A Royal Escape: Nilesh Joshi’s Family Adventure in Rajasthan
Nilesh Joshi had always been captivated by history. His life had been revolving around meetings, deals, and deadlines. The thought of taking a break felt like a distant dream, but his family longed for a vacation. So, when the year-end approached, he finally decided to swap boardrooms for palaces, ledgers for forts, and routine for adventure.
Rajasthan had always fascinated him as a destination. A land of majestic forts, vibrant bazaars, golden deserts, and timeless traditions, it promised the perfect blend of history and luxury. On December 26, 2023, Nilesh, his wife, and their two kids boarded a flight to Jaipur, ready to embark on a journey they would cherish forever.
The Grand Welcome in the Pink City
As they landed in Jaipur, the fresh winter air carried a faint scent of spices and fresh kachoris. A smiling representative welcomed them, guiding them to their hotel. After freshening up, they set off for their first adventure.
Their first stop was the Albert Hall Museum. The sight of pigeons taking flight against the backdrop of the grand Indo-Saracenic architecture was mesmerising. Their young son giggled as he ran through the courtyard while chasing the birds.
Next came the iconic Hawa Mahal. “So many windows, Papa! How do they even clean them?” the little one asked, his voice filled with wonder. They marvelled at the intricate architecture of the palace before heading to Jantar Mantar, where Nilesh was fascinated by the massive sundial.
The day ended with a visit to Govind Dev Ji Temple, where the rhythmic chants and the golden glow of lamps filled their hearts with serenity. “Rajasthan already feels magical,” Nilesh’s wife whispered as they returned to their hotel.
From the Palaces of Jaipur to the Lakes of Udaipur
The next morning, after an enriching tour of Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort, and Nahargarh Fort, they set off for Udaipur. The drive was long, but the sight of the Tallest Shiva Statue at Nathdwara and the peaceful ambience of Eklingji Temple made it worthwhile.
As their car approached Udaipur, the landscape transformed. The lakes shimmered under the evening sky, and palaces stood like silent storytellers of the past.
Their first evening in Udaipur was spent strolling through Gulab Bagh, where their son excitedly pointed at the zoo animals. They admired the twinkling reflections of Lake Pichola before heading to Fateh Sagar Lake.
“That is Jagmandir,” their driver explained, pointing towards a palace in the middle of the lake. “Legend says Shah Jahan took inspiration from it for the Taj Mahal.”
“History is truly alive here,” Nilesh thought aloud.
The next day, they visited the Sahelion-ki-Bari, where fountains danced amidst lush greenery. The City Palace left them awestruck, with its mirrored walls and ornate courtyards. Their son was particularly fascinated by the shimmering chandeliers at the Crystal Gallery.
In the evening, they enjoyed a serene boat ride on Lake Pichola, where the City Palace and Jag Mandir glowed under the moonlight. It was indeed a moment of pure tranquillity.
The Enchantment of the Blue City
Leaving behind the lakes, they ventured into the heart of Marwar - JODHPUR. The grandeur of Mehrangarh Fort, standing tall over the city, was breathtaking. From its ramparts, they watched the city bathed in hues of blue.
At Jaswant Thada, Nilesh ran his fingers over the white marble carvings. “It looks like the Taj Mahal of Jodhpur,” the guide remarked.
They spent the evening at Balsamand Lake, enjoying a quiet moment amidst the well-manicured gardens. Later, his wife picked up colourful juttis and handicrafts at the bustling Ghanta Ghar market, while their son was fascinated with the spicy aroma of Rajasthani street food.
Golden Sands and Desert Dreams in Jaisalmer
Their journey took a new turn as they entered Jaisalmer, the ‘Golden City’. On their way, they stopped at the Jaisalmer War Memorial to pay respects to the brave soldiers of India.
The Jaisalmer Fort was unlike any other - they were amazed to see families still living within its ancient walls. They wandered through the narrow lanes to explore shops selling leather goods and Rajasthani textiles.
Their final night was reserved for a desert experience at Sam Sand Dunes. As they rode camels through the golden expanse, the sky turned a fiery orange. They had a great time watching the sun dip below the dunes.
They also enjoyed experiencing dune bashing at the camp, which was an exhilarating activity for the family. As the evening set in, folk dancers twirled gracefully around a bonfire and their vibrant ghagras swirled in rhythm. The air was filled with the soulful tunes of the desert, and they feasted on authentic Rajasthani cuisine.
Looking at his wife and kids, their faces glowing in the firelight, Nilesh felt a deep sense of contentment. “This is what travel is all about,” he thought. “Moments like these.”
And with that, they carried home a piece of Rajasthan in their hearts, knowing that some journeys never truly end - they live on forever in memories.
Read More: Thrillophilia Rajasthan Reviews