“Oh Bikaner, why have you been hiding all this time? Did you get overshadowed by too many famous siblings?”
A few months back if you had asked me about Rajasthan, I would have mentioned places like Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur or Pushkar. However at this point, Bikaner tops my list for places to visit in Rajasthan and this post will tell you why.
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when someone says Bikaner?
I bet it’s either Namkeen, or sweets, or the famous rat temple. Blame it on Bikaji namkeen wala (the largest Bhujia manufacturer in the world), or Bikaner Mithai wala (one of the most famous mithai shops), or the shock factor associated with the rat temple, but people don’t think beyond these three things when someone talks about this city.
Well, these are the same things that people mentioned I told them that I was visiting Bikaner and I arrived here with these same images on my mind. Little did I know that I was about to get blown away by the Bikaner’s art, culture, architecture, palaces and the royal life.
It’s a good thing that Bikaner sometimes gets ignored because it has still managed to retain its quaint and offbeat charm. What’s even better is that a visit to Bikaner gave me a stronger flavor of Rajasthan’s Royal life, as compared to its siblings.
In case you’ve been crushing on my Instagram pictures from Bikaner (#SonalinBikaner), I’m going to do you a favor and NOT let my experiences remain a secret. Now that I have sold the Red city as a travel destination to you, let me share exactly what you can do here when you visit.
Things to do in Bikaner, Rajasthan
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1) Admire Junagarh Fort’s Magnificent Interiors
Queen’s Room in Junagarh Fort, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India
Blue Room in Junagarh Fort, Bikaner, Rajasthan
Cloud Room in Junagarh Fort, Bikaner, Rajasthan
Royal Golden Room in Junagarh Fort, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India
Visiting Junagarh Fort is one of the most obvious things to do in Bikaner and honestly, I was not really interested in it. I had already seen this fort from the outside and I expected it to be like many other forts in India that I have already seen already.
My last day in Bikaner was excessively hot and someone suggested it was the perfect opportunity to visit Junagarh Fort because I will mostly be indoors. With little or no expectations, I arrived here with my friend Deepti and our jaws literally dropped as we explored this palace.
Colorful mirrored passage in Junagarh Fort, Bikaner
Junagarh Fort has got to be one of the best-maintained palaces that I have seen from the inside. There are themed areas – white, blue, red, gold colorful and what not. Bikaner’s ruler – Raja Rai Singh, built it in the 15th century and each generation from then added a section to this fort.
My favorite part here was a section called Badal Mahal, which was blue from the inside. It was designed to depict rain for royal children because it hardly ever rained in Bikaner.
2) Visit the Camel Farm and See Baby Camels
A baby camel with mother in Bikaner’s Camel Breeding Farm
If you think camels are cute, wait till you see baby camels. The National Research Centre on Camel is India’s only camel breeding farm. I had only seen brown camels but here I saw black and white ones too!
The best time to visit this place is from 3 pm to 4 pm because that’s when a massive number of camels return back to the farm. You can opt for a camel ride or even buy things that are made out of camel milk.
Camel Milk Kulfi (Ice cream) at Bikaner Camel Farm, Rajasthan
I tried camel milk kulfi (Kulfi is Indian ice cream), which was a little too heavy for me.
3) Explore Bikaner’s Old Town on “Merchant’s trail”
Exploring Bikaner’s Old Town – things to do in Bikaner
Exploring Bikaner’s old town was one of the best things that I did here. This part of the city is the reason why Bikaner is the Red City of Rajasthan because most of it is built using red sandstones.
The Merchant’s trail starts at Rampuria Haveli and takes you around Bikaner’s old town, Jain temple and you will get to witness some of the most interesting sights.
An old Red Sandstone Haveli in Bikaner, Rajasthan
While I was in Bikaner, I explored this area twice – one on a horse carriage and the other on foot. I’d personally recommend you explore by walking too because the streets tend to get crowded.
4) Check out Rampuria Haveli – the pride of Bikaner
Rampuria Haveli – the pride of Bikaner, Rajasthan
Rampuria Haveli is what Eiffel Tower is for Paris or the Empire State Building for the New York City. Often called “the pride of Bikaner”, Rampuria Haveli proudly stands in the middle of the old town. This majestic haveli was constructed in the 15th century for Balujee Chalva.
If you do the Merchant’s trail, you will start at Rampuria Haveli. This Haveli is the highlight of this area and deserves a separate mention.
Honestly, this Haveli is unlike any other that I have seen in India because of a very strong influence of Victorian architecture. It looks like someone has plucked it out of an old school British movie and dropped it here.
Rampuria Haveli under the moonlight – photo by my friend by Deepti Asthana
My fascination with Bikaner’s Rampuria haveli led to some research and here’s what I have discovered. The Havelis in this part of the city were built many years ago by the noble families and merchants of Bikaner. Back in those days, Bikaner emerged as a business hub because it was on the trade route between Central and Western Asia.
If you’d like to photograph this epic landmark of Bikaner, then I’d suggest you visit this place at sunrise because it ends up being extremely crowded after that.
5) Eat a Royal Rajisthani Meal in Narendra Bhawan
Mutton Kebabs in P&C – Narendra Bhawan’s in house restaurant
Museum Dinner set up at Narendra Bhawan, Bikaner
Outdoor dinner table at Narendra Bhawan, Bikaner
Not only is Narendra Bhawanthe best place to stay in Bikaner, but also is one of the most amazing places to experience a royal Rajasthani meal. This place was once the residence of Bikaner’s last Maharaja – Narendra Singh and the meals here have been designed keeping his memory in mind.
Head to Narendra Bhawan for a Royal Rajasthani Meal in Bikaner
You can opt for a highly luxurious “museum dinner” that is served in the most exclusive and intricately designed dinner hall in Narendra Bhawan. For something simpler, you can head to the in-house restaurant – P&C and try Rajisthani maas curry.
Bikaneri Crescent thali at Narendra Bhawan, Bikaner
For a simple and traditional meal, try the Bikaneri Crescent thali, which has a variety of veggie and meat curries with rice and roti. Don’t miss out Mad Hatter bakery’s heavenly desserts while you’re there.
6) Check Out the Miniature Art Studio
the Miniature Art Studio by the Swami family in Bikaner
Rajasthan is famous for miniature paintings, a trend, which has supposedly started from Bikaner. Palaces like Junagarh fort, Laxmi Niwas and Lalgarh had rooms with intricate art patterns on walls and ceilings.
We couldn’t get enough of it so our guide took us to a very cool miniature art studio, just outside the Junagarh Fort. It also functions as an art school and is run by the Swami family. Not only you can buy this artwork at surprisingly low prices but also watch the artists create it.
Inside Bikaner’s Miniature Art Studio
This studio has around 4 – 5 small rooms where miniature artwork is displayed as per themes. There are birds, animals, people, scenes from Bikaner’s history, Hindu Gods and more – mostly drawn by Shiv Swami and Rajan Swami.
During our visit there, the artists also created miniature artwork on our nails. It was extremely detailed for its tiny size. They have also created a record in the Guinness world of record back in 2002 & 2003 for creating world’s smallest painting which is 5 X 3.5 cms and has 1220 leaves, 20 animals, 30 birds, 70 flowers and 20 aquatic animals. They don’t hold this record anymore.
