Osian Desert Safari, Rajasthan (2007)
It was an invitation too tempting to resist, especially because it came with no obligations except to steer a Mahindra vehicle up and down the dunes and shrubs, kicking up dust in the desert is not something you do everyday. The invitation came from Pawan Goenka, the CEO of Mahindra group for a five-star trip for you and your partner. So we were flown to Jodhpur, driven to Osian, a small town some 65 kms away, ensconced in a plush five-start tent, ferried to local sights like the exquisite Osia and Jain temples, shown around Mehrangarh fort and museum, wined and dined and given a vehicle to do a bit of dune-bashing.