The hustle and bustle of city life can leave you yearning for an escape, a chance to unwind and immerse yourself in a new culture. This past weekend, I found myself transported to a vibrant pocket of Rajasthan, nestled right here in Bangalore – the Rajasthani Dhani and Resort.
Stepping into the resort gates was like stepping into a bygone era. Lush gardens adorned with vibrant bougainvillea gave way to mud houses with intricately carved wooden doors and colorful frescoes depicting scenes from Rajasthani folklore. The air hummed with a happy energy – a mix of excited chatter and the rhythmic beats of traditional music.
Our first order of business was to explore the plethora of activities offered. We opted for a bumpy yet exhilarating camel ride. Towering over the crowds, I felt a sense of accomplishment as I navigated the desert ship (well, a resort version of it!). Next, we hopped onto a horse-drawn carriage, taking in the sights and sounds of the resort at a leisurely pace. For a touch of nostalgia, we finished our animal adventures with a ride on a traditional bullock cart, the gentle swaying reminding me of childhood trips to the countryside.
The adventurous spirit was still high, so we decided to test our hand (or should I say, eye?) at archery. Under the patient guidance of an instructor, we learned the proper stance and technique, aiming our arrows at targets adorned with colorful birds. While I didn't quite hit the bull's eye every time, the satisfaction of landing a successful shot was undeniable.
From aiming for targets to molding clay, we moved on to a pottery-making session. The instructor, a seasoned potter with a twinkle in his eye, demonstrated the art of shaping formless clay into beautiful pots. With a lump of clay in my hands, I felt a sense of accomplishment as the formless lump gradually transformed into a misshapen, but undeniably handmade, pot. It wasn't perfect, but it held the memory of the experience within its rough form.
As the afternoon sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the resort, we found ourselves captivated by a vibrant puppet show. The puppeteers, with their skilled hands and melodious voices, brought the stories of Rajasthan to life. The colorful puppets danced and interacted, leaving the children (and some adults!) mesmerized.
To complete the immersive experience, the resort hosted a magic show in the evening. The talented magician, with his witty banter and impressive tricks, had us gasping in astonishment and erupting in laughter. It was the perfect way to end the day, leaving a sense of wonder and childhood delight in its wake.
The highlight of any trip to Rajasthan has to be its food, and Rajasthani Dhani and Resort did not disappoint. As dusk settled, we were ushered into a beautifully decorated dining area. Seated on low stools around a round table, we were presented with a dazzling array of traditional Rajasthani dishes.
Dal Baati Churma, a classic Rajasthani combination of lentils, pan-fried flatbreads, and crumbled sweet, was an explosion of textures and flavors. Each dish, from the creamy Gatte ki Sabzi (chickpea dumpling curry) to the refreshing Ker Sangri (beans and berries curry) was bursting with distinct flavors, a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Rajasthan. The meal ended on a sweet note with a serving of Ghewar, a disc-shaped, honey-soaked sweet, perfectly light and decadent.
As night fell, the resort came alive with the vibrant energy of folk dances. The rhythmic beats of dholaks (drums) and the melodious tunes of the shehnai (flute) filled the air. Dancers, in their colorful attire, twirled and swayed, their movements steeped in tradition. We were mesmerized by the Kalbeliya dance, known for its mesmerizing snake-like movements, and the energetic Bhawai dance, celebrating the spirit of Rajasthan. The cultural performance was a fitting culmination to our day, transporting us to the heart of Rajasthani culture.
By the end of the weekend, we were leaving Rajasthani Dhani and Resort with a heavy heart but a sense of rejuvenation. It was a weekend packed with adventure, cultural immersion, and delicious food. We left with memories of camel rides under the afternoon sun, the thrill of archery, and the warmth of experiencing a different culture firsthand.
The resort operates between IST 3-10PM; is reasonably priced and one needs all the time to soak in the experience. Know more about them at their website: Rajasthani Dhani and Resort
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