Anil’s Royal Vacation in the Heart of Rajasthan with Family
Some places call out to you in the whispers of history, in the colours of their streets, and in the stories that live within their walls. For me, that place was Jaipur.
I had always been fascinated by Rajasthan, but it was my wife who insisted that Jaipur had a charm unmatched by any other. “It is not just forts and palaces, Anil,” she had told me, showing me pictures of the bustling bazaars and intricate architecture of the city. “It is a world frozen in time.”
And so, on February 6, 2024, we set off from Mumbai, along with our son on a much-awaited journey to explore the grandeur of Jaipur before making our way through the rest of Rajasthan.
A City Drenched in Royalty
The moment we stepped out of Jaipur Airport, we were greeted with a warm “Khamma Ghani!” by our guide from Thrillophilia. The air carried the aroma of fresh kachoris and the sound of bustling markets was vibrant, chaotic, and absolutely mesmerising.
Our first stop was the City Palace, the residence of the Jaipur royal family. Home to the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, the palace complex had several buildings, courtyards, and offices of the Museum Trust. The palace also displayed age-old weapons, exquisite handlooms, and artefacts that seemed to carry whispers of history.
“What if I was a prince and lived here?” my son thought aloud, spinning around in one of the courtyards.
“Then you would have to follow royal manners and wake up at sunrise every day,” my wife teased.
From there, we made our way to the Hawa Mahal. Its 953 jharokhas (windows) gave the palace an almost honeycomb-like appearance. Built for the royal women to observe city life without being seen, it stood as a masterpiece of Rajput architecture. My son pressed his face against the small openings and pretended to be a hidden prince.
As the sun began to set, we visited the Birla Temple, whose white marble gleamed under the evening sky. It was peaceful and a stark contrast to the bustling streets we had explored earlier. That night, at Shikaar Bagh, we indulged in a feast fit for kings - dal baati churma, laal maas, and gatte ki sabzi. As we savoured every bite, I realised Jaipur was all about embracing life in its grandest form.
The Crown Jewel of Jaipur
The next morning, we set off to explore what would become my favourite part of Jaipur - the Amer Fort.
Standing on top of a hill, the fort looked like a golden mirage in the distance. We chose to climb the old-fashioned way - on an elephant, just as the royals once did. As we rode up, I marvelled at the massive stone walls and intricate carvings.
Inside, Amer Fort was a world of wonders. The Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) left us speechless - it was said that a single candle’s light could illuminate the entire hall. My son tested the theory by flashing his phone’s flashlight, watching as the tiny mirrors reflected it into a million sparkles.
Later, we visited Jaigarh Fort, which houses the largest cannon in the world. Fascinated by its sheer size, my son bombarded our guide with endless questions.
As the day wound down, we made a quick stop at Jal Mahal, the stunning water palace floating in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. The golden reflection of the palace on the water was a sight we would never forget.
Markets and Flavours of Jaipur
A trip to Jaipur is incomplete without getting lost in its bazaars. That evening, we wandered through Bapu Bazaar, where my wife indulged in vibrant bandhani sarees and mojris, while I was drawn to the scent of freshly made ghewar. On the other hand, my son was fascinated by the puppets and handcrafted toys on display.
“Papa, can we take these home?” he pleaded, holding up a pair of wooden puppets.
As we haggled with the vendor, I realised that Jaipur was about the people, the crafts, and the centuries-old traditions that thrived in its streets.
The Other Gems of Rajasthan
Leaving Jaipur was not easy, but our journey continued towards Jodhpur, the city of blue houses and tall forts. The Mehrangarh Fort stood tall above the city and offered breathtaking views. We explored its palaces, listened to tales of its battles, and admired the artistry of Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal.
Jodhpur was different from Jaipur - quieter, yet equally majestic. Before leaving, we stopped at the Umaid Bhawan Palace, where luxury and history blended seamlessly.
Our final destination was Jaisalmer, the Golden City. Walking through the Jaisalmer Fort, where locals still lived within the ancient walls, felt like stepping into a bygone era. The Patwon ki Haveli showcased intricate carvings that spoke of a rich past.
But the Sam Sand Dunes were where the real magic happened. Riding a camel into the desert, watching the sunset over the endless dunes, and later, dancing to the rhythm of folk music under a starlit sky - it was an experience that words could never fully capture.
Rajasthan was indeed a living canvas of history, culture, and grandeur. From the opulent palaces to the golden dunes, every corner had a story waiting to be told.
Read More: Thrillophilia Rajasthan Reviews