Gadisar Lake Jaisalmer: A place worth spending some time

We were in the Golden City of Jaisalmer rather Sonar Killa of Satyajit Ray and our next destination was the quiet stairs of Gadisar Lake.

Jodhpur to Jaisalmer by Train:

Train journey from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer was good although electricity supply was not available throughout the journey. Later we came to know that Staff forgot to link the electricity wire of the coach. Nonetheless, we were saved as the whole of journey was in night and it was cool enough. Had it been Summer, we would have roasted completely.

We had planned the Train journey from Mumbai to Jaisalmer in such a way that we could witness the Sun rise at Gadisar Lake in Jaisalmer. 

Reached Jaisalmer railway station around 6 AM, actual arrival timing of train 14810 at Jaisalmer is at 5:25 AM. As planned, took an auto rickshaw from Jaisalmer railway station to Gadisar Lake. The distance is not more than 1.5 Km. Auto rickshaw charged Rs 10 for each of us.

A pleasant morning at Gadisar Lake:

Rickshaw dropped us on the main road; we had to walk around 100 meters on the paved interlocked road in the left hand side where vehicles are not allowed before we reach the Lake. A big golden gateway stood at the entrance of Gadisar Lake. We were at the place quite early, Lake and surrounding area was empty except some elderly humans.  

This year (2014) it did not rained much hence the water level was much lower as compared to what we saw in previous year photos. Nonetheless, the place has a different charm. I would request you not to listen to the reviews on some holiday destinations website. I do not like the manner in which they speak bluntly to skip the Gadisar Lake. For them Sightseeing in Jaisalmer is a list of some 4-5 places and a desert Safari. Which I feel is good for family vacations and for travelers :)

If you are among those who like to connect with every place they visit, I would strongly suggest you to spend some time sitting by the Lake side.

Boats parked in Gadisar Lake

Handcrafted bags in a shop near Gadisar Lake

A morning scene: Entrance of Gadisar Lake

Gadisar Lake

Morning in Gadisar Lake: Loneliness and Being Alone are two different things

Gadisar Lake scape in morning

Sadhu with his Transistor set and morning Tea in Gadisar

History of the Gadisar Lake:

Colloquially the Lake is called Gadisar; its literal name is Gadsi-sar Lake. Lots of people believe that the Lake is an Oasis which is not true. As the name speaks, this Lake was constructed by Rawal Gadsi Singh around 1367 AD. Gadisar Lake is rainwater fed and many temples are built along the banks of Lake.

What can you do at the lake?

1. Sit on the long golden stairs or in the temples and lose yourself.

Old Architectures on the banks of Gadisar Lake 

2. Boating is allowed in the Lake after 9 AM.

3. Feed kurmura (Rice flakes) available in the nearby shops to the brown fishes of the Gadisar Lake.

Hungry fishes of Gadisar Lake

4. Try your photography skills

5. Ponder over some questions.  If you love architecture, you can try to find out why the Lake was dug here? What about the catchment area? How does the sandy soil hold the water? What is the use of building stoop i.e. small architecture with stairs inside the Lake? Which god/goddesses are carved on the inner roof of the stoops?

I?

I did all 5 :)

Tip:  If you are in Jaisalmer come to Gadisar Lake to see Sunrise and go to Vyas Chhatri to view Sunset. Vyas Chhatri is close to 3 KM from Gadisar Lake.

After 2.5 hours our stomach was hungry but soul was satisfied. Packed up our stuffs and left Gadisar Lake. Do taste the Chhaas i.e. buttermilk sold by one uncle just after the entrance gate on the left hand side. It’s delicious.

 

Rented a Hero Impulse motorcycle from Gopa Chowk in Jaisalmer town:

Hired an auto rickshaw from Gadisar Lake to Gopa Chowk. Distance is not more than 1.5 Km. We had to go to Joshi German Bakery in Gopa Chowk to rent our bikes. Apart from bike rentals their main business is an excellent small restaurant run in the small room on first floor.

