my story: November 2025

30 November 2025

Camp - E - Khas.

The location of Camp E Khas resort is a bit off the main route in a quiet solitude.

The tents were spacious and comfortable. I do not think I have ever stayed in a place where an air conditioner and a heater as well, were provided. This was a thoughtful gesture because during this month, and particularly during our stay, daytime temperatures were high, and the nighttime temperatures were quite low, so both an air conditioner as well as a heater were required.

Hotel staff have to be told to switch over from the air conditioner to the heater.

The food was good.

The evening entertainment was also good. With one of the lady dancer giving good performance. Nimuda singer and Kerpal dholak players were also very good.

The staff was very helpful and met all our requirements. A particular mention of Mr Prem Singh, the Manager, he went out of his way to restore my backpack, which we had forgotten at the resort. The fact that the backpack was restored the next day at a place called Manavar Resort, at a distance of more than 200 KMs, clearly reflects the thought and the effort he had taken to return my backpack. Many thanks to him.

The Jeep Safari was not good. The jeep ride was just that, a mad rush at breakneck speed from the resort to the sand dunes. No resemblance at all to a safari-like drive. It appeared that the sole aim of the driver was to squeeze in as many trips as humanly possible before sunset.

A comfortable and nice stay.

Near Reception. Camp - E - Khas.

Tented accommodation at Camp - E - Khas.

Dressing Room. Camp - E - Khas.

Bath Room. Camp - E - Khas.

Toilet. Camp - E - Khas.

An area for cultural programmes in the evening.

Dining Hall and an area for cultural programmes in the evening.

Dining Hall. Camp - E - Khas.

Enjoying the evening. cultural show.

28 November 2025

Manvar Shergarh, The Desert Resort

An afternoon check-in and next day afternoon checkout. Just an overnight, but a most memorable and enjoyable stay. Excellent weather with just a nip in the air was also a great help in making the stay very comfortable. Manvar Shergarh, The Desert Resort is located almost halfway between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer on Rajasthan State Highway 28. If your aim is to visit Rajasthan for sightseeing, the tourist attractions at Jaisalmer or Jodhpur, sightseeing at either Jaisalmer or Jodhpur, while staying at Manavar Shergarh, the Desert Resort, is not possible, and so it would not be a place for you to stay. If you just want to 'chill - out', get away from it all, the mad rush of life, just relax and de-stress, ManvarShergarh, the Desert Resort is just the place for you. Many years ago, the place started as a roadside tea shack serving tea and local snacks. Due to the good and tasty quality of food and service, it gained popularity. Business thrived. Over the years, the property was expanded, and it is a substantial property today. At some distance, a "Tented- Resort" has also been added. We did not have a look at it. Extensive tree plantations over the years have made the property a green, thickly wooded oasis in the harsh desert surroundings. The swimming pool is stunning in the midst of a desert. The rooms and the property is tastefully adorned with plentiful, local, Rajasthani knick-knacks and artefacts. They add a really nice touch and a visual delight. Rooms are comfortable and spacious. Staff is polite and attentive to your every need and provide service with a smile. Food is tasty and not too spicy. Prepared as your requirements and served hot. Hugely enjoyed the "egg bhurjee" and all the food we had ordered. The room rentals put Manvar Shergarh, the Desert Resort in the 'mid-range' category. However, the prices on the menu card with a cup of tea, if my memory serves me right, at Rs 174/-, definitely puts it in the 'luxury' category, but let that not deter you. I would definitely recommend it and would love to repeat the experience.

The Rooms.Manvar Shergarh, The Desert Resort.

Passage from the guest entry gate.At Manvar Shergarh, The Desert Resort.

At Manvar Shergarh, The Desert Resort.

Traditional Rajasthani paint rangoli/decor.At Manvar Shergarh, The Desert Resort.

At Manvar Shergarh, The Desert Resort.

Swimming pool.Manvar Shergarh, The Desert Resort.

