The Many Delights of Mount Abu’s Summer Festival

A pilgrim spot, a land of serene lakes and stunning monuments – Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan and a charming one at that. A great place for a memorable holiday any time of the year, this place is especially attractive during the annual Mount Abu Summer Festival which is being held from May 23 to May 25 this year. Not only is it is an opportune time to visit this beautiful place but it is also a wonderful opportunity to experience first-hand the rich and diverse culture of Rajasthan.

Photo Credit: Manish Bansal / Internal Photo Contest

Rajasthani Culture at its best

The cool climes and rocky terrain of Mount Abu are ideal to showcase the beauty of Rajasthan’s tribal and folk culture. Organized by Rajasthan Tourism the three-day festival begins with ballad singing and a traditional procession which begins from the RTDC Hotel Shikhar and gathers at the stunning Nakki Lake. The audience is treated to authentic Rajasthani and Gujarati folk dances and music as well as the beautiful and graceful Gair, Ghoomar and Daph dances of Rajasthan. Day two and three bring with them more exciting activities with a host of competitions, cultural performances and entertainment programmes. There are skating races, horse races, boat races on the lakes, tug of war competitions as well as matka races. The evenings are filled with dance and music, including a Sham-e-Qawalli, an eagerly anticipated events which sees the presence of several well-known qawalli singers. On the last day of the festival there is a spectacular display of fireworks which marks the end of the celebrations.

Photo Credit: piyush. K / Flickr

Sightseeing in Mount Abu

Mount Abu will regale you, not just with the natural beauty that has been endowed to it, but also with the beauty of its many man-made wonders. Primary among them are the Dilwara Jain temples – a spread of awe inspiring structures made in white marble between the 11^th and 13^th centuries. There are also beautiful Hindu temples worth visiting such as the Vimala Vashi Temple, Luna Vashi Temple and the Adhar Devi Temple which is carved out of a single, solid rock. Rajasthan is well-known for its mighty forts and palaces and Mount Abu has its fair share of them. You should visit the Achalgarh Fort constructed by Rana Kumbha of Mewar; and if it is history that interests you, visit the Archaelogical Museum too. The Nakki Lake is great for a relaxing evening walk. Those seeking adventure can head to the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary. The headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris is located here as is the World Spiritual University for the spiritually inclined.

Places Around Mount Abu

Whether you are coming specifically for the Summer Festival or not, you must tour the state of Rajasthan to visit its many stunning cities. From the capital Jaipur to Udaipur, to Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and even Shekhawati – there are some great Rajasthan packages available and you can easily book any of these online through Makemytrip.com

How to get there

By Train: Trains are available from most cities to the Mount Abu Railway Station, from where you can hire a taxi to take you to the main city.

By Air: The closest airport is in Udaipur which is about 180 kms from Mount Abu. Private cabs, taxis and buses ply the route and connectivity is not a problem.

By Bus: Mount Abu has a good road network and is well connected to all major cities within Rajasthan as well as to New Delhi. You can also book bus tickets to Mount Abu from Udaipur.

Finding a hotel should not be a problem with Makemytrip.com. So what’s left for us to say, except happy journey!

If all this seems too much, just check-out our all-inclusive Summer-Festival Holiday package, and check-out the second package too, and get going!

Jaisalmer Desert Festival: The Dunes are Calling

Two months into the New Year, how are your travel resolutions coming along? Exploring new destinations, acquainting with different cultures, trying out new cuisines, meeting new people; are we? Well if you haven’t started yet, don’t worry, it’s not too late. The bone-chilling winters are about to leave us and it’s just the perfect time to pack your bags and get going. 

What better place to begin than fascinating Rajasthan - a hot favourite amongst domestic as well as foreign travellers! Tailored specially for tourists, the Jaisalmer Desert Festival is a cultural extravaganza of vibrant dances, enchanting music, fascinating competitions, unique performances, indulgent local food and exquisite handicrafts. This year, the three day long festival will roll out on February 23^rd.

Get a glimpse of fading arts like snake charming and acrobatic shows by gymnasts belonging to the nomadic clans of Rajasthan. Catch jugglery performances, endearing puppet shows, camel races, turban tying and longest-moustache competitions - welcome to the world of nautanki. Famous folk dances like Gair and the fire dance can be enjoyed along with a mouthwatering Rajasthani snacks and lassi. If camel rides don’t prove adventurous enough for you, I bet playing camel polo will! For some serious sporting action, participate in the cricket match on the last day of the festival. For the ultimate adventure, a parachute ride  over the golden sands of the desert and the majestic Sonar Quilla will prove to be quite an elating experience.