Before asking for the bikes, we went straight on the first floor. Ordered two cup of hot Coffee, 2 Aloo Paratha and 2 Bread Butter. After half an hour ordered two glass of Lassi for me and Omlet pav for Vishwanath. Every single item was delicious and fit well in our pockets. We made sure to have our snacks here every time we return to Jaisalmer.

You can also use their free Wi-Fi internet service and get your mobile camera charged :)

Jaisalmer Fort as visible from the window of Joshi German Bakery. With Coffee Cup in my hand I use to keep watching out of the window. One of things I cherish from my Jaisalmer travel !

German Bakery Inside Joshi ji's German Bakery

German Bakery Inside Joshi ji's German Bakery

Joshi German bakery is quite popular among the foreigners there. But bakery items are only available from the month of October to March.

Came down to negotiate for bike. I was planning for some version of Bajaj Pulsar. But he didn’t had any. I agreed for Hero Impulse. It seemed in good condition and riding the chunky tires in the desert would be wonderful. He said Rs 1500 for three day. We negotiated for Rs.1100 and no deposit. 

All you need to know about the renting a bike in Jaisalmer:

There are around 3-4 bike rentals near Gopa chowk close to each other. 
Shiva has broad range to offer but may charge more -> Shiva Bike Rentals | Rent a bike in jaisalmer.

Joshi German Bakery had around 5-6 bikes in good condition and comparatively cheaper. +(91)-9929804517 +(91)-2992-254041.

Shiva may ask you for some deposit but Joshi bikes didn’t asked us. I just submitted my original PAN card to him and took it while handing over the bike. Ask for Helmet, they should provide you for free.

Although no cop will bother you, still ask them for photocopy of RC card. Also, do not forget to take the number of the bike rental!!

Thanks,

Niraj Yadav

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Trip to Rajasthan: Exploring the blue city of Jodhpur

Incredible India and Rajasthan tourism advertisements were so lucrative to hold back. A long research of the must visit tourist and offbeat places in Rajasthan helped me finalizing my trip to Rajasthan covering Jodhpur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Indo Pak border in Tanot and Longewala.

This is the first travel blog post from the 7 day tour of Rajasthan. I was accompanied by my friend Vishwanath. We used public transport for a major portion of our travel except in Jaisalmer. In Jaisalmer we rented a Hero Impulse motorcycle for three days to tour in and around Jaisalmer.

Here is the plan we chalked out

Day 1: Mumbai to Jodhpur [Overnight journey by train]

Day 2: Jodhpur to Jaisalmer [Overnight journey by train]

Day 3:Kuldhara, Sam Sand dunes and stay somewhere enroute Tanot [Touring on motorcycle]

Day 4:Tanot, Longewala and back to Jaisalmer [Touring on motorcycle]

Day 5:Explore Jaisalmer Fort and city [Touring on motorcycle]

Day 6:Jaipur in a Day [Rented a cheap combo of hotel room and car with driver]

Day 7:Back to Mumbai [Jaipur to Mumbai by train]

Short excerpt from the trip: 

The tour provided us a firsthand experience of cultural and spiritual insights of people living in remote expanse of Thar. It made us feel the high spirit they have to tackle the challenges arising from hard surrounding. Their simplicity, never complaining nature and feel of Indian aesthetics in their daily life are still alive in our minds.

The tour put our negotiation skills at test. And we are happy we managed it well. We will remember the trip for the experiences which soldiers at border shared with us, the never ending roads rolling on the desert hills and the high speed winds which make the bike shake like anything. 

We will also remember the tour for the time we spent sitting behind the Jaisalmer Fort road lost. At last, we will also remember sipping Coffee in Joshi German Bakery and our eyes fixed on Jaisalmer Fort visible from the small iron caged window.

Mumbai to Ahmedabad by Train:

‘Aunty chalo jaldi, train sirf 2 minute hi rukti hai’ with a bit of tension I encouraged the fat lady struggling to cross the small door of Indian Railway. Heavy bag on my back and camping Tent in my hand I managed to enter the crowded sleeper class coach at Borivali.

I could not hold my wide smile longer. Our Waiting List 239 ticket booked no less than a week got confirmed yesterday. Even the gods wish for such fortunes J Met Vishwanath who took the train from Bandra and shared high five looking at our confirmed berths. It was 9 PM when the train left Borivali station, took off for the day tired from day work.

