DHABOLOGY

 

 With a travel itinerary including Nathdwara, Eklingji darshan we were bound to presume that it was a pilgrimage we were setting out on. Our ages too are the cornerstones for that divide we often turn to, religion and spirituality. Resisting the urge to decline we trotted on to this extraordinary journey. We were at Nathdwara with the group of friends.

Despite our rapid action force like act the doors of the sanctum sanctorum closed down. We missed seeking the blessings of the deity by minutes. Out of the temple, we gobbled up samosas and jalebi. Next it was gulping adrak pudina (ginger, mint) tea a variant served in earthen pots only here. We proceeded to our next destination.

Dhabology, enroute to Udaipur was an interesting surprise. It lay cozily amidst the Aravalli range, very picturesque offering a wonderful location for trek and stay.

A neat and clean place, decorated with wall paintings of bygone era in most colourful palette. The unconventional advertisements of matrimony, astrology, ayurvedic and Unani medicines. Scenes from movies and scintillating performances were evident on the entire height of the walls. Old gramophones, broken down trucks, bicycles decorated, captured the essence of rustic living. Never mind the spellings that added so much fun and twist. A make sure reminder for how it all really existed then.

The menu was Rajasthani and a mixed bag. A discount for Amitabh Bachchan like voice was an added incentive (though never granted). A lively place had occasional glimpses of modernity as in display of vintage cars and art pieces which you neither can nor will ever purchase. A definite three and a half star from me.