We love traveling, exploring the length and breadth of India
in our little silver Wagon-R (this little buggie just completed 1 Lakh kilometers on our recent trip). Before my son was born, my husband S and I had
chalked-up quite a list of places – about 52 little towns, forests and mountain
tops. But all of that came to an abrupt end after our naughty munchkin with the
face of an innocent monk and the mischief of a goblin, appeared in our lives.
We just didn’t have the gumption to pack all that baby gear
or deal with oodles of fussiness that was the USP of my son, till recently. Add
to that S’s postings and assignments that left us with meager holidays, most of
them at last minute notice with the Damocles Sword of being called back from
leave hanging on our heads. But this year, as 2018 rolled in all bright and
dazzling, we decided to pack in a few places we’d been craving to visit. And
with holiday destinations a drive away from Delhi, this seemed too good an
opportunity to pass up.
Holidaying in a Haveli: Our first stop during our February holiday was a quaint heritage
haveli in Alwar. Burja Haveli, which is three hours from Delhi, is just the
place for spending a quiet little holiday in. A 240-year-old manor that once
upon a time belonged to a prosperous Jagirdar, it’s still run by the
descendants and offers a medley of comfort, old world charm and a taste of
rural Rajasthan.
With rooms set around a courtyard that also doubles up as an
outdoor restaurant, Burja Haveli is ideal for unwinding, soaking in the slow
pace of this small town or curling up with a good book.
Tailing the tiger at Sariska: We reached Burja Haveli by 10
in the morning, and with the sky overcast and the weather still considerably
chilly, decided to head up to Sariska for a jungle safari. The safari was one
of the bumpiest rides I’ve been on. Set on the Aravali range and choc-full of
shrubs, exploring Sariska is for those who want to enjoy another forest rather
than the vision to see a tiger. We saw herds of Sambar deer and Spotted deer, crocodiles
baking in the sun and pugmarks on the dirt track every now and then. But the
tiger remained elusive.
Back at Burja Haveli (which is about 1.5 hours from
Sariska), we savored the coziness of it all. The live local Rajasthani music, a
hot and very satisfying meal under the stars, and the gentleness of the whole
haveli was what I loved best about Burja.
The food here is mention-worthy. Though the menu isn’t
eclectic and they stick to dishes that most people would like, everything that
you try is lip-smacking and cooked with love. Rotis are made fresh on a chulha
right in the courtyard. And those who enjoy their sun-downers, can sip their
beverage of choice on the terrace-bar. I found their complimentary breakfast
items just as scrumptious. With the food being rustled up by a Chef, who has
worked in some noteworthy Indian restaurants in Pune, the fare here is truly
fit for a Jagirdar.
I’d have loved to spend another day here, this time lounging
in the sunny courtyard and eating more of the delicious food. But Ranthambore
was next on our itinerary and we hit the road to head to our favorite resort
there.
(Stay tuned for my Ranthambhore + Kesroli Fort Travelogue.)
On Twitter? Follow me @chandanawriter
On Twitter? Follow me @chandanawriter
#alwar #traveldiary #rajasthantravel #sariska #tigersafari #rural rajasthan
Lovely post, brilliant photography by the 'bandit'! Now that your munchkin has grown up, he will love these trips and remember them for life!
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