7) Try Bikaner’s Famous Namkeen – Bikaji ki Bhujia
Bikaneri Bhujia inside Bikaji Namkeen Factory in Bikaner
If you’re not from India, you probably don’t know what namkeen is. Namkeen in Hindi simply means salty and this word is also used while referring to salty Indian snacks. Namkeens are an important part of Indian culture. Bikaner’s namkeen – especially Bhujia is famous all over India for its taste. You should not only try it for yourself but should consider buying it as a gift for your friends too.
While I was in Bikaner, I got a chance to visit Bikaji Namkeen Factory and I carried back a namkeen hamper for my family. My family obviously loved it. 🙂
8) Visit Bhandasar Jain Temple and Admire the Mirror work
Stunning frescos inside Bhandasar Jain Temple in Bikaner
Bhandasar Jain Temple is in Bikaner’s old town and is surprisingly beautiful from the inside. This Jain temple is tiny and is decorated with intricate mirror work that has a hypnotic effect. There are many bright frescos on the walls and the ceiling that depict the lives of the Jain teachers.
The insides were refreshingly cool because of the white marble. Strangely the foundations of this temple have been made using ghee (clarified butter).
Bhandasar Jain Temple was built in the 15th century and is one of the oldest buildings of Bikaner.
9) Explore Devi Kund Sagar – the Royal Crematorium
Cenotaphs in Devi Kund Sagar, Bikaner
Visiting a crematorium may not be very high on anyone’s list but Bikaner’s Devi Kund Sagar is surely unique. It is an amazing place where you can admire architectural summitry.
The entry fee is just 5 rupees and you need to remove your shoes before stepping in. You can pick up a pair of disposable shoes at the entry area and wear it while exploring Devi Kund Sagar.
Stunning Symmetry of Cenotaphs in Devi Kund Sagar, Bikaner, Rajasthan
Inside the complex, you will find tombs of deceased members of Bikaji dynasty with “chhatris” around them. “Chhatri” is a Hindi word that means umbrella, used here to describe the shape of these cenotaphs. At first, these chhatris appeared to be the same but we soon noticed a pattern where the ones for women had footsteps printed outside.
10) Visit Lalgarh Palace and Shri Sadul Museum
Lalgarh is one of the newer palaces of Bikaner and was also made using red sandstones for Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. It is a three-story complex, which represents a mix of British as well as Architectural, style and is stretched across sprawling lawns.
It is now owned and run by his daughter Princess Leia.. oops I mean Princess Rajyashree Kumari.
A Painting of Princess Rajyashree Kumari in Shri Sadul Museum of Lalgard Palace, Bikaner
Loved seeing Maharani’s Wardrobe at Sri Sadul Museum in Lalgarh Palace – Bikaner
Shri Sadul Museum is inside Lalgarh Palace, right after at the entry point. This museum displays several artifacts from Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh’s and his children’s lives.
Indoor Pool at Lallgarh Palace, Bikaner
The main building of Lalgarh Palace functions as a luxury heritage hotel. There are many lounges, an indoor swimming pool, a massive dining hall, guest suites, and most of it is covered with intricate artwork. You can either stay here or visit for a meal at Ranbanka Cafe and check out this palace from inside. Or you can simply visit Sri Sadul Museum.
11) Get a Taste of Bikaner’s Ultimate Luxury at Laxmi Niwas Palace
Deepti and I enjoying our Royal dinner at Laxmi Niwas Palace, Bikaner
Laxmi Niwas Palace was once Maharaja Ganga Singh’s residential palace but is now a luxury hotel. Although this palace is smaller than Lalgarh, it is much more beautiful from inside.
Pool area – Laxmi Niwas Palace, Bikaner
My favorite thing about Rajasthani palaces is that they are built like havelis, with an open courtyard in the middle of the building. If you stand exactly in the center of Laxmi Niwas Palace’s courtyard, the symmetry all around will amaze you.
Laxmi Niwas Palace, Bikaner, Rajasthan
Along the courtyard, you will find conference rooms, a billiard room, guest suites, a highly luxurious dining hall, a restaurant and a path that goes outside to the swimming pool area.
I was here on several occasions on one of them; I got to check out the king and queen suites with an impressive view. If you want to experience the ultimate luxury of Bikaner, then you should stay in this hotel. If not, then at least try a meal in their restaurant where the head chef creates magic with meat kebabs and curries.
12) Spend Half a Day at Gajner Palace and Sanctuary
Gajner Lakeside Palace near Bikaner, Rajasthan
Yes, this is the fourth palace on this list but hey – Bikaner is the perfect place to experience Rajasthan’s royal life. Unlike the other places on this list, Gajner Palaceis outside Bikaner.
Gajner Sancuary near Bikaner
It will take you approximately one hour to reaching Gajner Palace from the main Bikaner city but it is totally worth the effort. Plan your visit in such a way so that you can witness the sunset next to the lake with a few drinks and dinner. If you have more time, then try to go for a jeep safari to explore the adjoining Gajner sanctuary, which is beyond the lake.
13) Go Visit the Sand Dunes
Little Sand Dunes just outside Bikaner, Rajasthan
Jaisalmer is one of the most popular travel destinations in Rajasthan for visiting the sand dunes, but not many people know that you can see them in Bikaner too. These sand dunes are a little outside the city and are not far from the Camel Research Centre (point 2), so you can do both these things together.
Chilling on the Sand Dunes in Bikaner, Rajasthan – little planet perspective
I will be honest with you – the Khuri Sand Dunes and Sam Sand Dunes near Jaisalmer are surely bigger. However, the smaller dunes in Bikaner also have a lot to offer and visiting them around sunset was an amazing experience.
14) Go to Bikaji Ki Tekri
Bikaji ki tekri – Bikaner, Rajasthan
Just like Devi Kund Sagar, Bikaji ki Tekri also has “chhatris” shaped cenotaphs but that’s where the similarity ends. Bikaner was created in 1488 by Rao Bikaji and Bikaji Ki Tekari is a tribute to him and his immediate successors. Rao Bikaji’s cenotaph was made with marble and the others were made using red sandstones.
In my opinion, there was something gloomy about this place. It was sad to see that the site that pays homage to the creator of the Bikaner city was not well maintained.
Moreover, this site also has inscription of medieval Indian social practice – Sati – which was performed here for two wives of Sri Rao Bikaji. Yes, this makes me shudder! If you don’t know what “Sati” is – then maybe it is a good thing.
If you want to visit Bikaji ki Tekri, you need to make advance arrangements and inform the guards of this place.
How to Reach Bikaner, Rajasthan
The easiest way to reach Bikaner is by train. You can do the train journey overnight from Delhi (or Gurgaon) on train number 12457 – Bikaner SuperFast Express and reach Bikaner early morning. This is the smartest and the most affordable way to reach Bikaner from North India.
Alternatively, you can also drive to Bikaner from Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and, Punjab. The condition of the road beyond Jaipur is pretty good. Another way of reaching Bikaner is by flying to the nearby Jodhpur (4-5 hours away) or Jaipur (6-7 hours away).
