31st Wedding Anniversary

Sharpura Bhag 

Street Scene 

Rajasthani Men

Guru's Temple Complex

Dhiloka Fort

Wine at Sunset atop the Fort

Today is our 31^st Wedding Anniversary. Who would have thought of on that rainy, San Francisco day, that we would be celebrating another anniversary in India?

What a wonderful place for us to be! Sharpura Bhag is a most amazing property. The owners, the Royal Family of Sharpura, have converted their home and estate into a marvelous guest accommodation. They are very green, and grow much of the food they serve. The water is heated by solar power. The pool is heated, which is a rarity in India. They interact with their guests in a most wonderful way.

After breakfast Cathy and I went for a long nature walk around the property. We then walked through the Village of Sharpura. Everyone is welcoming, the people like having their picture taken. There is no pretense. This is the rural India that we love. Muslims and Hindus are totally integrated in this area of Rajasthan.

After the walk we spent the next couple of hours by the pool reading and relaxing. Sharpura Bhag, reminds me of an upscale Napa Resort. There is nothing that has been neglected. The floors and walls especially blew us away in our room. They are made of a limestone paste. It is immaculately white, more expensive than marble and requires constant upkeep. When we asked why they use the limestone, the owner replied that it is traditional; it is how it should be done.

At about 5pm they drove us to a large holy complex that is the home of generations of Guru’s. This is not a traditional Hindu temple but rather a shrine to the various Guru’s that have taught at the complex. It is quite beautiful.

We then drove to the abandoned Fort of Dhiloka about 30 minutes from Sharpura. It is on the top of the only hillside for miles and looks out over the farmlands and lakes. We climbed to the top, the only 2 people in the Fort, where there was wine and snacks arranged for us. It was quite a treat to be there at sunset alone is the ancient fort..

You can see a short video of the view from Dhiloka by clicking below.

Upon returning to Sharpura Bhag, we went for drinks by the pool. The cool night was made warm by braziers. The family, since the independence of India in 1947, cannot be considered Royal, but they still have peragatives and are very involved in local Charity. They surprised us with a bottle of Champagne for our Anniversary. After the poolside drinks we were escorted to their house where they served us a delicious dinner in their private dining room. A delicious Chocolate Anniversary Cake completed the dinner.

It was a memorable Anniversary.