Rajasthan: Sawai Madhopur station

Stunning landscapes, majestic forts, history steeped in tales of valour, colourful folk in matching attires, great shopping and unique cuisines—Rajasthan has much to offer. What remain big letdowns are transport links, especially railways. Indian Railways has failed to take into account that tourists may want cleaner coaches or stations that are swept! Hearteningly, the Sawai Madhopur station, gateway to the Ranthambhore National Park, has just had a makeover. A team of local painters from the Ranthambhore School of Art have, well, brought wall art to the station by covering the station’s surfaces with paintings, graffiti and cut-outs depicting the flora and fauna of the region. The project, conceived by conservationist Valmik Thapar, is being funded by the World Wide Fund for Nature-India and supported by the Indian Railways. Initial reviews have left travellers ecstatic, given that they no longer have to jump to avoid poo puddles or vomit lakes. Instead, lush foliage surrounds you, and wall tigers lurk overhead. Welcome relief indeed.