Weather in Bikaner and When to visit
The best time to visit Bikaner is from October to February. Rajasthan is extremely hot during the summer months and the temperature can go as high as 45 degrees. Winter months are pleasant but it can get surprisingly cold at night. I visited in April and it was very hot but thankfully I spent the hottest hours of the day indoors.
Where to Stay in Bikaner
One of the best ways to experience Bikaner is by staying in a haveli or a palace that was once the royal residence. The options are many and surprisingly are not expensive for the kind of luxury that they offer. Here are the places that I suggest you check out for staying in Bikaner –
Narendra Bhawan
Narendra Bhawan is one of the most newly renovated heritage hotels in Bikaner and it was once the grand residence of ex Maharaja of Bikaner. The interiors are extremely luxurious and vibrant in a style that’s ultra modern yet Maharaja-like.
Narendra Bhawan is the place where I stayed while I was in Bikaner. I ate several meals in the restaurant here and each was extremely delicious and memorable. The rooftop pool here is the perfect place to cool off from Bikaner’s heat in the evenings. They also offer several curated experiences to explore Bikaner like a Maharaja.
Average price per night: $110 – $260 per night depending on the room and season.
Laxmi Niwas Palace
Laxmi Niwas Palace is much bigger as compared to Narendra Bhawan. There is not much difference in price if you compare both these hotels but the smaller Narendra Bhawan is more luxurious. Personally, I prefer Narendra Bhawan’s rooms and interiors more.
Average price per night: $115 – $230 per night depending on the room and season.
Lalgarh Palace
If you want to stay in the largest palace of Bikaner then you should book a room at Lalgarh. This palace hotel features an indoor swimming pool, massive lawns, an elaborate dining hall and more.
Average price per night: $102 – $230 per night depending on the room and season.
Gajner Palace Heritage Hotel
Gajner Palace isn’t inside Bikaner but is 30 km away. If you’re looking to get away from the main city then you’re going to love this place. Gajner Palace is next to a lake so you can be sure of spending amazing evenings next to it enjoying the sunset. This lakeside palace hotel is the perfect place for destination weddings and honeymoons.
Average price per night: $120 per night depending on the room and season.
Disclaimer: I was invited to Bikaner on a press trip. As usual, the views expressed in this article are mine.
Things to do in Bikaner – Rajasthan’s Red City
Things to do in Bikaner, Rajasthan
Bhandasar Jain Temple, Bikaner, Rajasthan
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Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary has been written by Karan Bhalla who represented Drifter Planet at the Highest Blogger Meet that was organized and sponsored by Scout My Trip and OYO to launch OYOnauts. This epic road trip was complimentary and all the opinions (and jokes 🙂 ) in this article are Karan’s.
Ladakh is the mother of all road journeys in India. As they say – Ladakh is truly about the journey, not the destination. It’s got the vibe – there is music there for sure, we just ain’t tapped into the right frequency.
My perception of the place prior to this visit was a collage of pictures posted on Facebook on personal accounts of interesting mini-adventures done by my brother and practically all my friends.
Most of the people I have interacted with use to be startled when we came upon a Ladakh story and I would confess – ‘Never Been there’, usual reply – ‘what an Idiot you are’.
SO I can safely say over the years of my traveling I DRIFTED into this one – Happily. Let the fun begin!
Where is Ladakh?
Ladakh is in Jammu and Kashmir, India’s partially disputed state that’s towards the extreme north. This state is often called the crown of India because of its position and also known as “heaven on earth” because Emperor Jahangir called it so!
Ladakh is in the western region of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and this area is also called Trans-Himalaya because this land is beyond the Himalaya. The landscape and geology of this area is often compared to that of Tibet. Ladakh is broadly divided into 4 parts – Kargil, Leh, Nubra, and Zanskar. You will find information about all these parts of Ladakh in this post and they are a part of the road trip itinerary. This post is mostly focused on Ladakh but check out this post as well for information about hiking in Kashmir.
Ladakh Road Trip –
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Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary – India
Day 01: Gurgaon to Jammu
With an ample time notice of 16 Hours, I was at the OYO Room property at 6 in the morning as per that time my Single Point of Contact (Vinit – ScoutmyTrip) – here on referred to as SPOC. SPOC – the first person from Scout my Trip initially looked as serious as somebody from the Finance team of OYO quickly wanting for all PO approvals…..but later did I realize this powerhouse of a guy with a mad/subtle sense of humor.
My first interaction with the bloggers’ community was Ajay Sood – Travelure, always on Time, the first person to be ready every morning come hail, storm, rum, mutton curry……nothing stops this man.
Loaded up and divided across 5 SUV’s – I see myself moving towards a Black – XUV piloted by Dr. Shakeel Khan and co-passengers Ragini Puri and Khursheed Dinshaw. We were zipping from the word go on songs going back in order chronologically to the 1940’s…..but first time saw there may be a co-relation between pre-independence era music and high speeds. We could safely say that we were the most well-stocked car in terms of food and beverages.
Checked into the hotel, had a great night getting to know each other over drinks and food
Suggested Reading: Crossing Hampta Pass – 5 Days of Trek through Himalayan Wilderness
Day 02: Jammu to Ramban
Neha at Titanic view point – Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary
Everybody’s up and on time, except yours truly still in La La Land woken up with a shake by Yayawar. Hangover and Dada first thing in the morning – that is one helluva sight. If used correctly he could be a WMD (Weapon of Mass Destruction)…..all he has to do is wake up the enemy and smile. But thanks to him I made it to the Batmobile for another round of supersonic speeds.
Ate breakfast at a picturesque dhabha we ran into the first road block of the trip a place called Ramban alongside the raging Chenab. Due to Landslides and security reasons, we were not given permission to move ahead to Sonmarg.
Sonmarg – Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary
ScoutmyTeam quickly got into the thinking mode and before we knew it lunch and alternate accommodations were done. Over here is where I had one of the best meals of the journey – Mutton Curry and Rice……yes we made out with the food followed by a barrage of Zee Cone Ice Creams.
Day 03: Ramban to Kargil
Ramban – Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary
Ready and the first cars at the police barricade and manage our way through by convincing the security personnel we are not for the yatra and would be moving up. Here onwards it started to really get beautiful. Sonmarg was gorgeous but the road ahead had loads more to offer.
Baltal based on the Sind River is the camping site for the start of the holy Amarnath Yatra – looked gorgeous when you looked at it from above, but seemed would be pretty chaotic with the sheer numbers down there at ground zero. Was totally surprised to see the number of helicopters doing frequent rounds ferrying the well-loaded bhakts.
Zojila Pass – My first experience of High Altitude and it was unbelievable, especially seeing so much greenery at those heights. It is from here started seeing the madness in Clouds which lasted all the way to Keylong.
Post Zojila is when the fun started for me as no road journey is complete without a breakdown. Enroute Kargill we realized one of our jeeps was taking unusually long to come so we decided to wait it out since we didn’t have any mobile signal in the area.
