One of the things that never ceases to amaze me in India is the cows. Calm and contented they are anywhere and everywhere. In the middle of the busy road, on the balcony, in the bustling market, in the shade of a temple. In Bikaner there was camels too. Sauntering down the road, parked here and there they are used to cart heavy loads through the city.
Bikaner or the city of camels is in the outer reaches of the Thar desert. After our harrowing trip to get there we treated ourselves to a fancy hotel with marble floors, soaring ceilings with painted reliefs, carved wood and interesting art.
Bikaner was refreshing un-touristy. We wandered the new markets and the old city and didn't see another tourist. Lots of friendly locals though who pointed us in the right direction for the famous Jain temples. The markets were the most colourful I've seen. All types of fresh produce, cows, and flocks of women in their rainbow coloured saris of peacock blue, parrot green and flamingo pink. The rajasthani women also wear a filmy headscarf or chunni which flows out behind them.
Two young girls and their shy mother grabbed us and showed us around the intricately carved and beautifully painted Jain temples.
We didn't bother to visit the fort. Sometimes the best way to pass time is just to sit and watch the continual parade of turbanned men, women and children, cows and camels.
Namaste Sandy
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