Travel
Pushkar: A Kaleidoscope Of Emotions
Akash Mehrotra from the blog Hand of Colors recounts his vivid experience of the Pushkar fair
Words and photographs by Akash Mehrotra
Pushkar had been hanging in my thoughts like a dream since long. The very idea of camels and traders journeying across the vast deserts of Rajasthan since time immemorial to meet, socialize, and trade; had aroused an inkling in me to experience it. I wished to wrap myself with such moments, a complete teleportation from the urbane life to a rustic one, from economy that survives on cars to one where camels form an integral part.
Pushkar has a magnetism of its own – it’s very unlike the way one imagines Rajasthan. Fair or not, it will never cease to sweep you off its feet. The antiquity of the town is inspiring. The everyday world of Pushkar does more than inspire and encourage well-being, it makes the routine seem novel.
I was in Pushkar at the most appropriate time. Everywhere I turned, I could hear music, see a riot of colours, feel the exuberance, and sense Pushkar’s ability to engage with tourists pouring in from across the world. And then there were the rustic hues of herders and their camels, trekking athwart the deserts.
The Pushkar fair
In the long evenings of autumn, when the moon starts its journey for the brightest night of the year, tribes from all over Rajasthan stream out onto the arid and stubbly fields of bajra, thickets, scrubs, and deserts, trudging with their beasts. Draped in turbans, they travel in rivulets of kaleidoscopic caravans. The women of the tribes are not far behind, clothed in their gypsy bright skirts swaying in autumn winds like daffodils, bright silver jewellery rivalling the smoldering sun, and sporting a big bright bindi on their forehead. And at a certain distance are scattered groups of travellers, some from different corners of the country and more from abroad. The annual animal fair has transformed into something far bigger, engaging and inviting.
Pushkar has grown, both as a colourful animal fair and an international tourist destination. While traders throng here to trade cattle, sheep, camels and thoroughbred horses; families, separated by miles, find it a common place to exchange greetings; and for tourists, it’s an escape from their urban world with a great deal of craft shopping and café hopping.
Looking forward
The day started early for us. The central area of the fair was crowded with visitors thronging the shops and eateries, while the herders and traders took the plains, focusing on their business. The colonisation of backpackers have made this a model town: a place created by and for the tourists, with multi-cuisine eateries, chic cafes, schools of yoga, massage, Indian music and dance, shops selling herbal cosmetics, perfumes and the clothing that characterises the backpacker diaspora. And it’s all there, shops feasting with colourful textiles, silver jewellery and crafts, town lost in backpacker’s thoughtless party reverie, locals engrossed in their daily chores playfully mixed with spiritual detours, houses with open courtyards with murals to keep you on click frenzy mode, nomads exhibiting their ravishing dreadlocks and loincloths and a gastronomic culture that has evolved due to mixing of myriad of cultures and aspirations. And as you wander in the narrow lanes of the town, these images turn clearer. The rooftops of medieval buildings with exquisite jharokhas have been turned into cafes, offering new vignettes of the lake with its ghats and the sprawl of temples and the town around the sacred lake. Some ancient courtyards have been turned into meditation centres. The key is to have enough time on hand, to pencil in such moments, after all everything in Pushkar moves at its own leisurely pace. From temple to temple, take your time to discover the cultural and spiritual nuances of the place.
The divine in Pushkar
In the evenings, as the sun slips into the valleys, the lake comes alive with the flickering of the lamps during the scenic aarti. The Pushkar Fair ends on a full moon night, and thankfully, I was there to bear witness to his heavenly spectacle. The ambience with lights twinkling in the twilight was ethereal. Drumbeats, clash of cymbals and chiming of bells herald the aarti on the final day i.e. on Purnima (full moon). Lamps are lit and placed all around the Ghat. I had seen its jamboree, its gay abandon, the way it has engaged with all cultures and left a part of it in them, and the way it has shaped itself to be a hot tourist destination.
Apart from all the spiritual, culinary, musical, and shopping adventures, you can hire a bike and go to Ratnagiri Hill for sublime views of the sunset over the lake. Take a one and a half hour hike up to Savitri Devi Temple from where the sky appears a fabulous canvass of delight most times of the year.
Travel
Travel Wellness: Staying Healthy and Fit While Exploring
Travelling is an enriching experience that broadens horizons and creates lasting memories. However, maintaining your health and fitness while on the road can be a challenge. Whether you’re navigating busy city streets, lounging on a beach, or embarking on an adventure, staying well and fit is crucial for enjoying your travels to the fullest. Here are some practical tips to help you stay healthy and active while exploring new destinations.