It is here that magical move into the THAR was made and a start of a mad friendship. Dr. Amit Nikam hereon referred to as Doc and he is one of the nicest guys I met with a mad streak of adventure and some common interest’s lol.
Doc, SPOC and I decided to backtrack to look for the missing party. We were lucky to meet Deepak, Yayawar and the infamous tire at the army check point. Our missing crew had a mishap with their tire and were stuck at Zojila Pass. The plan of action was that SPOC, Yayawar, and Deepak would go get them while Doc and I would proceed to the Kargill memorial and then ahead to our hotel in Kargil.
Drive to Kargil was real fun as Doc and I were busy chatting, exchanging stories etc. and before we knew it we were at Kargil War Memorial.
Kargil War Memorial – Is one of the most powerful places I have ever visited in all my travels. The detailed account of the war, letters from soldiers to their families, tombstones was too much for me to handle. I left the place with a sense of pride being an Indian with the bugle playing in the background and our National Flag.
Kargil war memorial – Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary
Kargill – On reaching Kargill I played my first round of Treasure Hunt/Lost & Found with Deepak and SPOC which will now remain as one of the many memories from the trip. We were all finally together and looking forward to the journey ahead.
Day 04: Kargil to Leh
NamikaLa Pass – Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary
One of the best days visiting some incredible monasteries/passes and were settled for lunch at Lamayuru. Here is the time when one really started seeing the difference in the people, food, and general happiness. We managed to play cricket with the local young lads aided with some fun Boomerang.
It is here we had our first bout of AMS – Altitude Sickness. Doc on duty was the savior of the day and decided to go directly to Leh instead of stopping at Magnetic Hill and other places for photography.
We reached Leh and I was surprised or rather shocked as I had NEVER thought it would be so crowded with all the taxis parked everywhere.
We found our hotel (OYO Rooms Leh) which was ideally located away from the maddening city crowd yet walk able distance. Doc and I ended up going out for a coffee and soup at a local cafe which gave a very old Manali vibe in the late 90’s followed by an early night.
Day 05: Leh
NH1D to Leh – Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary
While the rest of the crew went sight-seeing around Leh I decided to give Doc company as he was monitoring the Oxygen levels which were generally fluctuating.
We sat outside at the reception and ended up having random conversations with other travelers and the whacked out hotel manager – always fun to see how people live their lives differently. In he evening we decided to go for a Ladakhi meal with 2 of our biker friends from DON – Dukes of Nagpur who did the complete stretch on their bikes….superb effort. We ended up eating the tastiest Mutton Shaptah, Ting Mo and Kothey (Pan Fried Momos) truly authentic Tibet/Ladakhi cuisine.
Time for the Highest Blogger Meet. No better way to start the day with Neha joining the THAR. She was truly the soul and voice of the car. Since both Doc and I are not really gifted vocally….from here on called the HIPPIE CAR. Photo sessions were done, we had decided to do our own Victory Dance for making it to the top.
Karan Bhalla and Thor at Khardungla Top – Ladakh Road Trip
Highest Blogger Meet and the Launch of OYONAUTS
The venue for the highest bloggers meet was Khardung La – it was kickass! we were joined by a few more bloggers, and the OYO team where everyone got to know each other and the much-awaited launch of the latest offering from OYO – OYONAUTS.
Ktop – View from Khardungla Top – Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary
Khardungla Top – Ladakh Road Trip
After spending a considerable amount of time we finished the meet and headed towards Hunder Sand Dunes. Hunder is in Nubra Valley by the way. The picturesque road from Leh to Nubra valley passes through Khardungla – click here to read more.
Enroute we stopped at Khalsar – for the best Chicken Chowmein I’ve ever eaten in my life. Khalsar had a superb vibe to the place and you know it’s special when you see 12-15 dogs of all sizes come out and play and all the locals enjoying looking at their pride. The drive onwards saw rivers, sand dunes and crazy mountains all in one frame.
One of the most stunning views – Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary
The OYO property at Hunder was clearly the best for me during the trip. Everything about the place was amazing from the pool made out of the river water flowing through the property, and yes we did jump into the water…BRRRRRRRRRRR.
At the sunset time, we went to the dunes but hurriedly left the spot after seeing the number of tourists and decided to have a drink at the local bar with the biker boys. After having spent so much time and some rum with Doc it is here where I unknowingly started saying HAU for HAAN and bonds were being formed.
We reached back to the lobby witnessing Samarth doing one of his old school Bollywood renditions. Everybody especially the ScountmyTrip (Deepak finally smiled) team were relieved in pulling off the Highest Blogger Meet – kudos.
Suggested Reading: Chandra Taal – the Moon Lake in Spiti Valley
Day 07: Hundar to Pangong Tso
Leh Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary
All prepared for the long journey ahead since due to landslides we had to re-route our trip going all the way back to Leh and then proceed to Pangong Tso.
Chicken chowmein and chilling with the dogs had to be done again since we were passing through Khalsar. This time for once Khardung – La was not as crowded and we made Leh in good time but were smart enough to bypass the city and stop for a quick bite – ended up having some really good pizzas and club sandwiches at a coffee shop run by the monastery.
Surreal Views – Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary
Here onwards was the tough part of the journey where suddenly all roads disappeared and we were truly on the beaten path. Waded through rough terrain, some water crossings and made it to Chang La where we could see bikers in huddles deciding to go ahead or not – happy to see responsible riders making informed and calculated decisions rather than just being heroes…. the power of Ladakh for me.
Our convoy is lost and we decided to sit at the Indian Army post and have chai. The Chai session breaks into a great conversation ending with Neha singing a song for the soldiers at an elevation of 17,000 feet….Power of Ladakh☺.
Chang La Army Bunker – Ladakh Road Trip
Post waiting for the rest of the convoy we slowly start driving towards Pangong Tso and make it only by nightfall but happy to be reunited with our team. This is the day when Yayawar plays agony aunt while all of us wait patiently for midnight to wish Samarth on his birthday. By the way, I highly recommend you check out the camps at Pangong lake to experience the surreal beautify of this place.
Day 08: Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri
Pangong Lake – Ladakh Road Trip
Finally got to see Pangong Tso (Pangong Lake) in all its glory. Went for a superb walk with Khursheed Dinshaw while the Sun was slowly coming out and one could see all the different shades of blue. On the way back saw the number of campsites and tents – that was something totally unexpected for me.
Near Pangong Tso – Ladakh Road Trip
We finally started moving towards Tso Moriri – arguably the best drive for me during the trip. Best was the instructions given to us that NEVER to take a left as we may enter China…….Damn.
Rezang La – Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary
Crossed some of the most beautiful terrains and finally got to see the Indian Wild Ass. Stopped on the way for Maggi / Wai Wai and ended up chilling out there for a bit.
Sumdo cafe before Korzok Monastery – Ladakh Road Trip
Finally, we made it to Tso Moriri – the lake looked gorgeous although if it wasn’t raining would have been even better. Btw, this is one of the highest lake in this world of this size – it is at the height of 4,522 m.
Tso Moriri – Ladakh Road Trip
It was the coldest here compared to all the night halts during the trip. The icing on the cake was Deepak and Vinit making it all the way from Leh to getting some repair work in one of the cars.