Shopping is yet another charm of the festival. The vibrant colours, the intricate designs and the extensive collection of objects for home décor and the most exquisite pieces of attire, may make you want to take everything along. Fortunately, money is not a problem here. Mobile currency exchangers and the stalls accepting credit cards makes shopping a breeze!

In the evening as the fierce sun rays soften and change into a pleasant hue, stars fill up the sky as if willing to be a part of the magical musical performances. As artists sing ballads of kings and their victories, the magnificent Sonar Quilla forms the perfect background standing testimony to the folklore. On the last day, the festivities culminate with a spectacular sound and light show in the dunes.

Accommodation is not only comfortable but equally fascinating during the Jaisalmer Desert Festival. While you can choose to stay in the tents available at the Sam sand dunes, the venue of the event, you might also want to entertain the idea of staying in the Jaisalmer Fort! Several hotels in Jaisalmer make for affordable and comfortable lodging option.

During the three days of the festival, colours seem brighter, people seem happier, instruments render their best and the music seems divine. Such is the charm of the Jaisalmer Desert Festival.

EXPLORING THE MIND IN THE BLUE CITY OF JODHPUR

It has been a few years since I last went to Jodhpur, but I can still remember how magical the city looked from the mighty Mehrangarh Fort. Looking down over this city in Rajasthan, all I could see was azure roofs that looked like they had blanketed this dusty desert town, it is no wonder that Jodhpur is known as the blue city. At ground level, it looks so different, but there is still a whimsical feel, with the larger than life fort that provides a feeling of safety and protection. This seems like the perfect place to host an event that seeks to provide protection and care to others.

A Meeting of Minds

The One World Retreat will be held in Jodhpur from March 8 to 10 and has the theme “A Beautiful Mind”. The Retreat brings together some of the world’s experts on the human brain to look at how to improve the treatment of brain trauma and head injury, potentially transforming the lives of millions.  India is considered to be “head injury capital of the world” with over 1.5 million people suffering from severe brain injury every year as a result of accidents. This event has been spearheaded by his Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Jodhpur who has unfortunately experienced tragedy when his son had a horrific polo accident in 2005. So this is not just a charitable cause for the Maharaja, but also a very personal one.

Blending Arts with Business

This event in Rajasthan will open with the Opera “Carmen” that is set at the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort.  With this famous Indian fort as the backdrop, and the sounds of 70 choristers from the Vienna Festival Chorus filling the air, the opera will no doubt be breathtaking.  The Indian National Youth Orchestra will also perform, with over 150 musicians from 12 states of India. Blending Western symphony with Indian instruments, this experimental concert promises to be an innovative and refreshing fusion of sound.

Medical specialists and business leaders alike will attend this inspirational Indian event to focus on how to make a difference to millions.  A French Buddhist Monk who is known as “the happiest man in the world” will speak at the event. Attendees will also have the opportunity to benefit from over 1000 years of healing secrets with a special rejuvenation session at Balsamand Lake. It is believed that one will feel like they have slept for 8 hours after one blissful session.

Inspiring Millions

Focusing on hope and inspiration, this forum in Jodhpur will culminate in a private concert from one of the world’s most timeless musicians, Sting.  With healing harmonies, this talented singer and composer will perform at the Umaid Bhawan Palace gardens for the prestigious guests.

The One World Retreat in Jodhpur is not just an event with a serious cause, but also seeks to celebrate the human mind and what it can achieve.  Those who attend this Jodhpur event will no doubt feel more enlightened but also have a sense of reward that they have contributed to helping many others.

Want to make a difference? MakeMyTrip offers convenient flights and trains to Jodhpur.

Unearth Rajasthan’s Rustic Beauty at the Shekhawati Festival

Cultural vibrancy, a heritage that dates back thousands of years, and a chivalrous race proud of its lineage – Rajasthan in many ways is a microcosm of India’s diversity. Within the boundaries of this state, you will find the wonders of Rajput art and architecture, the tribulations of an arid desert land, and the resilience of a strong people who have made the most of their natural surroundings. Locals have further added a charm to it with the brilliance of their folk culture, craft and festivities.

In a long line of fairs, festivals and events that mark the calendar of any tourist headed to Rajasthan, here’s another – the Shekhawati Festival held in the eponymous region of Shekhawati in northeastern Rajasthan, easily accessible from cities like Jaipur, Delhi and Bikaner.

Organised between February 8 and 10, this festival is a beautiful and entertaining way of acquainting oneself with the rich heritage of this historical region. The festival offers not just a glimpse of the inspiring folk traditions, dance, music and food of the place, but several creative interventions in the form of eco-tourist diversions, a display of Shekhawati’s beautiful and brilliant frescoes, and guided tours of the famous havelis of Shekhawati.