Plan Your Travel Meals
Eating healthy while traveling can be challenging, but with a little planning, it’s entirely achievable. Research local cuisine before your trip and seek out restaurants or markets that offer nutritious options. Opt for meals that include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. If you’re staying in a place with a kitchen, consider preparing some of your meals to maintain control over ingredients and portions.
Stay Hydrated
Travel can easily disrupt your hydration routine. Always carry a reusable water bottle and refill it regularly. Drinking enough water helps with digestion, energy levels, and overall well-being. If you’re traveling to a place with different water quality, consider bringing a portable water purifier or sticking to bottled water.
Incorporate Physical Activity
Finding time to exercise while traveling can be tough, but it’s essential for maintaining your fitness and energy levels. Here are a few ways to stay active:
- Use Hotel Gyms: Many hotels offer fitness centers. Utilize these facilities to keep up with your workout routine.
- Explore on Foot: Walking or biking around your destination not only provides exercise but also allows you to experience the city’s sights more intimately.
- Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of local outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, or even a beach workout.
Maintain a Sleep Schedule
Adjusting to new time zones can disrupt your sleep pattern, which affects overall health. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule by setting consistent bedtimes and wake-up times. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading or listening to calming music, can also help you wind down and improve sleep quality.
Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management
Travel can be exciting but also stressful. Incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to manage stress and maintain mental well-being. Many travel destinations offer wellness retreats or classes where you can participate in mindfulness activities.
Pack a Travel Health Kit
Prepare a travel health kit with essentials like vitamins, medications, and first-aid supplies. Include items such as hand sanitizer, travel-sized disinfectant wipes, and any prescription medications you may need. Having these on hand can help prevent illness and manage minor health issues.
Stay Active During Travel
Long flights or car rides can lead to stiffness and discomfort. Take breaks to stretch or walk around every few hours. Simple exercises like seated leg lifts, neck stretches, and shoulder rolls can help improve circulation and reduce muscle tension.
Adopt Local Wellness Practices
Explore and embrace local wellness practices and traditions. Whether it’s a traditional Thai massage, Japanese hot springs, or Ayurvedic treatments in India, incorporating local wellness practices can enhance your overall travel experience and contribute to your well-being.
Avoid Overindulgence
While it’s tempting to indulge in local delicacies, moderation is key. Balance indulgent meals with healthier options and be mindful of portion sizes. Enjoying treats in moderation allows you to savor local flavors without compromising your health goals.
Stay Social and Connected
Social interactions and maintaining connections with loved ones can boost mental health and overall happiness. Make time to connect with fellow travelers, locals, or family and friends back home to keep your spirits high and your travel experience fulfilling.
By integrating these wellness tips into your travel routine, you can ensure a healthier and more enjoyable journey. Staying active, eating well, and managing stress will help you feel your best and make the most of your travel experiences. Safe travels and happy exploring!
Travel
Real House of the Dragon Location You Want to Visit
Returning to Westeros for the battle between the Blacks and Greens in “House of the Dragon” season two. A civil war within the House of Targaryen over who should inherit the Iron Throne is the subject of the television drama series, which is based on George R. R. Martin’s Fire & Blood and takes place two centuries before Game of Thrones. Along with other important members of the season one ensemble, Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower, Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen, and Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen are returning for the presently running second season.
We can’t wait to explore all of the amazing filming locations that this series has brought us. Considering how rich the universe is, it makes sense. Rather than depending solely on computer-generated scenery and soundstages, several of the actual filming locales contribute to the world of Westeros’ distinctive atmosphere.
Here, a guide to House of the Dragon filming locations you can visit:
Castleton, Derbyshire, England
In the first season of the show, Castleton, a village in high-peaked Derbyshire with one of the oldest lead mines, was transformed into The Vale of Arryn. Those who watch Game of Thrones would recall this as the location of House Arryn and the Eyrie, a stronghold where adversaries can be driven to their deaths via a moon portal. The region, which was once inhabited by Celtic people, is well-known for its traditional English hamlets and the limestone valley of Cave Dale, which is located inside the national park.
St. Michael’s Mount in Mount’s Bay, Cornwall, England
St. Michael’s Mount is a rocky tidal island with a 12th-century mediaeval church and a small, intimate village connected to the island of Marazion by a causeway that visitors can cross on foot during low tide. Blackwater Bay, a sizable body of water at Kings Landing’s edge, is home to House Velaryon, the fictional Driftmark of House of the Dragon, which is housed in the island’s main fortress. A prior appearance of Driftmark occurred in the Battle of the Blackwater in Game of Thrones.