Day 09: Tso Moriri to Keylong
Yellow Billed Chough (the Alpine chough) – Ladakh Road Trip
Beautiful Sights on the way – Ladakh Road Trip
Driving from Tso Moriri to Keylong was epic and I finally got see some beautiful birds and animals. I saw yellow billed chough, wild horses and marmot. We covered more plains, Ghata Loops, Tsarchu, Jispa and finally reached Keylong.
Suraj Taal a.k.a. Vishal Tal enroute to Keylong – Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary
We even got to see Suraj Taal, which is also known as Vishal Taal. Suraj Taal (the Sun Lake) is the sister lake of more popular Chandra Taal (the Moon Lake). This day had the most variation in terrain and was really soothing to the eyes.
Day 10: Keylong to Manali
Rohtang Pass, Manali – Ladakh Road Trip
The highlight of the drive from Keylong to Manali was Khoksar. The views were stunning everywhere I looked. I even found a few dhabhas that served mutton curry and rice while overlooking the road that goes down to Spiti Valley.
Karan Bhalla loves dogs, chai, mutton curry, beer and the mountains (in no particular order). He is a simple guy with not so simple jokes and doesn’t believe in sugar coating his words.
He started as a travel and marketing professional with brands such as Amex, InterGlobe, SAS and Coca Cola.
Bitten by the wildlife and adventure bug, he first floated a rafting community ‘Ganga Panga’ with a friend for like-minded adrenalin junkies. He later launched a customized wildlife and adventure outfit ‘Big Shot Adventures’, with Jim Corbett National Park as the base of operations.
Living in Jim Corbett National Park turned him into a birding enthusiast and he became actively involved with the local community.
The magnetism of Leh and Ladakh lies in its beautiful hilly terrains and the deserted flat landscape that are dotted with a tint of blue because of the streams and lakes. Popularly known as the “Little Tibet,” the lofty peaks and high-altitude passes offer a range of outdoor activities for the adrenalin seekers such as rafting, jeep safari, mountaineering, motor biking, mountain biking and of course, trekking. There is something exciting and challenging for every thrill-seeker here of every kind. There is no denying that when it comes to trekking in India, Leh and Ladakh Treks emerge at the top.
The right best time for trekking in Ladakh is July and August as the possibility for storms and snowfall rises from September on. However, one can attempt the demanding Chadar ice-trek in February. Trekkers should go well prepared with an experienced local guide and the right equipment for trekking.
Markha Valley Trek
The colorful and challenging Markha Valley Trek is immensely popular. Enjoy the great views of Zanskar and Ladakh mountain ranges as you embark on one of the most sought after trekking routes of the region.
Markha Valley Trek is also known as the “Tea House Trek,” and the trek will take you through the Markha Valley and the Hemis National Park. You will love the experience of passing through Ganda La and Kongmaru La and spot blue sheep or the ibex or the patches of wildflowers on the way. You will cross the Markha River and the rocky canyons on this challenging trek.
Another of the most popular trekking trails in Ladakh, the Lamayuru Alchi Trek is full of excitement. The trek is just perfect for those looking for a moderate level challenge as well as the spiritual zone of Ladakh. On the route, you come across significant Gompas and get to admire the rich cultural treasure of the “Land of Passes.”
Pray and meditate at any monastery and admire the unique beauty of Ladakh. Lamayuru is believed to be one of the oldest monasteries. You get the opportunity to cross four passes on Lamayuru Alchi Trek that starts at Lamayuru, namely Pritikingir La, Stakspi La, Kongske La and Panji La.
The whole trek will take about nine days.
Chadar Trek a.k.a. Frozen River Trek
Frozen River Trek follows a trekking trail on the frozen Zanskar River lined with high mountains. The name itself is enough to give a spine-chilling feel of the freezing temperatures.
The Frozen River Trek is indeed one of the most adventurous and best treks of Ladakh.
The completely a winter trek has another name – “Chadar Trek, ” and one needs loads of mental stability and strong stamina to compete the winter trek in the harsh climatic conditions. Average day temperature remains around near to -15 ºC and can dip down to -30 ºC.
The trek would take about 13 days.
There are several other popular treks in Leh /Ladakh such as Stok Kangri Trek, Nubra Valley Trek, Snow Leopard Trek, Rupshu Valley Trek, Lamayuru Padum Trek, Sham Valley Trek and the list could just go on and on. Ladakh also has some unbelievably gorgeous lakes such as Tso Moriri, Pangong, etc.
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“Your turn”, said Olly, the jump instructor at Jumping Heights, Rishikesh.
“OMG Whaaaaaat”, I thought. However, I smiled and said “Awesome!”
I could hear my heart in my ears! I was standing at the edge of the bridge, 83 meters above the ground, ready to take a leap of faith. This was the first time I was going to bungee jump!
What felt like an eternity but in reality was just a couple of seconds. In that moment, a lot of thoughts flashed through my mind but only a few of them I remember today. The common phrase is “butterflies in the stomach” but what I felt was more like a tornado through my nervous system. The tingling started from my toes, went up to my knees, made a circle in my stomach and rose up from my spine and I felt a little dizzy.
By the way, this post is my bungee experience near Rishikesh. In case you’re looking for travel information, then check out this travel guide to Rishikesh.
What if I accidentally pee while bungee jumping?
Don’t laugh but this can happen to anyone. Blame it on that MasterCard commercial where a guy actually poops in his pants while bungee jumping so the thought stuck in my head. What if I’m too scared while jumping and I end up peeing out of fear?
What if I puke while bungee jumping?
Even though I had eaten a very light breakfast, I could still feel my it in my stomach. I was hoping it wouldn’t come out while jumping. What if I puke while bungee jumping? Will my puke fall back on my face? If you’re laughing, then you’re going to love reading about this hilarious first bungee jump experience.
What if my chord breaks while bungee jumping?
There is a reason why bungee jumping is a leap of faith. It’s because you have to trust the system. I still remembered a news article that I had read about an Aussie woman whose chord snapped in Victoria Falls and she fell into the water.
What if my back breaks during the bungee jump?
It just suddenly struck me that they had asked me if I had a back problem before I registered for the bungee jump. Is it because a jump can break someone’s back? What have I done?
What if I get a heart attack while bungee jumping?
What if this rush of excitement is too much for my heart? What if my heart cannot handle it and gives up. Do I have a strong heart? I was going to find out now.
What if I am too afraid to bungee jump?
What if I’m not as much of an adrenaline junkie that I thought I was? What if I chicken out? At this point, I was really hoping that it wouldn’t happen.
Am I crazy to be doing this?
Not completely crazy, but only a little. No sane person would ever jump off a bridge just for kicks. Why can’t I just eat chocolate and enjoy the rush? Or some form of intoxication for a decent high.
My first bungee jump in Rishikesh, India
Yes, I did end up jumping and NONE of the above mentioned things happened. In fact, as soon as I jumped, the fear vanished and I was let out a sound that was a mix of laughter and scream. My friend Archana also bungee jumped in Rishikesh with me and she felt it was scarier the second time.
