Another Angle on India: Beyond the Golden Triangle

Here from the rooftops, a wave of indigo painted houses light up with a glitter of electric lamps as dusk falls. In the soft balmy evening, you can hear the chatter of children running through the narrow back lanes and the beeps and squeaks of passing tuk tuk drivers. And everywhere you turn: a sea of sugar cube houses in a rich parched blue. Jodhpur, I soon realised, is a city best enjoyed from its rooftops.

And what fine rooftops they are. Deep in the princely state of Rajasthan, where dry and dusty desert gives way to regal fort towns, Jodhpur is also known for its havelis, the exquisitely painted domed houses of the gentry, which serve as an enticing reminder of Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage.

MISSIONS TRIPS AFRICA

I had been travelling through the north of India trying to discover all the alternative sights the great and diverse Subcontinent had to offer. Stopping at dry desert towns, majestic forts and castles and deserted cities, I was surprised by how few other travellers I saw.

People who go off on India holidays see it as a rite of passage to see the Taj Mahal, skirt through the chaotic bazaars and streets of Old Dehli and stop by the pinky palaces and temples of Jaipur. It's not called the Golden Triangle for nothing. But there's more to India holidays than meets the sweeping eye. I was on a mission to see another side of India and found it all around in North India. Here are just a few of wonderful deviations and side steps you can take:

Ranthambore National Park

Adventure holidays begin here. With miles upon miles of verdant grassland, Ranthambore is possibly India's greatest national park. A breath of fresh air from the cramped cities, the real reason for coming here is the chance to spot a rare beast, the Bengal tiger. The best way to try and spot these elusive creatures is on safari and nothing beats the rush of spotting these magnificent creatures in the wild.

Udaipur

A wonderful watery place, it's hard not to feel relaxed in Udaipur. The white houses with their pretty domed rooms perch at a high advantage, overlooking the tranquil lakes that have earned this city the title of Venice of the East.

Pushkar Camel Fair

A spiritual desert village most of the year, come November Pushkar springs to life when thousands of traders, buyers, sellers and pilgrims arrive to do business, pray and enjoy the atmosphere and festivities of the camel fair.

Another Angle on India: Beyond the Golden Triangle

MISSIONS TRIPS AFRICA