BIKERS CLUB MAY 2019 ISSUE | Page 55

DESERT FESTIVAL The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is an event organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation each February. It celebrated in the Thar Desert and the locals dress up in traditional and colourful attires. There is a lot of singing and dancing, gymnastic acts, camel races, tug of war, turban tying and a march from the Fort to the desert. FOOD IN JAISALMER Add just a tiny hint of rich non-vegetarian food in a typical Rajasthani cuisine and subtle influences of North India, and the rich and mouth watering menu that you will get will be Jaisalmer's cuisine. Murgh-e-subz is a chicken delicacy that you must not miss while in Jaisalmer. Along with this are other non-vegetarian preparations such as Tikkas and Kebabs. Other than these Ker Sangri, Banon Aloo and Kadi Pakora are popular and almost define the food here. ITINERARY DAY 1 Visit "The Palace" (a nickname for Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum and Heritage Centre) is in the winter season. The palace opens at around 9:00 am and the entry fee is around 250 RS. Built out of golden stone, the fort has intricate designs carved on its walls. you can also avail an option featuring a self-guided audio tour. It usually takes one and a half hours to two hours to properly cover the entire fort and a museum. Later, you can explore the famous local markets of Jaisalmer to get to know the culture. DAY 2 Jaisalmer is extremely popular for its desert safaris. On the second day book a full-day safari. Some of the safari packages include a pick-up, an amazing camel ride, a beautiful view of the sunrise/sunset, a resting place by the oasis, and a lovely meal by the dunes. Some packages are for the entire day, and some are for half a day. The packages can cost between INR 500 to INR 2000. The best part of these tours is the fact that you get to visit the villages nearby and get to meet the locals and see Rajasthan through their eyes. DAY 3 If you are in a mood to splurge, visit the local specialised markets like the Sadar Bazaar. You will get to buy the most popular products of Jaisalmer like ornaments, mirror products (dupattas and bangles embroidered with mirrors, for example), stonework products, and puppets. Explore the local culture and cuisine of Rajasthan, and have a nice relaxed day.