Ahmedabad to Jodhpur by train:

We reached Ahmedabad around 5 AM in the morning. Our train to Jodhpur was in 2 hours. I remember a strange army man sitting next to us who was travelling from Bangalore to Jodhpur. I was stunned by his competence to eat Namkeen. Just as we eat rice and dal he decorated his big thali with Namkeen and finished it in one go. It is always interesting to talk to army men, they have lots of interesting stories to share.

Ahmedabad to Jodhpur by train takes about 7-8 hours. Same afternoon of 15^th August we were at Bhagat ki kothi railway station. It is another terminal for Jodhpur bound trains. Bhagat ki kothi railway station is 5 km behind Jodhpur.  Auto-rickshaw were charging Rs 100. We made it cheaper, walked for 50 rupees and hired auto for 50 rupees. We believe in saving ;)

Small artists on smaller Ganesh and big artist on bigger Ganesh.

We were at Jodhpur station around 4 PM. Our train to Jaisalmer was at 11:45 PM, so we had close to 7 hours in Jodhpur. 

Janta Sweets Pvt. Ltd - Must visit for every foodie to try local flavors :

If you are in Jodhpur you cannot afford to miss Janta Sweets. They have become so huge that they converted their shop into a Limited enterprise. Janta sweets home is famous in Jodhpur for Indian snacks and particularly Rajasthani flavors. We ordered Maakhanyia Lassi.  And yes the spoon stood upright in the glass; this is how we test Lassi.

Janta Sweets - One of the best places in Jodhpur for Rajasthani snacks

Left the place and moved ahead towards Jodhpur bazaar. It’s an old market with narrow lanes and is usually crowded. We were late for Mehrangarh Fort as it closes by 5 PM.

Busy scene of Jodhpur market

I know, my turban is gorgeous

Spotted this aunty lost in deep thoughts near Jodhpur market

Ladies busy in evening gappe 

Jodhpur Ghanta Ghar or Clock Tower: 

From market a right turn from Chauraha or junction takes us to Ghanta Ghar. Only information we could gather is there was a king who ordered a British company for this clock and paid 1 Lakh for its construction, 1 Lakh for transportation and 1 Lakh for copyright of the design.

Clock tower in Jodhpur

Walking straight from Ghanta Ghar lead to a castle styled hotel, which we entered unknowingly thinking of some historic place. Came out and walked the straight road which took us to a nice lake surrounded by old architectures and temples.

Lake Bridge in Jodhpur

Lake side temple in Jodhpur

Even the schools in Jodhpur have heritage and royal buildings :) 

Searching for budget accommodation in Jodhpur brought us to a Dharamshala:

Returned to Jodhpur main circle and started hunting for cheapest Dharamshala. We required it for 3-4 hours to charge our mobile/cameras and getting fresh. Not far from the main circle we got one for Rs 75/person for 24 hours. It had everything we needed.

If you are in Jodhpur and looking for place to stay do not worry, you will get a wide range of options. Dharamshala’s are the cheapest. They start from 50 rupees per cot but do not expect attached washroom. Lodges and budget hotels in Jodhpur are in plenty. Whenever you are looking for rooms, come out from the Jodhpur railway station and walk towards the main circle in the right hand side.

Ajab gajab train kahani (Fiasco at Jodhpur station):

All set, we left the Dharamshala and reached Jodhpur railway station. Train to Jaisalmer was at 11:45 PM. We were there at 10:30 PM. Station was heavily crowded with Ramdev bhagwan devotees. It was the time when people from all over country come to Ramdevra station which lies between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer route. With a quick look at the indicator we came to know train was at platform no 2.

Jodhpur railway station

Train to Jaisalmer was already standing at platform 2. But I could not find Sleeper S1 coach all were general. ‘Abe saare ke saare chalu dabbe hain re!’  I said to Vishwanath. It was the third time we were running end to end of the platform. Yes, all coaches were general and heavily packed with devotees. We crosschecked the train, it was same. We crosscheck our ticket it was correct too. Hardly 1 minute was left for the train to depart but where was this S1?

