Leisurely Style

Golf

The desert is an unlikely place to have golf courses, and of course the lack of water makes it difficult to green even the smallest of gardens, an IS-hole course being a virtual impossibility. The aristocracy, however, remained enamoured of the gentlemen's game that was so popular in British India. Unfortunately, the weather did 'not permit them the indulgence of creating golf courses in this arid wilderness, and it was only in Jaipur, as a part of the large scale palace renovations undertaken by Maharaja Man Singh that a course was added to the city. That IS-hole course is still the only one in Jaipur and, in fact, in Rajasthan, and though it is not a professional course, it is good for a round of golf in what are picturesque surroundings: a palace next door, and peacocks on the hazards... A golf course in Bikaner is unconventional in that the course exists exactly in the nature of the desert terrain, and even the 'greens' have been replaced here by 'browns' which, if nothing else, are at least unconventional.


Kite - Flying

The passion for kite-flying in Jaipur is legendary, and every city has community clubs where the sport is ardently practiced. Every city skyline is alive with kites during the early morning and evening, and sometimes even during the day. Children gather at rooftops to compete about both their prowess as well as the' resilience of their strings.

Makar Sankranti in January is when the sport of kite flying is almost endemic, with an international kite flying competition in Jaipur, while the monsoon period is another favourite. However, but for a brief spell during the peak months of summer, kite flying continues throughout the year.

Visitors can participate through the simple measure of buyingcolourful kites and string inexpensively for only a few rupees and joining the Rajasthani people at what could almost qualify as the state festival.


Bicycling

The most popular mode of transport in Rajasthan could also provide the ideal leisure, since travelling on a bicycle is almost therapeutic, provides exercise without being exhausting, and is certainly inexpensive. Bicycles can be hired almost anywhere in Rajasthan, and literally for a song. Though the bikes tend to be basic, they are foolproof and unlikely to develop major snags. The period of hire can range from a few hours to a few days. However, those looking forward to doing some serious biking in the state should opt to buy racy, gear bicycles that are available in all major towns, and are not expensive. At the end of a trip, such bikes can either be sold or simply gifted away. Obviously, bikes are ideal when exploring the countryside where towns are in close proximity, (Shekhawati, for example) or for getting around the hilly idylls of places such as Mount Abu.


Trekking

If you thought the Himalayas or the Ghats are the only places where trekking is possible, you obviously need to re­think your options, for the hilly areas of Rajasthan provide several days of ideal trekking opportunities. The Mewar belt with the Udaipur-Kumbhalgarh­Chittaur combine, or the area around Mount Abu, or the Sariska­Alwar-Amer belt is best for trekking.

Winter is the best time for trekking, though the monsoon months provide romantic, green getaways. It is best to trek in a small group, and carry only basic necessities, since provisions can be bought along the way, but do ensure a supply of bottled water. Trekkers can choose to camp in the open countryside, though there are likely to be quaint, personalised hotels available in most areas. Trekking can be along established routes, though a more exciting option may simply be to chart one's own trails, moving practically as one likes.


Camping

Camping is a fine art in Rajasthan, with established camps in set locations that would be fit for royalty. Especially created tents include those with bedrooms, a small hallway or leisure area, and attached bath. These tents use hand-block printed fabrics within the interiors, to create a rich ambience. Such tented camps can be found at places like Samode Bagh, an hour's journey outside Jaipur, or at Pushkar for the duration of the fair in November. However, such tents can also be hired, and agents use them to create cities wherever required; or for moving visitors to different places, where these 'tents are pegged each night. Such camping expeditions are fine for they bring the outdoors alive, albeit in style. From the food to the entertainment, everything takes on a more exciting edge while at camp. And if you are able to strike up the right camraderie over the bonfire, you could end up making friends for life, or taking back with you nostalgic memories of among the best times you have had in your life.

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