Lost in the Right direction- Rajasthan

“Let’s do the Bhaporiyo”

This is the first thing that came to my head when I was pondering for a tagline for the trip.

And if you are a true-blue Gujju, you will know what it means. ;)

It is just one of the several perks of travelling to Rajasthan via Gujarat.

Colourful state, generous people, thriving culture and scenic backdrops- Rajasthan bore

testimony to every quality attributed to it and much more. These five days in Rajasthan will

forever be etched in our memories as the most amazing, most adventurous and the most

aesthetically rewarding road trip. From the busy city of Mumbai to the peaceful, crisp city of

Jaisalmer, the transformation was breath-taking. When I recall the glorious sunsets and

sunrises, the mouth-watering Rajasthani cuisine, the spectacular scenes that filled our

morning walks and the helpful people, I realize that I am nostalgic already.

Special thanks to places like Mystic dervish, bunkyards, Zostel for not emptying our pockets and making a very economical but comfortable place to stay with all basic needs. Especially Wi-FI. :P

Overall, You want to kickstart for a road trip of your life, This is the place. Go explore.

Few Tips-

Do travel using google map, and have a road trip of your life. Roads were perfect for road trip. Do Take the Barmer-Shiv Jaisalmer road at night. Make sure your carrying spare tyre, because you are all alone for 4 hours from shiv to Jaisalmer :P
Visit the fort on a weekday, Visit Kuldhara in evening :P.

P.S.- All these days in Rajasthan, we did one good thing. Every morning, we got up very early, Wore sweatshirts and went for a morning jog and explored the city. We ran for 7 kms (trekking), 5-8 kms once on sand dunes. This was THE AWESOME part of the whole trip which will always be remembered. Also, When planning a road trip using Google map, Add 3-4+ hours and 1 day for stay more than you plan. It becomes hectic when planned short because, we were mostly in car rather in hotels or places to roam. :P
P.P.S - DO something like this:P

Keep travelling, Keep exploring.
Cheers

Mystic Dervish

Hotels Map

Our Rajasthan diaries began at Mystic Dervish in Jaisalmer. The owner himself is an avid backpacker, a down-to-earth fellow who will make all arrangements for you to go backpacking in Rajasthan. At Mystic Dervish, the hostel for backpackers, we received a warm welcome even in the frigid winter of Rajasthan.

Photo of Mystic Dervish, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India by SHASHANK

Jaisalmer Fort

Hotels Map

Loacated on the Thar desert, this fort was built in 1156 A.D by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal. Constructed from yellow sandstones, the massive fortress glinted off the sunlight offering a visual treat. However, the fort was too crowded for our liking with two wheelers relentlessly racing past us. Finding a place to park our car in the congested city lanes was a big task. Finally trusting the handbrake, we were able to park on a steep slope nearby.

Photo of Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India by SHASHANK

Kuldhara

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Sam sand dunes bathed in the morning sun took our breath away while enroute to the archaic, sleepy village of Kuldhara. This well-built, horizontally cut village is also infamously haunted. It is a splendid location for photography enthusiasts...well that is if you could ignore the eerieness that commands the place.

Photo of Kuldhara, Jiyai, Rajasthan, India by SHASHANK

Sam Sand Dunes

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At Jaisalmer, we stayed at Royal Resorts, which is an award-winning desert resort. We spent the evening watching graceful folk dances and performances at the Rajasthani show specially organised by Royal resorts for its guests. After that, we headed out for a nocturnal Desert Safari also conducted by Royal Resorts. WOW Safari! Let me put it this way: "If you havent seen the deserts of Rajasthan at night, then you haven't seen them at all!" It could give any amusement park a run for its money. We lay down on the cold sand, counting the stars as we let nature envelope us in her shroud.

Photo of Sam Sand Dunes, Major District Road 53, Kanoi, Rajasthan, India by SHASHANK

Gypsy Restaurant

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Mouth watering food.

Photo of Gypsy Restaurant, 9th C Road, Sardarpura, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India by SHASHANK

Rupis Resort India Pvt Ltd

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We had a sumptuous lunch at Gypsy, Jodhpur before setting out for Rupis Resorts, which was going to be our abode for the last day in Rajasthan. Rupis resort is a reasonable 12 hour- drive distance from the Udaipur airport. As a perfect close to a tiring day, we spent the night relaxing and chatting away around a bonfire.

Photo of Rupis Resort India Pvt Ltd, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India by SHASHANK

We had booked Self driven Innova from Myles (carsonrent) Ahmedadbad. After 11 hour drive , With horrifying, haunting and adventurous road with no one around you, we reached Golden city, Jaisalmer.

Photo of Carzonrent India Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by SHASHANK

Pokhran

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Pokhran But what's a road trip without a road trip dance? We matched our steps to "Lean on" next to the highway. Check out the video above. :P It was a smooth ride between Jaipur and Udaipur. A little ahead, one of the tyres got stuck in the sand. But the friendly passers-by advised us to put the car onto the second gear and we proceeded on our journey without encountering any more hassles.