We asked a police standing there he explained something like this. Train will be divided into two parts. Half of the train will leave the station. Half will remain here. The half which left the station will go where the S1 and B1 coach are parked. Those coaches will be linked to the train which went there and again the train will come back to Jodhpur station and connect the other half. Once all this is done you are ready to go, simple. Simple indeed J

Email me your comments or suggestions at budgetyatri[at]gmail.com or use the comment box below. I will be more than happy to listen your words.

Thanks.
Niraj Yadav.

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4 boys ride to a tribal village Khadki for World Yoga Day celebration

I along with 3 of my friends was in a tribal village Khadki to celebrate the first World Yoga day on June 21 2015. Yesterday i.e. 20thJune 2015 was quite eventful.  Bike breakdown, sent back from Purushwadi, welcomed by unknown host and night walk in the jungle by the river was much more interesting than what we had expected. 

I remember Bhangre ji saying yesterday, government teachers will come to teach Yoga to the tribal kids in Shiva temple tomorrow morning. It was a good opportunity to contribute to the International Yoga Day and make this day memorable. 

Our tent was pitched in the temple. I and Rajkumar woke up at 6:30 AM and left the place for morning activities. We took a tour of the village to witness the grace and simplicity. 

Some photos from the morning tour round the village

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In search of million Fireflies : A weekend getaway to not so popular destination of Purushwadi

I was all planned to do a bike trip to Firefly festival in Purushwadi village of India. However, the things didn't went as expected but the successive events resulted in a wonderful experiences and adventure.

Fireflies. Amazing creatures they are! A single firefly can make tens of children running on their feet. A lone nomad firefly can make the boring night interesting. Can you imagine the thrill when not hundreds but millions of fireflies dance around you? Yes, you heard it right.

And when they cover a tree to perform the dance of light you just watch them dumb folded. It seemed so surreal so fantasy and like a fairy tale.

The city folks ask. But where are these fireflies? Well, if you stay in Mumbai, Thane or Pune you are very close to them. Although the place is not a popular tourist destination but they are worthy to be featured in the list of must visit places near Mumbai, Thane and Pune.

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Raja Ram temple, Orchha: Where Ram is worshipped as King rather god

Finished with the sightseeing of Orchha Mahal we moved towards Raja Ram temple. Both the places are walk able distance apart. The architecture of temple as fascinating as temples of South India.

Some centuries back, one night King of Orchha dreamed of Lord Ram and received inspiration to build a temple/palace dedicated to Ram. The construction was finished soon and opened for worship. A peculiar thing of this temple is that Lord Ram is not worshiped as god but as a King. The temple too was constructed more like a Raj Bhavan rather than a temple.  Even today, Police stand at the gates pretending to be guards of Lord Ram. The temple is revered by devotees throughout India and they pour in large number throughout the year.

From Bloggers desk: A place where the beauty of rural India is at its best. Read here..

Raja Ram temple:

Temple is built of golden brown stones and has lots of rooms. We had just finished the ground floor and were about to leave the temple when I noticed a dark passage going upwards. A metal chain confirmed that the passage was not open to tourists. Some guards were chatting in front of the small gate less door. I moved closer to them and asked what’s above? One of them replied you want to go up? I said yes. He continued take this boy with you he will show you all the interesting spots.

 Sadhus sitting under a Peepal tree in RamRaja temple

Chilams

Our mute guide:

A young boy in jeans and T-Shirt came ahead. A little white board was hanging from his neck which read I am Deaf and Dumb, please help me.

The guide

We started moving up the narrow alley which was broad enough to only pass one at a time. Stairs were big and broken. The boy moving ahead understood our likelihood to rough against the tall stairs and low ceiling in the dark. He passed torch lights standing at the turns and making hunn hunn noise from his nose to indicate to climb slowly.

Indian long-billed vulture:

We reached a flat terrace which was connected to the main dome of the temple. Our young guide started making sharp noises and fast hand movements. He wanted to show us something very interesting.  I hurried towards him and moved my eyes in the direction of his finger. Indian long billed Vultures or Gyps Indicus. 

