Rajasthan Royal

The vibrance of Rajasthan, it's rich tapestry of heritage, culture and landscape makes it a destination with few parallels. As the new year dawned, 70 of us from classes 9-11 accompanied by 6 teachers and our Principal excitedly embarked upon an adventure in Rajasthan. We first stopped at the City Palace in Udaipur . A cluster of 5-6 palaces merging as one, it makes for a spectacle with it's flamboyant style of Hindu and Mughal influence. Alongwith the Lake Palace and the Monsoon Palace, the City Palace has lent to Udaipur, it's fame as "Venice of the East"! A beautifully laid garden named ' Saheliyon ki baari' followed on our itinery. As the legend goes, the garden was designed by the ruler himself as a present for his queen. Interestingly, the queen was apparently accompanied by 48 maids as she made her way to her married home after her wedding. Perhaps this garden offered them a welcome respite from the political intrigues of the court! The garden is embellished with numerous fountains in it's 4 pools, chiselled kiosks and marble elephants. It is also celebrated for it's lotus pool and bird-fountains. The lush lawns, flowers and marble pavilions lift the ambience. We also stopped at Fateh Sagar Lake to catch the sinking sun against the mirrored water. We sat in the serenity for a bit and then headed back to our hotel. We were tired but the fatigue flew as we learnt that that a party was lined up for the evening! Quickly we refreshed and returned to let our hair down over dinner-n-dance. The next day after a hearty breakfast, we boarded our bus for Mount Abu. The hill town has an interesting legend. It is said, 'Abu' is ' son of the Himalayas'. The name is derived from 'Arbuda' or the powerful serpent who rescued Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva. Lunch and a quick lie-back at the hotel, we set off for Nakhi lake at the bottom of Mount Abu. Legend has it that this lake was carved out by the gods or devas, with their nails or nakh, and thus the name Nakhi Lake. Nakhi Lake is also the only Indian artificial lake situated at a height of 1200 metres above sea level. In the vicinity of this lake, we were delighted to be let free to scout the shops. Ofcourse we saw, we tried and we busted bargains before we bundled back on the bus to our hotel in time for dinner. The fourth day was filled with activity. Our first stop was at the Universal Peace Hall, where we had interacted with the Brahmakumaris. This sect, we were told, acknowledges the intrinsic goodness of all peoples and helps individuals recognise their inner strengths and values. We then proceeded to the Nakhli Lake and the local crocodile park . Thereon to the famed Dilwara Temples. Dedicated to the Jain Tirthankars, the Dilwara Temples of Mount Abu date back to the 11th-13th centuries and showcase an overwhelming blend simplicity and elegance. Jainism as a religion encouraged honesty and frugality and thus it is no wonder that their most celebrated symbol exudes just that. Some tranquil moments amidst the quiet of Sunset Point, and we were headed to the railway station for our train home. My fingers feel inadequate as I key in my account of this trip. I am at a loss to adequately bring alive the exuberance that we felt. I felt that we'd been to a vast open air museum called Rajasthan with it's boundless bounties pristinely preserved. Just for us. Amrita Dutta, class XI C