Rural Treasures

While the festival is held in several rural areas of the region such as Jhunjhunu, Churu and Sikar, the main attractions lie in Nawalgarh. Of course there are the usual cultural programs, painting competitions, folk music and dance, a kavi sammellan and laughter shows as well as Rajasthan’s famous handicrafts bazaar to gawk at. But what really makes this a festival with a difference is the variety of options in and around the region that can leave you full of admiration and respect for the region’s arid beauty and the skills of its people.

Eco-tourism

One of the main places from where India’s organic revolution was launched, Shekhwati, has become a hot-spot for eco-tourists who want to experience the “real Rajasthan”. There are various locations in the region that include visits to organic farms and Shekhawati’s hinterland where visitors are welcomed not just with delicious organically grown fare, but also puppet shows, folk dances and camel safaris.

Heritage Tours

The tours of Shekhawati’s famous havelis, courtyards, temples, forts and mansions, adorned with beautiful intricate frescoes, are a huge attraction here. Shekhawati is known the world over for its frescoes dating back hundreds of years and people visit the region from India and aboard to not just admire them, but to study them as well. Influenced as much by local cultural traditions as by those of Persia and eventually the English, the paintings depict mythology, legends, hunting scenes, local festivities, wedding ceremonies and celebrations.

While attending the festival at Nawalgarh, in itself a place of great historical interest and a mine of attractions for any tourist, visitors must also take time out to visit other places in the area. There is Lachhamangarh, which is famous for its havelis, Dundlod with its sprawling fort and its many European style frescoes, Khetri famous for its temples, forts and lakes and Mandawa also worth a visit for its famous fort and havelis.

Big Fat Royal Wedding In Rajasthan

The Dream

 

Since my teenage years, I have dreamt of a truly royal and traditional wedding. I dreamt of being a princess exchanging wedding vows in an illuminated palace with rose petals showering from the skies. The groom would enter majestically riding an elephant and guests would be greeted by lively folk musicians, prepping them for a fabulous night ahead. 

Photo Credit: Surinder Midha/Flickr.com

The Reality
 

Well, as luck would have it, dreams do come true!

Bridge the gap between dreams and reality by planning your wedding in the royal state of Rajasthan that reverberates of heritage, tradition and culture. Mystical moments are created, hearts are touched and history is rewritten when glamour meets tradition at a royal wedding in Rajasthan. 

Tinsel Town goes the Royal Way…

Bollywood and Hollywood celebrities also have chosen majestic Rajasthan as their wedding venues and in return, created their very own fairy tales to be remembered for a lifetime. 

• Vikram Chatwal and Priya Sachdev tied their knot amidst grand festivities at Jananna Mahal of City Palace in Udaipur. 

• Raveena Tandon and Anil Thadani chose the romantic city of Udaipur to solemnize their vows. 

• Arun Nayar and Liz Hurley celebrated their nuptial rites amidst lavish arrangements at Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur.

• Katy Perry and Russell Brand got married in a true traditional style wearing Rajasthani dresses and circling around the fire,  Ranthambore. 

P.S. While the venues do add a royal touch to the weddings, they might not guarantee a "happy ever after" status!

The Top 5 Wedding Destinations of Rajasthan
 

1. Udaipur

Udaipur, the city of lakes, palaces, and romance offers a picture-perfect setting for a royal wedding. Jagmandir Island on Lake Pichola, Devigarh Fort Palace, and Zenana Mahal are some of the most sought after wedding venues. 

2. Jodhpur

The Blue City of Jodhpur, is picturesque and awe-inspiring. Umaid Bhawan Palace on a hilltop, overlooking this magnificent city, is an ideal location for organizing a fabulous wedding. 

3. Jaipur

Royalty and romance are etched in every nook and corner of Jaipur. There is no dearth of splendid wedding venue options in Jaipur; however, the Rambagh Palace, Raj Palace and Jal Mahal Palace are undoubtedly some of the best locations.

4. Ranthambore
 

Get romantic in the wilderness! While it’s not your usual, glamorous wedding venue complete with glorious palaces and forts, it does make for a unique wedding experience amidst Ranthambore’s natural beauty, wilderness, and historical ruins.

5. Neemrana Fort

Neemrana Fort is one of the oldest heritage sites in India. Perched atop a hill, Neemrana offers the perfect setting for a wedding.  Neemrana is easily accessibile both from Delhi (137 kilometers) and Jaipur (154 kilometers), which makes it an ideal wedding venue. A magical ambience is created when the fort is bedecked with flowers and lights. 

Matches are made in heaven and perfect weddings are planned in Rajasthan. You are cordially invited to regal Rajasthan.

By Gitanjali Banerjee