Northern India Countryside Hotels

The Points South Point of View – India is a vast continent, we think it is better not to attempt covering both the North and South unless you have abundant time. In the North the landscape and the climate are both more harsh, with arid plains and rocky outcrops. The food is very different to the South, with rich meat curries and tandoori cooked dishes. The tourist trail is over established, especially in Rajasthan, with tour busses ferrying weary tourists around the “must see ” sights on hectic schedules, however it is still possible to enjoy the less discovered by staying in the smaller restored palaces, where the owners insight can often lead to special places. It is often said that doing three places well in Rajasthan can be far more rewarding than six places in haste, as the scale of the magnificent forts and palaces and the distances between them can be overwhelming in the harsh desert heat.

Pushkar Camel Fair- This annual event is held at Pushkar, hundreds of herdsmen and farmers bring their livestock to the town. Camels, cows and horses are brought and sold by the men sitting on their haunches discussing the price over tea and a pipe, this spectacle offers visitors a chance to witness a scene unchanged for centuries. In the town of Pushkar (with over five hundred temples) a carnival atmosphere pervades as thousands of pilgrims arrive for the Kartik Purmina religious festival, which coincides with the camel fair. Tented camps are erected for the many visitors; we recommend a camp on the outside of the town. For a truly memorable experience a hot air balloon ride can be taken over the fair at dusk or dawn. Accommodation is simple, with meals taken in a communal dining tent.