On 7th November 2017 the College tour group comprising of 52 students and 7 staff members departed from Margao railway station by the Goa Sampark Kranti Express. The group reached Jaipur on 8th November night.
9th November was the first day of sight-seeing, which started with the Laxmi-Narayan temple popularly known as Birla Mandir, Jaipur. It was a beautiful place, clean and tidy, entirely made of marble – both the interior and exterior, beautiful artwork, well-maintained spic and span campus. A good experience to begin with. Later the group visited Hawa Mahal and City Palace, followed by Jantar Mantar – a marvel. The structures which stand show such scientific ingenuity that the exact time can be determined by the shadow cast on it by the sun’s rays. After lunch, the group proceeded to visit the Amer Fort – a climb uphill and a beautiful view of the city. Evening time was for shopping.
On 10th November the team left for Bikaner. The Indian Council for Agricultural Research has a Research Centre on Camels in Bikaner. There were varieties of camels – white, brown, dark, hairy, etc. and camels of different age groups – new-born, mothers, young ones, etc. Different articles like ornaments, bags, garments, show-pieces all made of camel skin, bones, hair and other parts were displayed for sale. The team also tasted tea, coffee, ice-cream, etc. made of camel milk. Next visit was to the famous Karni Mata Temple. It was a unique temple with hundreds and thousands of rats moving freely all about the temple including the sanctum sanctorum. There is a legend associated with this temple – the museum opposite to the temple explains the association of rats with this temple. The night halt was at Hotel Sagar – a beautiful heritage hotel.
11th November the team visited the Lalgarh Palace and museum followed by Junagarh Fort – an ancient Rajputana Fort. Afternoon the team left for Jaisalmer which is called the Golden City (just as Jaipur is called Pink City) as the buildings and structures in this city are made of golden yellow stone which is available in plenty in this part of Rajasthan. The stay was at Mahadev Palace Hotel.
On 12th November the team visited the Gadisar Lake and enjoyed a boat ride and also visited the Nathmaji Ki Haveli, Patwon Ki Haveli which are huge residential buildings with marvellous artistic carvings. The team then proceeded to Sam Sand Dunes – a part of Thar Desert which is 60 to 70 kms away from Pakistan border. Camel Ride, Camel Cart Ride and a view of the Sunset in the desert were quite enjoyable. The team also experienced living in the tents, enjoyed Rajasthani folk music, folk dance and Bonfire. Our students also participated in the Rajashani folk dance. The night in the tents was a unique experience which most of us enjoyed.
On 13th November early morning at 6 A.M. the team went on a desert safari. This was a unique experience with bumpy ride in open jeeps in the cold desert wind on the uneven desert surface which was enjoyed most by students and watched the sunrise in the desert. Later on in Jodhpur the team visited the Umaid Bhavan Palace and Museum and evening was shopping time. The stay for the night was in Hotel J S Regency. 14th November the students visited the Mehrangad Fort – a huge fort standing as witness to the glory of Rajput rulers. In the afternoon left for Mount Abu and reached late in the evening and stayed at Hotel Grandiose.
15th November at Mount Abu was a cold place being a hill station. There the team visited the Brahmakumari Head Quarters, Dilwara Jain Temple, Nakki Lake and later spent time in shopping.
16th November the team left for Udaipur, a beautiful lake city and visited the Maharana Pratap Smarak – a beautiful Memorial Park reminding us the life and greatness of Maharana Pratap. Saheliyon Ki Bari – a beautiful garden full of fountains functioning without electricity since time immemorial was a park used by princesses and their women companions only. The team then visited the City Palace and spent time in shopping. The night halt was at Hotel Amantara Shilpi – a beautiful Resort Hotel where before dinner our students danced to the retro Music which was provided to them.
17th November The team left Udaipur for Kota Railway Station by bus and boarded the Sampark Kranti Express and reached Margao on 18th November carrying sweet memories of Rajasthan Tour.
