Of Forts, Sands, and Stars: Monika’s Rajasthan Trip Review with Thrillophilia
“Another week, another deadline!” I sighed, staring at the endless lines of code on my screen. My husband quickly looked at me from his laptop and I could not help but notice a mix of concern and sympathy on his face.
“I think we need a break, Monika. Something to shake us out of this routine,” he said, rubbing the sweat off his forehead.
“Like what?” I replied, not really believing a simple getaway could change our lives.
“Rajasthan,” he proposed, quite randomly.
Rajasthan! The name alone felt like a burst of colour in our grey, tech-driven lives. I remembered flipping through old travel magazines and seeing grand forts, deserts, and the rich culture of the land.
My grandmother had told me tales of Rajasthan's kings and queens, their bravery, and how the state had everything one could ask for. Perhaps it was time for us to see and experience all of them in person!
“Let’s go!” I said, a spark igniting within me.
The Arrival
“Welcome to the Pink City!” our taxi driver announced, breaking the stillness of the early morning. The pink hues of the buildings seemed to breathe life into the city.
Finally, I started to feel excitement tingling within me.
We dropped our bags at the hotel, a charming haveli adorned with traditional artwork. My heart raced as we headed to our first stop: the City Palace.
“Did You Know, The City Palace is a complex of palaces built in the 18th century. Its architecture is a mixture of Rajasthani and Mughal art.”, said our guide as we stared at the walls and ceilings in awe.
As we strolled through the courtyards, each corner whispered secrets of the royal heritage. The walls were like storytellers, narrating tales of bravery and elegance
“Imagine living here,” my husband said, gazing at the intricate carvings.
I smiled, imagining myself in a flowing lehenga, dancing at a royal celebration. My grandmother was right, Rajasthan was truly a spectacular place to travel!
Our next stop was the Hawa Mahal.
After a short walk, we found ourselves standing outside the Palace of Winds, finally!!
I always wanted to visit this place in person, and find out why it had this name…
“Look at all those tiny windows! How did they even get up there?” I wondered.
We laughed, imagining the princesses peeking out at the world beyond their palace walls. After snapping a few photos and listening to the tour guide in amazement, we decided to have our lunch and then visit the iconic Amer Fort- the home of Queen Jodha.
The fort, with its gigantic walls and majestic entrance, was a sight to behold. We climbed to the top, marvelling at the panoramic view of the city.
The Blue City Beckons
As we drove through the desert landscape, the majestic Mehrangarh Fort stood tall ahead, seemingly casting a spell on us.
“This place feels like a movie set,” I exclaimed.
“Mehrangarh Fort was built in 1459 and is one of the largest forts in India, known for its imposing structure and beautiful interiors”, said our local guide.
I could feel the pride in his voice.
Exploring the fort, I felt like an explorer discovering treasures of the past. Each room was filled with royal furniture and exhibits depicting the life of the Marwar kings.
Afterwards, we visited the serene Jaswant Thada, a marble cenotaph that serves as the cremation area for the royal family of Jodhpur, till date. I kept questioning my guide about every little detail like a curious kid because what I was experiencing was beyond fascinating.
“It’s incredible how these places have stood the test of time. They remind us of our roots,” I said, feeling grateful for this experience.
As the day came to a close, we explored the local market. The stalls near Ghanta Ghar were filled with colourful textiles and traditional Bishnoi handicrafts.
“We have to buy something to remember this trip,” my husband insisted, picking up a beautiful silver showpiece.
“It will be perfect to keep on our bedside table. It will remind us of this dreamy kingdom in the mornings we feel stuck in Mumbai”, said he.
And I couldn’t agree more.
The Desert Mirage
Jaisalmer appeared like a golden dream as we arrived. The ‘Sonar Kella’ fort gleamed in the sunlight, and I felt like I had stepped into a fairy tale.
Inside the fort, I was amazed by the narrow alleys and lively shops that boasted millions of colours. It felt so alive!
As we explored Patwon Ki Haveli, I spent my time admiring the extremely detailed carvings and craftsmanship of the walls and the entrances, and as a fun fact, I also learned from my guide that Patwon Ki Haveli is a collection of five Havelis and not one!
Later, we headed out for a camel safari in the Thar Desert. As we rode into the golden dunes, the vastness took my breath away. The sun began to set, and we could not have asked for a better end to the day as we saw the sky slowly turn to a fair of twinkling stars within minutes.
“This is beyond beautiful,” my husband said, holding my hand.
After reaching back the campsite, we gathered around a campfire, enjoying Rajasthani folk music and dance. We were also served the tastiest Rajasthani Thali which made our hearts even fuller.
“These moments are what life is about,” I took a deep breath in the cool desert air.
Back to Square One
As we returned to our apartment, the memories of Rajasthan clung to us like the scent of spices in the air. Each city had given us stories, their own colours, and experiences that we would cherish forever.
“Sometimes, all you need is a little adventure to remind you how beautiful life can be,” I said, leaning against my beloved husband.
Rajasthan was our escape and a significant chapter in the story of our lives.
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