Rajasthan Over the Years in Pictures

 First, Udaipur, then, at Jodhpur (with Sita Mishra recently), and with Prarthana in the traditional colourful headgear on a roadtrip.

 Stayed in this haveli with Manoharan for admission work, 2009. A shot of the ceiling, below.

and the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur.

Jodhpur, Mehrangarh, with Neveen Das, my Ph.D. student then.

 Chittorgarh victory tower, above, and a camel ride, below in Jaisalmer. 2015.

Rajasthan is fascinating, and I have been there several times.

and finally, the swag at having done it. Kuldhara, the mysterious deserted village near Jaisalmer.

Ladakh Files-Essay

We were pretty much speechless. The view from our hotel (Royal Ladakh) was of the snow-clad peaks-you could sit and stare for a whole day and not get bored! Actually even before, we had great views from the Delhi-Leh flight wwhich starts at 5.40 am. Right time to arrive on top of the Manali area mountains enroute to Leh.

After a day of mostly sleeping to get used to the 11,500 ft altitude, we went to a local CCD lookalike called Desert Rain for coffee in the Leh Bazaar. Lot of gossiping youngsters, just like our kids! Next day, we went to some monasteries- Hemis and Thiksay, and Shey Palace. Hemis had a great museum, with history and exhibits of various kinds. Off the Manali highway. Thiksay is probably in the best condition, with a smiling Buddha statue. That is the red-orange one. Fabulous views from the terraces. We spun a few fortune wheels, and it helped us through a very smooth, enjoyable trip. Arranged by Girikand Travels thru an agent in Srinagar. Whole package without airfares (Leh to Leh in their terminology ) was about 18000 per head with food acco and sightseeing. Food was packed if we went on day trips.

Day 2, we went towards Srinagar to a place called Uley Ethnic Resort at Uleytokpo. Saw the Magnetic Hill, the Hall of Fame (a museum for Kargil and other heroes), and the Indus-Zanskar Sangam. Uleytokpo is on a cliff, with tents and a common bath. Very clean, and hot water and all that. Facing mountains on all sides, and the river on the last, t is on a cliff. Beautiful sight and experience.

Day 3, we left the camp, and drove further to Lamayuru. Again a spectacularly located monstery, and a great drive (we took the high altitude old highway out of compulsion which has better top down views and it kisses the mountain tops). Back again to Leh via Uleytokpo where we had a very nice lunch (part of the package).

Last day, we went to Pangong Lake, which is off the Manali road towards China from Karu town junction. On the way was such diverse scenery that I couldn' believe my eyes. Mountains of all hues from green, blue, yellow, and shades in between. Rivers, frozen rivers, ice-capped peaks and valleys, sandy river beds, stones of various shapes-Anu collected a few- and of course, the first sight of the blue-green lake. Fantastic sight. The lake is so lovely, you can again stare at it for a day !

More later as I remember. On the whole, it was unforgettable. The Manali road was better than the Srinagar one-the portion we went on.
Don't be surprised if I become a lama.

Leh Ladakh 2

The monasteries near Leh are worth a look, though some are badly kept. Thiksay is the best I liked, on a hill close by. But the serenity is amazing. No more words.