A happy moment. Manvar Shergarh, The Desert Resort.

The Rooms. Manvar Shergarh, The Desert Resort.

Indoor Dining Hall. Manvar Shergarh, The Desert Resort.

Peacock. A regular visitor. Enjoying his millet meal. A typical wooden trunk from great-grandfather's time.

Outdoor dining. Simply divine at this time of the year.

Rajasthani baked mud toys like these, and other indigenous household items are displayed all over the property. A unique and beautifying touch.

Entry Gate for staying guests. Manvar Shergarh, The Desert Resort.

Entry Gate for staying guests.

Manvar Shergarh, The Desert Resort.

27 November 2025

Fairfield by Marriott. Jodhpur.

At Fairfield by Marriott, Jodhpur.

Located on the outskirts of Jodhpur by the national highways.

A modern building. The ambience and decor is very nice, plenty of daylight and well-regulated temperatures. We had a room, 621, overlooking the highways and the new Rajasthan High Court Building. Very nice view. The room was comfortable. The bathroom was well-lit, The staff was polite. Had a good one-night stay.

Lobby. At Fairfield by Marriott, Jodhpur.

Reception At Fairfield by Marriott, Jodhpur.
Fairfield by Marriott, Jodhpur.
Fairfield by Marriott, Jodhpur.
New Building, Rajasthan High Court. View from room 621 Fairfield by Marriott, Jodhpur.
View for room 621.
At Fairfield by Marriott, Jodhpur.

Beautiful Painting.

09 November 2025

Baisakhi.

Tourist companies generally plan a Tawang visit by the route, Guwahati - Balukpong - Dirang - Tawang - Bomdila - Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary - Guwahati.

There may be a bit of variation, Dirang first or Bomdila first, but basically, the places of night halts remain the same.

During our trip, after leaving Dirang and visiting Hot Water Springs, we were on our way to Tawang.

The journey on a road passing through the beautifully scenic valleys of the Eastern Himalayas is an unforgettable experience. The mountains, the valleys, the thickly forested mountain slopes, the river flowing way below in the deep gorge, the clouds playing hide and seek with the mountain tops, all present an enthralling visual feast, which makes this arduous trip more than worthwhile and draws millions of visitors every year.

After an hour or so of journey through the climbing, twisting, turning, and hairpin bends of this scenic road comes a time when you feel like stretching your legs or the necessity of visiting a washroom, and at that time, like a Godsend, comes Baisakhi.

Baisakhi is the place where a Military Station is located. The Station authorities have provided just what a visitor needs after a long journey.

There is a large parking area, a restaurant, a tea stall, and a shopping centre, all manned by well-mannered, polite soldiers in uniform looking after your needs with a smile. There is a monument to Sela Warrior, in memory of unknown soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice while guarding the integrity and sovereignty of the Nation. There are inspirational signages, like, I 💗 BAISAKHI, "SEL A WARIORS DEFENDING THE NATION", राष्ट्रम सर्वोपरी. There is a Buddha statue with colourful pennants.

The Sela Warrior memorial, the impressive Vijay Dwar of the Military Station and the inspirational signs create an atmosphere of great patriotic fervour. People have a great time in photo shoots.

A short break at Baisakhi is greatly enjoyed by all the visitors, who pass through this place during a couple of months when the weather is salubrious and the temperatures are in the twenties and thirties. At times like these, my heart goes out to the Army personnel, who themself live in the harshest and most inhospitable weather, for the rest of the year, still, take so much trouble to make the journey of the visitors comfortable and enjoyable.

I wish all the very best. Here is to more power to them.

Vijay Dwar, Baisakhi Military Station. Photo taken on the move, from a moving car.

Sela Warriors defending the Nation,

At Baisakhi 11, 246 Feet.

Selfie with 'flip' editing. Makes the letters read the correct way. Of course, our positions, as well as the date and time of the photo, were also reversed.