On reaching Pushkar, we had the option to check into either Hotel Sarovar, in the heart of the town or the Tourist Village, a cluster of huts for the tourists, both managed by the RTDC (Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation). We checked into the former. The hotel was beautiful but as is the case with most government run hotels, in dire need of maintenance. The area that it covered was sprawling with a variety of trees and lush green lawns. It even had a swimming pool, which alas had no water in it.
Built in a colonial style with ample balconies and a long corridor, the plaster from the wall, alas was peeling in many areas. Despite all the shortcomings what clinched the deal for us was the wonderful view of the hills that the balcony gave from the rooms and the overall serenity that seemed to engulf the hotel.
The rooms were comfortable and we had a blissful night’s sleep after having a light dinner, courtesy the heavy lunch we had at Guddan ka dhaba. The cacophony of birds woke me up, the next morning and as I strolled off to the balcony of the room, a view of pure magic awaited me. The adjoining hills of the Aravali ranges were trying desperately to stop the sun from rising and the sun, slowly but surely was winning the battle. Mother Nature was painting her canvas with colors of all hues and shades and the resultant “piece of art” was Pure Magic.
We had to go down to the restaurant for our bed tea as the personnel (or was it just a single chap as I now recollect) seemed oblivious to the ringing of the intercom. Anyway, the restaurant was airy and clean. Airy, because the place where one of the air conditioners should have been, now contained just the frontend of an AC. The back thus missing, threw in the cold winds that were sweeping Pushkar that day, into the restaurant. We even had a sparrow for company which had accidentally come inside through the hollow air conditioner. After having our tea, we ordered breakfast. Hot puris and paranthas along with aloo ki sabzi and curd came along, which were delicious to say the least and we forgot our anguish of not having been served our bed tea in bed.
After breakfast, we felt the day truly had begun on a bright “gastronomic” note.
Corridor of Hotel Sarovar
The entrance of RTDC Hotel Sarovar at night
The beautiful colonial designed Hotel Sarovar at night
The airy restaurant of Hotel Sarovar
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