Julie: Welcome to Passport to Adventure, I'm Julie Conover. Safari with me across India’s Thar Desert, one of the harshest environments in the world. And meet the people who have tamed it.
Male: In this episode, we’ll explore the golden city of Jaisalmer, with her narrow alleys and intricately carved sandstone buildings.
Julie: We’ll board our gangly beast and meet the colorful tribal people or Rajasthan.
Male: We’ll visit India’s largest desert festival to mingle with the thousands of people and animals that assembled here each year.
Julie: For centuries people have been gathering here in Pushkar to sell livestock, worship, and celebrate.
Male: We’ll gallop across the dunes like the ancient Rajput warriors.
Female: We’ll make the migration to one of India’s most famous bird sanctuaries and venture beyond the walls of her most enduring symbol, the Taj Mahal.
Male: It all happens next on Passport to Adventure.
Julie: The state of Rajasthan is bordered by Pakistan which up until 1947 was a part of India. 68% of Rajasthan is covered by the vast Thar Desert, also known as the region of death.
Male: As you most trips to northern India, ours began in Delhi. One of the country’s most congested and exciting cities.
Delhi’s crowded streets made for some interesting people watching and a great introduction to the culture.
Julie: All sorts of converted bicycle are use to haul adorable school children in neat uniforms. The children are very friendly and always eager to practice their English.
Our local guide Arun, was anxious to acquaint me with Indian cuisine. And I'm always game to try a little street food.
Arun: This street is known as Paratha alley.
Julie: It’s where they make all the Paratha.
Arun: For years.
You say if anything is wrong, we’ll give you 1001 rupee.