The otherwise tranquil hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu is the perfect place to be, specially in winters. Mount Abu has a unique lovely charm in its little serene self and exhibits a picture of warmth in all. It is much less popular in comparison to other hilly areas and that actually attributes to its still pure and much less commercial appeal. In addition to a beautiful pleasant weather, one can also avail the opportunity of visiting the famous Dilwara Temples during their stay at the place. And, if one may choose to visit, then it would be apt to visit Mount Abu in the last week of December, convenience provided.

The Winter Festival of Mount Abu is a major tourist attraction and is held every year in the last three days of the December month. It is rather an amazing way of the people in here to bid adieu to one year and welcome the other one graciously. It is organized in mutual co-operation by both the Rajasthan Tourism and the Municipal Board of Mount Abu. As one steps in the area, first thing sure to come to notice is the warm and kind- hearted and all welcoming local people of the place.

The three day festival begins with a liturgical procession which starts from the RTDC Hotel Shikhar and it then gathers at the Nakki Lake Chowk with the mesmerizing view of the waters. Winter fest is full of numerous events and programs which covers the varied interests of people, thus facilitating something or the other for all its visitors. From fairs to games to competitions and many different performances, all is there for the immense entertainment.

There are several competitions taking place for tourists and locals to participate like Boat Race, Skating Race, Panihari Matka Race, Musical Chair Race and the most fascinating of all is the tug of war competition which is held between the foreign and domestic tourists as opponents. Other alluring events of the fest include the art of applying Mehandi or Mehandi Mandana, hot air ballooning, kite- flying, cricket and gilli danda etc.

The happening three days of the fest meet their end with the wonderful glittering display of breath taking fireworks, which makes for a bewitching night sky. The exotic venue, the colourful cultural show and the warm reception by the people completes the experience of this winter festival and makes it worth visiting.

Being a travel freak, I spend most of my leisure exploring places in India and abroad. The only Indian state I was yet to go was Rajasthan. But a weekend was not enough to explore the major cities. To cut it short, I wanted a date with wilderness. Decided, destination Ranthambore National Park. Owing to time constraints, I chose to fly to Jaipur from Delhi, after a half-day at work, on a Friday. Roughly, 50 minutes — and I was in the Pink City. A hired Indigo took me to Ranthambore in 3.5 hours.

I checked in at a forest resort around 8pm. The authorities didn’t allow anyone to move out post sunset. I set out with a Spanish family of four for our jeep safari sharp at 7am. Rugged terrain, covered with dotted with Khair, Mahua, Banyan and Neem trees greeted us. Ranthambore is a tiger reserve and it’s huge, covers almost 1,334 sq km. I recalled having read, tigers could be spotted easily here. On that very second, 13-year-old David jumped off his seat pointing at a predator. Our nature guide pointed straight to someone on prowl — there they were, a group five tigers! We paused and waited for them to pass, lenses were at work.

Next, it seemed fauna awaited our visit! We spotted Indian flying fox, Jungle cats, jackal, macaques, wild boar and leopard. They seemed to be on a hunting spree. Further inside the forest were deer, Indian mole rats, black bucks,chinkara, nilgai, langurs. Sambar deer, mongoose, porcupines roamed freely. I couldn’t believe my eyes nor could I risk to close them even for a second. Some unknown mammals which our guide introduced us to were small Indian civets, toddy cats, ratels, hedgehogs, desert cats, caracals. Before I forget, our expert guide was a local appointed by Forest department of Rajasthan.

We headed to see the largest lake in Ranthambore, Padam Talao. Animals are usually seen here during early hours of morning and at sunset. This is one of the best birdwatching sites here. Kingfishers, woodpeckers, Goose, pigeons, parakeets, cuckoos, storks, pelicans, flamingo, eagles,crows, mynas, dove, larks,bulbuls, sparrows falcons flocked the site! Ornithologists must be here. Our naturalists helped us identify wagtails, flycatchers, herons, crakes, egrets, sandpipers, darters, bee eaters, minivets, pittas, bitterns, snipes, pipits finches, cuckoo-shrikes among thousands of others. Migratory birds can be seen here from Central Asia and Siberia.

Bakula is one of the thick forests inside Ranthambore where sunlight barely penetrates. Bakula’s core region is marked with small pools, where tigresses nurse and guard their cubs. Monkeys, squirrel, mongoose throng the place. This is one of the coolest regions in Ranthambore. The scenic splendor is breathtaking, but venturing into the forest is risky.

Coming to the reptile population, exploring certain areas of the forest are a strict no-no. We sotted tortoise, russel’s vipers and Indian Chameleon! What a day, even our chauffeur and naturalist agreed that we were lucky! Desert monitor lizards, banded kraits, king cobras, Indian pythons, saw-scaled vipers, branded kraits were reptiles we missed out on. But no complains!

Back to the resort, I made sure my newly bought camera captured every fauna I saw. Evenings are pleasant now, a thick tee-shirt will be perfect. Warm clothes aren’t required now, but to be on the safe side, carry a light jacket. For entertainment in the evening, there was good music, bonfire and folk dance. Then came a continental dinner. Sumptuous and filling!

Drive back to Jaipur on Sunday was amazing. I chose not to halt, as the car drove past havelis (ancient mansions), palaces and towering forts. Street shacks sold dal-baati-churma, the famous Rajasthani delicacy. Jaipur is Pink city for obvious reasons. Quite a lot of houses there were painted pink.

I had made up my mind after returning to Delhi. I’m going to Rajasthan for the next long break. Rajasthan’s royal charm grips one and all. I too am smitten.