Oh and by the way, actually bungee jumped with the famous Dangal girls – Fatima Sana Shaikh (“Geeta Phogat” in Dangal movie) and Sanya Malhotra (“Babita Phogat” in Dangal movie). In fact, Sanya did Jumping Heights’ 50,000th jump. It’s crazy but the first three jumpers at Jumping Heights were also women. Talk about celebrating girl power, eh?
Here, you can watch this video
Have you ever bungee jumped? If so, let me know about it in the comments. Note: Cover picture credit
Or, watch San’s first bungee jump in Last Resort, Nepal. This is Asia’s second highest bungee spot.
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Some are lucky enough to be born in royal families, but the rest can just dream of it.
Ever visited a palace and wondered what your life would have been if you were a king? Or maybe you imagined yourself to be Queen Daenerys and living in a massive castle with dragons? Ok, if you’re a practical daydreamer, I will talk about the present day scenario – what about being a part the royal family of Wales and being either Prince William or his beautiful Princess bride – Kate Middleton?
Yes, there is a reason why these thoughts are called “daydreams” because they are so far fetched that turning them into reality is nearly impossible.
What if I told you that there is a way you can experience “the Royal life” of a bygone era and pretend you’re a Maharaja (or a Maharani) for just a few days?
It is possible because I just did it and so can you. Yes, it is a tad expensive, but not THAT expensive that you will burn a hole in your pocket. Why? Because there is a new luxury hotel that was once a grand residence for a Maharaja is offering an introductory price for a year and curating special “royal” experiences. It is Narendra Bhawan and it’s in Bikaner, Rajasthan. Rajasthan is the land of Maharajas and Bikaner is it’s Red city.
In case you’ve been crushing on my Instagram pictures where I’m posing like a Maharani, I will do you a favor and NOT let this place remain a secret. Yes, I got to live the Maharaja life (or Maharani in my case), got pampered and spoilt beyond imagination during my time in this Red city of Rajasthan. I will share exactly how you can experience the royal like in Bikaner like I did.
How to live like a Maharaja and Experience the Royal life in Bikaner:
01 | Get Pampered at Narendra Bhawan – the last Maharaja’s residence
Experience the Royal Life at Narendra Bhawan in Bikaner
What was once the grand residence of the last reigning Maharaja of Bikaner is now a boutique hotel. This beautifully preserved Haveli actually tells the story of His Highness Narendra Singh Ji (1948).
As a guest, I received a memorable welcome with drums as soon as I got out of the car. While entering, I noticed a few beautifully decorated tables, perfect for a cozy soiree outside the main door. As soon as I stepped inside, my eyes literally popped out as I noticed the opulence of the décor inside. My first instinct was to run around like an excited little girl and click thousands of photos. In all due respect, I was in a palace and was being treated like a royalty, so I tried my best to behave like a “lady”. Later I got to know that Ayush Kasliwal (yes, the same guy who designed Delhi’s beautiful T3) and Karan Singh (the President of the hotel group) are the hands and brains behind the décor.
The stunning interior of Narendra Bhawan, Bikaner
During my stay here, I was amazed to see that there is so much to see inside the hotel itself. There are corners where His Highness Narendra Singh Ji’s memories are displayed as photographs, travel souvenirs and a few daily use items in a setting that’s influenced by south Mumbai’s timeless architecture and Bombay art deco. Btw, Bombay Art Deco style emerged in the 1930s and 1940s before the official end of British raj in India.
I have so much to talk about the hotel that I think I will write a separate post with pictures of the interiors, courtyard, lobby, food, rooftop pool, baby grand piano and my furry friends here – Eton, Simba and Nala.
Eton, Nala and Simba – Narendra Bhawan’s furballs
Wondering what my room looked like from the inside? Well, I wanna show you a 360 degree video because a single picture won’t suffice.
Don’t even get me started on the food here because even the fanciest of my words won’t do justice. I really enjoyed eating the royal Rajasthani cuisine – crescent thali, maas curry and kebabs.
On my first day here, I tried the typical Rajasthani breakfast of onion kachori, thali peeth, sabudana cheela with chaach. Yes, their local Rajasthani food is heavenly but I was very happy to know that their international food was equally good. I love their pumpkin soup, cauliflower soup, grilled chicken salad with sundried tomatoes, sandwiches and pizzas.
My favorite of course is their Mad Hatter bakery where I fell in love with their chocolate and apricot dessert which was very flavorful, yet light.
Enjoying a lazy meal in bed with beer in Narendra Bhawan
Being a professional travel writer, I have stayed in many five star hotels but the hospitality that I experienced in Narendra Bhawan is like no other. The staff in their comfortable looking imperial attire always said “Jai Jai, Ma’am” when they saw me. From simple things like never failing to give me a glass of iced lemonade as soon as I entered the lobby to something as fancy as pearl encrusted holders for water bottles – they definitely won me over.
Honestly, Narendra Bhawan is not the only royal resident in Bikaner. There is also the famous Laxmi Niwas Palace that is owned by the same group as Narendra Bhawan, and it’s bigger and obviously more expensive. Laxmi Niwas has a bit of subdued décor while Narendra Bhawan has more of a glamorous touch. You can also check out Lalgarh fort and Gajner Palace but none of them match the kind of lavishness that you can find inside Narendra Bhawan.
Note: If you want more information, you can check out Narendra Bhawan‘s website or find deals on Booking.com.
02 | Go for a jeep safari at Gajner Sanctuary and enjoy a Lakeside Meal at Gajner Palace
A Dry Patch in Gajner Sanctuary near Bikaner
Around 30 kilometers outside Bikaner is a lakeside palace with a wildlife sanctuary next to it. This place is called Gajner Palace and right next to it is Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary.
Back in the early days, the royals often visited this place when they’d go hunting and then later enjoy a meal of their fresh kill. No, I don’t endorse game hunting and you should know that it’s illegal in India. However, I do recommend you visit this place and go for a safari in the sanctuary and then later enjoy a lakeside meal. Btw, if you like wildlife sanctuaries, you should definitely consider visiting Ranthambore Tiger reserve in Rajasthan.
The best time to arrive here is early in the morning like we did; otherwise, it can get really hot. We arrived here at 7 am and then went on a jeep safari. As soon as we entered the sanctuary, we spotted a deer. It had twisted horns and later I got to know that it was actually a blackbuck. Yes, that’s the same animal that Salman Khan apparently shot in Rajasthan for “game hunting”. (Yes, I hate Salman Khan after this episode).
Jeep Safari at Gajner Sanctuary, Bikaner, Rajasthan
This is a small sanctuary and on 4 occasions we spotted a deer (or maybe it was a blackbuck or chinkara). At one point, we even saw an antelope. It is worth noting that everything around was beige and so were all these animals. I’m sure we missed many of them because they blended perfectly with the background. I did not manage to capture them on a picture because they move very fast. However, I do have a video from very far away where an antelope is running and looks as small as a dot.
A little deeper in the sanctuary we even saw a few structures that were used many years back by the royals as “shooting pods”. These were covered from all the sides and had holes from where they could look out and shoot.
