A drive through Rajasthan
2026-10-04
Starting from Jaipur, we drove through the desert state of Rajasthan for 7 days, with stops at Jaisalmer and Udaipur. It was very scenic. We enjoyed the distinct landscape and amazing food throughout. Some photos and titbits from the trip:
Patwon ki Haweli, Jaisalmer - a 19th Century building made entirely of sandstone. It housed wealthy traders but is now maintained by Archaeological Society of India. (Photo credits to my brother-in-law).
A traditional Rajasthani Thali. The highlight is Ker Sangri - a dish made out of plants that grow in the desert. Our best Thali was at Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar in Jaipur (a 300 year old sweet shop).
Udaipur City palace, the seat of King of Mewar. A bloodline that is known for their fierce resistance to Mughal Rule. Surprisingly, they derive their right to rule from a god known as Eklingji - a many faced Shiva. The first time I've heard of such a god because in most of India, Shiva is worshiped through a Linga which is a faceless entity.
We drove through the Thar desert to Longewala, a town that borders Pakistan. Well built roads that cut through the desert allowing one to take in the never ending landscape filled with sand dunes and bushes. Longewala was a key site in the western theatre of the India-Pakistan war of 1971. There is a recreation of the battle site along with a war memorial to commemorate the brave martyrs.
Sunset at the Fateh Sagar Lake behind the Aravali mountains.