La Calahorra, Granada, Spain
Reimagined as Pentos, one of the cities bordering the seas of Westeros, the imaginary continent at the heart of the world of Game of Thrones, is the municipality La Calahorra in eastern Granada. At the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, on the solitary hill in the region, lies a mediaeval fortress known as Castillo de La Calahorra, one of the region’s most iconic monuments. The exterior of the castle, which serves as the seat of House Targaryen on House of the Dragon, defies the rules of Gothic design, making it one of the first buildings in Spain to be influenced by the Renaissance between 1509 and 1512. Its exquisite split-level interior features a centre courtyard, four corner towers, and marble.
Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain
The province of Cáceres, in western Spain, is a veritable time capsule. Ancient structures that date back hundreds of years nevertheless look substantially the same, displaying a variety of architectural influences, such as Roman, Moorish, and Gothic. Several locations in the region were used to film the King’s Landing sequences, including the walled city of Plasencia in season one, Trujillo in season two, and the capital city of Cáceres in both seasons.
Bourne Wood in Farnham, England
Bourne Wood was the location of one of the largest fight scenes from season two of House of the Dragon. Large clearings in the forest make it perfect for expansive combat scenes and large film crews, while the absence of newer, more contemporary buildings or power lines gives the location a timeless sense. According to London Cult’s documentation, the forest was outfitted with a tent camp and certain areas were covered in artificial snow. The woodland is about an hour’s drive away, making the setting very handy for films like House of the Dragon that are headquartered out of the Warner Bros. Leavesden studio.
Gaztelugatxe, Basque Country, Spain
An island in Biscay called Gaztelugatxe has a hermitage that goes back to the tenth century. The iconic stone bridge was used for filming House of the Dragon. In season seven, the islet served as a stand-in for Dragonstone during filming for Game of Thrones. the location of the initial season’s encounter between Rhaenyra and her dragon on Dragonstone Bridge.
Travel
Essential Summer Travel Bag Must-Haves
As the summer sun beckons, it’s time to dust off your travel bags and embark on exciting adventures. Whether you’re jetting off to exotic destinations or exploring hidden gems closer to home, packing the right essentials can make all the difference in ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable journey. Join me as we explore the must-have items to pack in your travel bags for a memorable summer getaway.
Sun Protection Essentials:
Beat the heat and safeguard your skin from harmful UV rays with sun protection essentials. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen with a high SPF, sunglasses to shield your eyes, and a wide-brimmed hat for added protection. Additionally, lip balm with SPF and aloe vera gel can provide relief from sunburns and keep your lips hydrated.
Lightweight Clothing Options:
Embrace the spirit of summer with lightweight and breathable clothing options that keep you cool and comfortable on your travels. Pack versatile pieces such as cotton shirts, shorts, flowy dresses, and swimsuits for beach outings. Opt for wrinkle-resistant fabrics to minimize the need for ironing and save space in your luggage.
Hydration Essentials:
Stay hydrated on the go by packing a reusable water bottle in your travel bag. Fill it up whenever you have access to clean drinking water to quench your thirst and reduce plastic waste. Consider packing electrolyte packets or tablets to replenish lost minerals during outdoor activities or hot weather.
Travel-Friendly Toiletries:
Streamline your toiletry bag with travel-sized essentials that meet TSA regulations and save space in your luggage. Pack items such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, and moisturizer in leak-proof containers. Don’t forget to include a compact travel towel and wet wipes for quick refreshment on the go.
Tech Gadgets and Accessories:
Capture unforgettable moments and stay connected with essential tech gadgets and accessories. Pack your smartphone, camera, or GoPro along with chargers, power banks, and adapters for international travel. Consider investing in a lightweight and portable Bluetooth speaker for impromptu beach parties or outdoor picnics.
First Aid Kit and Medications:
Be prepared for minor emergencies and health-related issues by packing a well-stocked first aid kit in your travel bag. Include items such as adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, antihistamines, and motion sickness tablets. Don’t forget to pack any prescription medications you may need during your trip.
With these essential items packed in your travel bag, you’re ready to embark on a summer adventure filled with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories. From sun protection essentials to tech gadgets and first aid supplies, being prepared for every situation ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey wherever your travels may take you. So, grab your bags, soak up the sun, and let the summer adventures begin!
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