Of Magnificence, Culture and Royalty: Anurag's Thrillophilia Review of a Rajasthan Trip
The idea of Rajasthan came to us during a casual chat. We had been yearning for a getaway, something unlike our usual beach or hill trips. While scrolling through travel packages on Thrillophilia's website, Rajasthan caught my eye - the majestic forts, colourful bazaars, and endless dunes.
“We’ve never done a desert trip before,” I said, already thinking about the camel rides under a golden sunset.
My partner agreed, mentioning how Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal had always fascinated her. The decision felt natural, as we were both attracted to Rajasthan’s rich heritage and lively culture. Within hours, our itinerary was ready, and excitement began to build. The land of kings, stories, and flavours would soon be ours to explore.
Where the Past Meets the Present
Rajasthan welcomed us with open arms and tales of bygone eras, starting with Jaipur, the Pink City.
We kicked off our journey with a visit to the iconic Hawa Mahal. As we admired its honeycomb-like windows, I couldn’t help but notice my partner’s attempts at a perfect selfie angle. She turned to me, squinting against the sun, and said, “How do influencers make it look so easy?” I snapped a candid picture of her. Spoiler alert: that’s the one that ended up on Instagram.
Next, we headed to Jantar Mantar, an observatory that left me feeling like I’d stepped into an ancient sci-fi movie. The massive instruments sparked curiosity. “How did they even figure out how to tell time with this?” I wondered.
The evening at Govind Dev Ji Temple offered a serene contrast. The air buzzed with devotion as worshippers sang hymns. While exploring the bustling local market afterwards, I couldn’t resist trying a street vendor’s kachori. My partner warned, “This might be too spicy for you to handle,” but one bite in, and I fell in love with it. Although, she knew me too well, and teased me while I looked for a dessert nearby, “That kachori was worth it, wasn’t it?” It absolutely was.
Forts, Folklore, and Fun
In Jodhpur, the Mehrangarh Fort took our breath away - not just because of its grandeur but also the climb. “Who needs a leg day at the gym when you have Rajasthan’s forts?” I joked, panting halfway up.
The fort’s intricate carvings and panoramic views made every step worth it. A particularly cheeky squirrel near the walls provided some comic relief when it tried to snatch my water bottle.
The nearby Jaswant Thada, with its serene white marble structure, offered us a moment of peace. As we wandered through, we stumbled upon a musician playing the ravanhatta. Mesmerized by the melodious tunes, my partner asked, “Can we buy one of these?” I reminded her that we already had a keyboard and a guitar lying covered in dust back at home.
Later at Ghanta Ghar, we indulged in some street shopping. A vendor’s aggressive bargaining tactics led to a memorable exchange:
Vendor: “This scarf is fit for royalty!
Me: “But is it fit for a budget traveller?”
My partner burst into laughter, and we walked away with the scarf - and a story to tell.
Sand, Stars, and Stories
Our royal adventure in Rajasthan continued in the Golden City, Jaisalmer.
The Jaisalmer Fort felt alive with its bustling alleys and shops. A shopkeeper lured us in with, “Sir, madam, step in, and I promise you’ll leave with the world’s finest handwoven rug!” My partner asked him, “Do you also sell extra luggage for all the rugs?” The man laughed heartily and gave us a small trinket for her wit.
At Gadisar Lake, the peaceful ambience was interrupted when I tried rowing a rented boat. Let’s just say my coordination skills aren’t outstanding. My partner laughed so hard she could barely hold the camera steady. She found it really funny how we came in for the views of the lake but ended up getting busy with my complete lack of boat-handling skills.
The highlight, however, was the night at Sam Sand Dunes. Riding a camel named Rocket, I quickly learned that camels have personalities. Rocket decided to lie down mid-ride, much to my surprise. The handler shrugged and told us how the camels sometimes get exhausted and take breaks on their own, at any moment.
As the sun set, the dunes turned golden, and the evening unfolded with traditional music and dance around a bonfire. At one point, the dancers pulled us in. My attempt at Rajasthani dance moves became an instant crowd favourite - for all the wrong reasons. My partner laughed, “You’ve created a new genre...the Anurag twirl.”
Rajasthan wasn’t just about its stunning forts, magical dunes, or vibrant markets. It was about the moments in between - the laughter, and the unexpected adventures. Every day felt like stepping into a storybook, with each page revealing a new tale of royalty, bravery, and tradition.
What stood out most was the hospitality of the people and their warmth. The shopkeeper’s friendly banter, the guide’s animated storytelling, and even the camel handler’s spontaneous humour, all added to the magic.
If you’re considering a trip to Rajasthan, don't think twice. And remember to not skip the kachoris - just pack some candies along. Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t forget, not just for the sights but for the memories you’ll make along the way.
Read More: Thrillophilia Rajasthan Review