Dosti. ( Friendship)

What is it? I sometimes wonder about the Kendriya Vidyalaya environment? A Central Government run institution across the country started mainly to assist employees of the Government during regular transfers - it is now a shining example of how Government runs establishments can also be best in class. Most of the students study for a few years, developing bonds of friendship - they are from entirely different backgrounds and cultures. Yet, the institute fosters an ecosystem from which people grow. I came from one such institute where I spent 3 years of formative life. However, despite being out of touch with many fellow students, we connected via social media later on in life, becoming the best of buddies. 

A varied and diverse set of folks, all doing different things in different places at different stages in one's life, we come together for annual adventures. And so it was that Cochin, Karaikkudi, Tirussur, Dehra Dun, and Mumbai came together at Gurgaon to begin a North Western sojourn. 

Us

Jaipur, the pink city, was our calling on the 5th of April. We set off by 7 am and reached Jaipur well in time to catch some of the major tourist sites and a lot of street shopping. Our first stop was the Hawa Mahal. This is the most iconic structure in Jaipur. It is situated on a busy street, easy to miss if we whizz with the traffic. 

Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal is one of its kind architecture built by the Rajput ruler, Sawai Pratap Singh. It was an extension of the Royal City Palace. This five-storeyed palace was built in the design of Krishna's crown because the ruler was devoted to Lord Krishna, the Hindu God. The hawa mahal allowed the royal Rajput ladies to enjoy the city activities without being seen.

Painted glasses and jharokas

It has 953 windows on the outside wall carved with small latticework. The mahal had huge balconies and arched roofs with hanging cornices. The carved windows ensure the mahal is airy throughout the day and night. Ramps lead to the upper floor for the queens to be carried by the palanquin.

View of the city

Huge courtyards

We reached the City Palace of Jaipur by walking along the pathway lined with shops. The palace did not look impressive from the outside. The Pritam Niwas Chowk, which had four doorways leading to it, was excellent. Each of the four doorways was beautiful with its unique motif of peacock, lotus, roses, and green. Imagining ourselves as dancers, we posed and moved to the Diwan- e- Khas or the hall of private audience. Two giant urns at the entrance must be noticed. It has the distinct fame of featuring in the Guinness Book of world records. It was almost 6 pm, and we decided to return to Gurgaon.

The famous dancers.

The next day we were joined by Nupur, Jiji and Neelima. A visit to Dilli Haat is a must for tourists. Delhi Haat is a vibrant market selling handicrafts from all the Indian states and plenty of eatery options. A medley of colorful paintings, wall hangers, clothes, bags knick knacks greet you along the path. We spent a good hour shopping and returned home to prepare for our next trip.  We managed to squeeze in a girl's night out bash at the Cyber City before we retired for the day. 

Dilli Haat beauties

Excited for Amritsar

Our train to Amritsar was at an early morning hour. We visited the Golden Temple and the Attari border during our two days in Amritsar. We visited the temple at different times of the day to relish its beauty and soak in its energy. 

Morning Serenity 

Evening calm.

The journey to the Attari border had to be well planned. The crowds to watch the ceremony were huge. Watching the whole show brings out the patriotism in us.  Slogans of Vande Mataram and Mera Bharat Mahan echoed in our hearts, eliciting a fervor of nationalism. 

Hum hei Hindustani. 

Savoring the rich cuisine of Amritsar and drinking Lassi by the dozens, we set off to Dharmsala in Himachal Pradesh, which is for the next blog.

Delicious Lassi 

Dharmsala