Dehli -Mandawa

On the road we stop for a scenic walk in the village of Narnol.

The numerous stalls are covered with beautiful local fruits and vegetables. There is really everything: cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, small bananas, coconut, papaya, peanuts, etc ...

Our guide will make us taste the water chestnut which is very pleasant. Do not forget the sweet preparations that the Indians are very fond of. We are told that, if they do not eat meat, they get back on the desserts. We notice a pharmacy. Here it plays a more important role than at home. The pharmacist also serves as a doctor because he knows the inhabitants of his neighborhood.

The afternoon is devoted to the discovery of havelis.

These are the old beautiful homes of the rich merchants of fabrics, spices, indigo or opium, in the 27th century, on the Silk Road. They are illustrated with frescoes depicting everyday life, legends or religious myths.

The natural pigments used are inter alia indigo and ocre.

Once past their beautiful wooden doors, one finds oneself in an inner courtyard on which several rooms open, such as rooms, kitchen, family temple, etc. Some havelis are transformed with irreproachable taste into a hotel, others are occupied by their current owners or are empty. It should be known that the rich merchants migrated to the big cities, following the development of the railroad and ports of commerce, in order to make fruit their business.