Page 391 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

R A JASTHAN  389

y Tour of Marwar Crafts Villages

The arid countryside south of Jodhpur is dotted with
villages, their mud and thatch huts inhabited by the Tips for Drivers
Bishnois and communities of potters and weavers. A Length: 55 km (34 miles).
daylong tour of this area provides a memorable opportunity Getting around: Allow 6–7
to observe the rhythm of daily life in these hamlets, hours for the trip. Refreshments
are available at Gudda Bishnoi,
experience the warm hospitality of the villagers, and Salawas and Kakuni. The heritage
see beautiful traditional crafts being practised. hotels at Rohet and Luni (Fort
Chanwa) offer good food and are
Jaisalmer pleasant places for a break. Hotels
and travel agencies in Jodhpur
can arrange taxis. A four-wheel
drive is recommended.
Ajmer 1 Jodhpur
This historic and beautiful city is
on the edge of the Thar Desert.
2 Gudda Bishnoi
3 Salawas The Bishnois in this hamlet tend
The villagers here are skilled weavers of camels and goats. The men wear
dhurries (rugs) in traditional geometric only white, but the women sport
patterns and vegetable colours. These vivid colours and silver jewellery.
rugs are made of cotton or camel hair.
Khejarli

Mogra

4 Kakuni 5 Rohet
This village, 26 km (16 miles) The 17th-century
south of Jodhpur, is famous palace-fort here is now
for its pottery, made of Luni a heritage hotel
the fine local clay. surrounded by villages
of leather craftsmen.

Key
The Bishnois Tour route
Other roads
The Bishnois, passionate environmentalists, are followers
of a 15th-century sage, Jambeshwar, River
whose creed is contained in 29 (bis noi)
principles. Most of these focus on
environmental protection, and the
Bishnois’ faith bids them to protect
every living being, if necessary with Pali, Ranakpur,
their lives. Thus, the otherwise timid Kumbhalgarh
blackbuck can be seen roaming freely
near Bishnoi villages, confident that
it will be unharmed. Bishnois believe 0 kilometres 6
Bishnoi woman they will be reborn as deer.
0 miles 3

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