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From Delhi we travelled to Mandawa on the "Silk Route", where many wealthy merchants build their havallis. beautifully decorated and painted houses. Unfortunately many of them are falling apart through lack of maintenance.
Driving into the courtyard of the 400 year old castle was like stepping back in time, goods were being delivered in donkey carts, local musicians were practising in a corner. The castle is used by the government as a tourist hotel and is furnished in authentic 1920's style, we had dinner around a huge logfire in the main courtyard and were entertained by local dancers, the whole experience was enchanting.
The next afternoon we travelled a short distance to the Mud Hut Resort in the Rajasthan desert, mud hut accomodation and a swimming pool, hence the resort status.The huts were decorated with whitewashed tradional patterns which have to be re-done each time it rains. The following morning our transport arrived for a visit to the neighbouring villages, a herd of beautifully decorated camels! Two to a camel and off we went, each camel with a keeper who walked alongside, it was an experience not to be missed.
Castles, mud huts and camels in the desert |