After spending around an hour inside the wildlife sanctuary, we went back to Gajner Palace for breakfast. The location is really gorgeous but the food is average. I can imagine how pretty the ambiance would be around the lake after the sunset. Looks interesting? Check out these offbeat destinations in Rajasthan that are perfect for monsoons.
03 | Watch the Lakeside Sunset in the Desert – Darbari Sundowner
Deepti and I enjoying our sunset drinks in Bikaner
What would you do to cool off after spending a day exploring Bikaner’s famous landmarks? No need to think, I’ll suggest the best option. Head out to the outskirts of Bikaner to find an oasis in the middle of the barren land and watch the beauty around you with a cocktail as the sun goes down.
Having no idea about the location, my friend Deepti and I dressed up for the occasion and sat in the car with Faisal, ready to be surprised. By the way, Faisal is Narendra Bhawan’s Area General Manager and is an amazing company.
We drove for around 30 minutes and reached the outskirts of Bikaner. The barren land around me reminded me of Portugal’s Idanha-a-Nova where I went for Boom festival. Suddenly our car turned into a little lane and we reached our destination. We were in an oasis!
As we got out of the car, we heard the music of a flute. There was a lake on our left side and green grass all around it. There was a bar, a live grill and a sitting area that was completely white. This was our spot for the evening.
Perhaps it was because of the music of the flute or the beauty of the lake but it was one of the most memorable sunsets. We sat next to the lake and forgot about work as we sipped our cocktails, as the sky grew orange and then eventually dark.
Our set up in Darbari, Bikaner, Rajasthan
Our beautiful set up for the evening in Darbari, Bikaner, Rajasthan
Sunset drinks in the hinterland with Narendra Bhawan, Bikaner
Keeping in mind the legacy and lifestyle of His Highness Narendra Singh Ji, the staff at Narendra Bhawan has designed this epic sundowner experience for their guests. This is how he would occasionally enjoy his gratifying drinks after a long day of attending to his paperwork and guests.
04 | Go for a Sunset Swim and a Royal dinner at Laxmi Niwas Palace
Swimming Pool at Laxmi Niwas Palace, Bikaner
You can’t just visit Bikaner and not visit one of the grandest palaces of this city. Just like Narendra Bhawan, even Laxmi Niwas Palace was once the grand residence of one of the Maharajas of Bikaner – Maharajah Ganga Singh. This palace is massive with a humungous sized garden area.
Apart from the garden, my favorite part of this palace turned hotel is the swimming pool. If you’re a guest of Narendra Bhawan, you can visit Laxmi Niwas Palace and enjoy a swim without paying extra because the same group owns them. This is how you can cool off from Bikaner’s heat, like a Maharaja.
Carry something special to wear after your swim so that you can enjoy the signature “Royal Dinner” in the lawn area of Laxmi Niwas Palace. Something worth noting is that you need to book this meal in advance and have to pay extra. (obviously)
Deepti and I enjoying our Royal dinner at Laxmi Niwas Palace, Bikaner
We did a royal dinner in Laxmi Niwas Palace the day after we went for our sunset drinks in the desert. We didn’t expect to be very impressed after an experience like that but a royal dinner in Laxmi Niwas Palace was something else entirely.
With a backdrop of the grand palace, we walked on a path that was lit by rows of candles to reach our table. This table was decorated with a generous amount of rose petals and marigold flowers. There were candles on the table and literally everywhere around.
Just like the movie “Midnight in Paris”, I stepped into a forgotten era as I saw on my chair. I sipped my favorite cocktail with Bombay Sapphire gin and nibbled on tender Galauti Kebabs as I enjoyed being a queen for those hours.
Next day, as I narrated my experience to my husband, his reaction was “how will you ever get back to normal life?”
What to eat at Laxmi Niwas palace? Well, I ate here twice and I really enjoyed the food. For starters, vegetarians can order corn kebabs and hara bhara kebabs. I also had a mini roti here in starters with corn but I don’t remember the name. Non vegetarians will really enjoy mutton khasta kebabs, galauti kebabs, stuffed chicken tangari kebabs. For main course, vegetarians and non-vegetarians will both enjoy the typical Rajasthani crescent thali that has a variety of curries, veggies, rotis, papad, raita and optional meats. You can also order mutton biriyani, special Rajasthani laal maas and daal.
Merchant’s Trail in Bikaner on a horse carriage – picture by Deepti Asthana
If you have traveled extensively in India, then I’m sure you know that almost every famous city in Rajasthan has the architecture of a different color. Most of the people know that Jaipur is “the pink city”, Jodhpur is “the blue city”, Udaipur is “the white city” and Jaisalmer is “the Golden city”.
Did you know that Rajasthan has a “Red city” and that city is Bikaner? It is because most of the palaces, Havelis and temples were built using red sandstone many years back. Oh, and by the way, a Haveli is a kind of old school Indian mansion with an open courtyard in the middle.
Many decades back, Bikaner was a trade hub and a preferred caravan route between Central and Western Asia. The noble families and merchants of Bikaner profited immensely because of the location of the city and the trade route. They built many Havelis in Bikaner’s old city. These Havelis are still there in the old town and some of them are very well maintained.
The Famous Rampuria Haveli of Bikaner, Rajasthan
An exploration of this area is one of my favorite “royal” experiences that was designed by Narendra Bhawan because it really did feel like things had not changed here for decades, except for a few cars that were visible occasionally.
We arrived in Bikaner’s old city by car and sat on a horse carriage that was waiting for us. There was a sudden change in the architecture because everywhere around us we could only see red Havelis with blue or green doors. Almost all of these Havelis display a mix of Victorian and Mughal architecture.
There were many narrow lanes and at times a little traffic jam. We would have been completely lost if our exploration was not chaperoned. We even got to enter one of the Havelis that was maintained by Narendra Bhawan and looked like a dollhouse from inside.
This area of Bikaner was so beautiful that we woke up the next day at 4 am just to go back and click some pictures. If you have some more time on your hands, do check out Usta art of Bikaner.
06 | Discover Bikaner’s Places on a Royal Trail
I have mentioned the famous Laxmi NiwasPalace and Gajner Palace, but there is so much more to see in Bikaner. If you’re visiting Bikaner, I recommend you take out a day from your schedule to go on a Royal trail and see palaces and museums.
You can visit the famous Junagarh fort, which was built by Raja Rai Singh. The fort does look majestic from the outside but trust me it is the insides that will take your breath away. There are several sections that have a different theme and were built in different times.
They say that Junagarh Fort is one of the best-maintained ones in Rajasthan. As I explored the interiors, I understood why. When we entered, everything around was beige, but soon we reached a white section with a few blue rooms and later even saw a golden room and a silver door.
Apart from Junagarh fort, you can also check out Lalgarh palace and Sadul Singh museum. I was so mesmerized by Junagarh fort that it is my favorite out of them all.
7) Experience one of a kind Museum Dinner at Narendra Bhawan
Museum Dinner in Narendra Bhawan, Bikaner, Rajasthan
This is perhaps the most royal of them all. Imagine, sitting at the same table where the King sat decades back. Yes, it is called the “Museum Dinner” for a reason. Instead of just admiring the items from a bygone era, you’re a part of the whole setting yourself.
