Rajasthan - the land of shifting sands, heritage structures, cenotaphs and vibrant handicrafts - has always fascinated me and I was quick to grab the first opportunity to visit Jodhpur, the state’s second-largest city punctuated with palaces where Rajas and Maharajas still reside. The city is a bit of...
Jaisalmer, the golden city of Rajasthan, exudes an air of regality that is unrivalled. Yet, to truly unravel its opulence, one must approach the exploration of this majestic city with thoughtful planning. Here, where the dunes whisper tales of bygone eras, and the forts stand as stoic guardians of...
Located in the western state of Rajasthan, Alwar is a small city that is rich in culture and is often visited by domestic and international tourists. Home to a fascinating museum and a gorgeous fort, Alwar shares close proximity to the Sariska Tiger Reserve, making this city all the...
During our recent visit to Welcome Heritage’s Bal Samand Lake Palace in Jodhpur, I had the good opportunity to dine at their hugely popular open-air restaurant Kebab Korner. The lawn area where chipmunks, peacocks and other creatures frequent during daytime gets converted into a cosy, romantic candle-lit restaurant by...
A land of many cultures, several factors over the centuries have influenced the architecture of India. From the artisans who came to the country and built monuments of grandeur to the distinct seasons of its regions, inspiration from diverse sources resulted in unique and spectacular buildings that have stood...
Holi – that wonderful festival that conjures up images of rang, bhaang, gulal, abeer, and water pichkaris. It also reminds one of the childhood days, the complete abandonment with which kids play Holi and their oblivion to any notions of health or environment, as may be the case.
In India,...
Mewar: the food and culture of central Rajasthan
Mewar - the name itself carries with it the sounds of royalty and centuries worth of cultural richness. Mewar (or Mewad) is the south-central part of the largest state of India, Rajasthan. Although not a single city or district, Mewar is the...
Perhaps for most people who hear the word “Rajputana”, the picture that is immediately recalled to mind is that of turbaned men curling their moustaches or engaging in war with a “do or die” attitude to protect their legacy and honour. While this may be controversial and stereotypical at...
“Holi Hai!” The sound of that instantly conjures a visual of a cloudburst of colours for anyone who has ever seen what Holi is. In a brilliantly plural country like India, every festival has its own unique tradition in different parts of the country and Holi is no different.
Holi...
