This Diwali we had a week-long holiday, which is rare for our school. We decided to go for a trek. We had previously completed a trek as of 2019 in Dayara Bugyal at an elevation of 12,000 feet. The choice of Sandakhphu was our first as that gave us an option to visit Siliguri, Santanu’s parental home. Sandakhphu (3636m) is the highest peak of West Bengal at the border of India and Nepal.

Ranakpur- a serene village in the Pali district of Rajasthan not very far from Udaipur is a pious place for the Jains. If you are visiting South Rajasthan, Ranakpur should be must on your list. We visited on our way to Kumbalgarh from Jawai, post 12 noon camera/mobile are allowed inside with a fee. You must wear proper attire shorts are not allowed for temple visit. Amidst vast greenery, stands a white pearl, radiant in wilderness.

Heard about Jawai-Bera from few friends who are interested in wildlife. There are many wildlife-photography group who conducts trips but for us we have to arrange it ourselves. Jawai is the name of the river on which is largest man made dam of western Rajasthan dam build by Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur, work started pre-Independence and completed in 10+ years with a cost of 2+ Cr in those days to supply water to Jodhpur which is 100+ KM north.

With the number of cases of covid getting reduced we with lots of anxiety thought of planning a trip during Dassera school vacation. We were not sure what would be the best destination in this current situation. Were not sure on so many things like should we fly ? should we drive ? go near by only. Too many variables and anxiety as we always look into our past for an answer and there was none for this time.