This table is actually in the main dining area but is in a separate enclosed space to ensure privacy. The enclosure is in the form of thick curtains on one side and wall on the other. Under the low hanging lamps, there is a long dining table that can seat six to eight people. The chairs around this table have a “golden” look with a soft cushioned seat. There are a few highly ornate mirrors on the walls with small lamps in front of them. The carpet is thick and dark and looks Egyptian (I’m guessing but I can be wrong). The ceiling is light with a lot of off-white and a few traces of gold. This little room actually looks like it is a part of a museum!
In fact, on my first day at Narendra Bhawan, I had reached this part of the restaurant just by accident while exploring. I was delighted when Faisal told me that we would be eating here the next day.
Final Thoughts – experience the Royal Life in Bikaner
Now that I have talked so much about Narendra Bhawan in this post, you must be thinking that it is a very expensive hotel. You couldn’t have been more wrong. They have an introductory offer going on for the first year and you can book a room for two for as low as INR 6000 ($100). I found even better deals on Bookings.com. This is a steal if you compare it to the other hotels because the services are better than any five-star hotels’. (Yes, Rajasthani hospitality beats everything else). In fact, this is the perfect gift you should buy for your life partner, or even your parents if you want to pamper them.
PS: This is just a glimpse of what I did in Bikaner. To see more pictures, check out my hashtag #SonalinBikaner on Instagram.
Have you visited Bikaner already and have a few stories to share? Let me know in the comments.
Disclaimer: I was invited to Bikaner on a press trip. As usual, the views expressed in this article are mine.
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A hippie travel writer with flowers in her hair, Sonal Kwatra Paladini should have been born in the 1960s! Bitten by the infamous travel bug, she has an itch to explore resort-free destinations, offbeat islands and small villages. Join her and her husband (Sandro) on their journey as they hop from one music festival to another and explore the beautiful world that they are in love with!
Old Manali may have the prefix “old”, but it is way more awesome as compared to the main Manali town.
While latter is one of the busiest summer destinations in India, the former is a breath of fresh air.
Geographically, the only thing that separates Old Manali and Manali is the Beas River but there is a complete change of scene after you cross the river.
Don’t get me wrong; Main Manali is a good destination for honeymooners or families. In fact, family travelers may not like Old Manali at all because as per them, it has too many hippies. However, if you’re a backpacker or a hippie at heart (like me), you’d definitely prefer Old Manali.
Old Manali is a part of the banana pancake trail that runs through South East Asia, and so are the nearby Kasol and Dharamkot. In fact, back in the 60s and the 70s, it was on the hippie trail too!
This is why some parts of Old Manali look like they’re out of a retro movie. Perhaps it is because of the fresh air or water, but every-time I visit the Himalayas, I feel a spiritual energy around me. This is how you’ll feel too, if you ever visit and stay here for longer than just a few days.
One of the most magical aspects of visiting Manali is the beauty of nature. Perhaps this is the reason why this place invokes spirituality in many of its visitors.
The air always smells nice because it’s pure, the water always tastes good, because in most of the places, it comes from waterfalls that emerge out of glaciers.
Moreover, it’s a lot of fun to walk around in Old Manali to discover new viewpoints and secret trails where one can be in the lap of Mother Nature. In fact, if you love walking and can go for hours, you can also reach the nearby Vashisht or Prini villages.
No, I’m not talking about only Indian food here, but also international cuisines.
Over the years, the restaurant owners have learned international recipes because backpackers from all over the world frequently visit Old Manali. Whether you’re craving lasagna or shakshuka, you will not be disappointed when you eat in Old Manali.
During my multiple visits to Old Manali, I have never gotten bored of the food here. We even managed to find a decent cup of espresso here. I love the fresh river trout at Kathmandu café and Yak cheese sandwich at the German bakery.
3) You Fall in Love with Old Manali’s Weather
How can I not add the most important point why people visit this place? Of course, if you’re visiting the Himalayas, the weather would be one of your main reasons for doing so.
People mostly visit Old Manali (and Manali) in summers but I also enjoy visiting this area in winters.
In my opinion, its a year round destination and it looks even more beautiful in winters. In fact, my fondest memory of Manali is when I saw it during winters because of sudden snowfall. It is indeed magical when it snows in Manali.
4) Good Base for Nearby Treks
Due to its location and ease of reaching, Old Manali is a very good base for nearby treks to Spiti Valley, Pin Valley, Lahaul Valley, etc.
Not just small treks but several intermediate treks start from here. More than just treks, you can also try rafting, paragliding, zorbing, rappelling, rock climbing, etc.
In fact, I love trekking and a lot of my treks started from old Manali. You can read my posts about Chandra Taal, Kheerganga, Kasol and Hampta pass for more information about these treks.
5) Shopping in Old Manali for Handmade things is Fun
Do you like unique handmade things that can’t be found in big shopping malls? Old Manali is the place for you. As you cross the bridge that connects New Manali and Old Manali and walk uphill, you will notice many colorful roadside shops. Here you will woolen clothes, jewelry, bags, poi pairs, hula-hoops and even flag patches for backpacks.
This market is cheap and is geared towards the needs of backpackers. At the beginning of this shopping road, you will also find a “rasta” shop under Kathmandu café where you can get dreadlocks made. I got some of my dreadlocks made here. Wanna see?
The most important reason why Old Manali has an amazing vibe is because of its people. Himachalis by nature are very hospitable people and the locals of Old Manali are one of the nicest. Many of them go out of their way to help people. In fact, I left my phone in one of the shops last year and was delighted to see that the owner still had it when I went back after three hours to check.
7) Parties Scene is Good in Summers
Apart from Goa, Old Manali is one of the few places in India where I have attended some really good parties. From old school psychedelic trance to reggae, Old Manali definitely has a very good party scene.
If you like dancing on Bollywood or Rap music, then these parties are definitely NOT for you and you will get bored here. I have also attended a psytrance festival here in 2016.
Yes, I did say that Old Manali is an amazing place and the party culture is awesome, but please travel responsibly. Respect the locals and don’t get drunk and painfully loud.
If you’re visiting this beautiful place, please don’t mess with Mother Nature and ALWAYS remember to pick up your trash.It is very sad to see chips packets and the remains of broken beer bottles in some places around Old Manali. If you see anyone else’s trash, please don’t feel embarrassed to pick it up. Seeing you do that may inspire a few others to keep the environment clean too. 🙂
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A hippie travel writer with flowers in her hair, Sonal Kwatra Paladini should have been born in the 1960s! Bitten by the infamous travel bug, she has an itch to explore resort-free destinations, offbeat islands and small villages. Join her and her husband (Sandro) on their journey as they hop from one music festival to another and explore the beautiful world that they are in love with! Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Namaste, Guten Tag!
I'm Sonal from India. I've been writing about my travels since 2015.
I love European city breaks, hiking to viewpoints, Yoga, music festivals, and road trips. I have a knack for creating the most amazing travel itineraries and in-depth destination guides which will help you make the most of your trip.