Amazing! 

Long-billed Indian Vultures

There was a time when they were in abundance but not now. In fact they are placed in the category of highly endangered species and rarely found. One of the main reasons cited by researchers is the use of Pain killers by humans which enter the food chain of Vultures resulting in their death.

There were around 6-7 big vultures. Some sitting on the sections of the temple while some in the air with their huge wings. We all stood there for quite a time watching the magnificent endangered Vultures before returning on the ground floor. Handed our guide his due. Thanked all the guards and left the temple.

It was around 7 PM and and sun had moved to the other hemisphere. We took auto-rickshaw and returned Hotel Chanda our nest for the night. With this comes end to our visit of Jhansi and Orchha.

I am eager to listen your feedback. Use the comment box below or write me at budgetyatri[at]gmail.com

Niraj Yadav.

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Orchha Palace: Pride of Bundelkhand

I am sure Orchha and Jhansi series travel blogs has been refreshing for you. If you haven't read them, here is the link  Betwa river side, Jhansi Fort. For quite a time Orchha Palace near Jhansi was waiting for its mention on this blog. Joking :) The palace commands a very strong connection with history. Let’s take a small refreshing dive in the past.

Vir Singh Deo and the Orchha Mahal:

Vir Singh Deo was one of the finest Rajput rulers of Bundelkhand particularly Orchha province. A contemporary of Akbar, Vir Sing Deo kept raising his voice against the Mughal despotism. To hold back the uprising, Akbar sent his son Jahangir with a sizable army towards Orchha which was the nucleus of rebellion.

Vir Singh Deo lost the battle and had to surrender to Jahangir. The palace erected by Vir Singh Deo on the banks of River Betwa became Jahangir Palace or Jahangir Mahal.

Quite interesting: Auli in Uttarakhand has an artificial lake at 7500 feets. The lake water is used to create artificial snow and spray on Auli Ski slope. Click the link to read more about Auli.

Legacy of Jujhar Singh:

But the story doesn't ends there. Jujhar Singh, the son of Vir Singh Deo secured freedom of Orchha from the Mughals. Later, cruel Aurangzeb invaded Orchha. Jujhar Singh had to escape. His female family members were taken as war bounty by Aurangzeb and his two sons were converted to Islam. Jujhar Singh’s third son was murdered after he denied converting to Islam. Aurangzeb converted the royal palace in Orchha into Mosque.

That’s all with history of Orchha Mahal. Lets begin with my account from Orchha.

The Paratha spree:

As I have mentioned in earlier post that I was in Jhansi to attend my friend's wedding. Utilizing this opportunity, I along with my other 3 friends planned for Orchha visit. We took an auto rickshaw from Jhansi Elite Circle to Orchha, Madhya Pradesh. 

Reached the place and sat in a small restaurant on the right hand side of the road, just before the stone bridge which leads to Orchha Mahal. 

Do you like Parathas? 

Aloo Paratha, Gobi Paratha, Paneer Paratha, Lasoon Paratha any of them. If Yes. Then the last restaurant in the building towards Orchha Mahal is the place for you. I bet you will like all of them! And yes do not forget to ask the restaurant man for Baingan chatni J

We ate like we were hungry for months. The lunch seemed never ending. Nobody was willing to stop. In fact when the boy mistakenly brought two parathas which we hadn’t ordered, we made sure he doesn’t take it back. Very few places in India serve such delicious and affordable Parathas.

Orchha Mahal:

Finished with the lunch, we moved ahead and crossed the stone bridge to reach the entrance of the Orchha Palace. Took four tickets for us and one ticket of Rs. 50 for Camera.

The palace is huge and grand with hanging balconies and gardens. A spectacular view of the river Betwa can be seen from the terrace of the place. The palace is decorated with lots and lots of windows and symmetrical architectures.

Photos of Orchha Mahal:

Orchha Palace

Symmetrical design in Orchha Mahal 

 

It took nearly 2 hours to complete the sightseeing of two sections of Orchha Mahal before returning to the main market.  

I am eager to listen your feedback. Use the comment box or Email me at budgetyatri[at]gmail.com

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