive Fort. Junagarh Fort - Wikipedia We used the excellent audio guide system. We took a couple of hours to try and absorb the absolute size of the place & the vast monuments on display. It would seem that Ganga Singh was a mover & shaker amongst the Rajasthan princes and an important presence on the world stage.

 

[RB]

 

[RB]

The impact of covid

 

[RB]

The afternoon in Bikaner was at a slower pace with visits to Canga Singh Museum and the Sri Sadul Museum - again exceptional collections with small crowds but plenty of young Indian tourists taking advantage of the much lower entry fees for locals.

 

[RB]

Narendra Bhawan Bikaner​

This hotel was a big contrast for us. Athough a Heritage property, the renovations and stylists have been at play “This former royal residence is arguably one of the finest heritage properties in Rajasthan, an oasis in the middle of the Thar Desert. Transformed after the death of the last Maharaja of Bikaner, Narendra Bhawan retains its regal airs and architectural graces while bringing contemporary luxury and comfort to the fore.”

Certainly more expensive than our earlier stays, (during our planning discussions Magan urged us to spend more on a hotel in Bikaner & we are glad we followed the advice) but I must say I enjoyed the soft bed and modern bathroom. Great service from check-in to departure & an excellent experience. The breakfasts were very good but I think we experienced nicer dinners at some of our later stays. The rooftop infinity pool has excellent views over the city.

Jasmin water as a welcome drink








Nice hallways




Outside dining

 

[RB]

Bikaner hotel continued










Inside courtyard

 

[Cossie]

I thought that for various reasons, I would never go back to India, but this TR and others are certainly getting me thinking that perhaps I should reconsider, great photos and report, thanks.

 

[RooFlyer]

I thought that for various reasons, I would never go back to India, but this TR and others are certainly getting me thinking that perhaps I should reconsider, great photos and report, thanks.

RB’s ( and my, and others’) tour organiser certainly makes it very easy.

 

[RB]

Bikaner to Jaisalmer

Another long but entertaining day on the road. Magan handles long days of driving with ease and there is never a dull moment. Roadside early in the piece we see the evidence of massive gypsum mining. We detour to view the Gajner Palace hotel at Gajner- indeed a beautiful lakeside sanctuary. Passing through one village we witness brooms being made by hand. The Jaswant Villas Restaurant & Camp end up being our late lunch spot-a long term stop for Magan & the food here is good, beer is cold & the outlook over farmland is fantastic.

Gypsum mine


Breakdowns are still signified by surrounding the vehicle with branches -maybe a market for witched hats


Lunch time










Mrs RB encountered this compromise between offering a squat & modern convenience