Camel Safari and Cooking in Rajasthan

Definitely a highlight of our trip (thank you Shasha and Lucie), we took the overnight camel safari out of our Jaisalmer hotel: Pleasant Haveli.

There were basically four people directly involved: our jeep driver and cook, Hukam, our camel lead, “Lucky“, and the two of us.

Classic camel safari selfie with Adriana on Rambo in background, and me on Al Pacino.

This is where we are… About 60 km west of the red marker, which is Jaisalmer:

The Pleasant Haveli Camel Safari advertises as being ‘non touristic’. As we drove by large camps beside the dirt track on our way to the starting point, we sighed in relief. Ours was a tour with no others in sight.

Rambo and Adriana demonstrate two-step stand up process.

Late afternoon ride to our camp.

Views from on top a camel

Our camp site. Yup, that’s us attempting sun salutations on adjacent sand dune.

Views from peek of sand dune.

Top: Hukam prepares dinner from scratch. Middle: our cots (orange) set up for night. Bottom: Lucky makes rotis

There’s nothing like a sleep under the stars and with absolutely no sound pollution.

Good morning sunshine.

After breakfast and a morning camel ride we meet the jeep for pick up and say our goodbyes to Lucky, Rambo and Al Pacino.

Top: pit stop at abandoned Khabha Fort showing its view of abandoned village below; Bottom: parting ways after safari.

Highly recommend this safare and the hotel as well.

http://www.pleasanthavelicamelsafari.com

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Cooking with Chief Lokesh

We have moved on to Jaipur (see previous blog) but remain in the state of Rajasthan.

This is a desert state yet is famous for its cuisine. Less influenced by outside invaders than other areas of India, the Rajasthan cuisine relies on dried grains and spices. It’s known for its culinary heat that matches its climate.

Extensive layout of spices, including a new one to me, asafaetida powder – a type of fennel (Hing brand here).

We chose this menu based on what have been our local favourites.

Gatte Ki Subzi is a unique, rich and delicious vegetarian dish.

Making Missi Roti, oops.

A table has been set in the family dining room and we four enjoy the fruits of our labour. Chief Lokesh’s life experiences cooking make for great table talk as we hear of his time cooking for royalty in the middle East including a harrowing few months for the children of a crown Prince.

Ready to dig in. All made by us except the silver-topped Kaju Kaktli, foreground, added to celebrate my new grandmother hood status.

Thank you chief Lokesh and Geetika @ Jaipur Cooking School.

lm1962@jaipurcookingclasses.com

+91 99280 97288