A Timeless Timeline of Pankaj’s Rajasthan Tour with Thrillophilia
When we at Thrillophilia received a call from Pankaj and his partner from Bhopal, it was almost 10 at night. They had called us for a booking of the Rajasthan trip, but there was one issue.
They wanted the departure date to be two days later.
It was the peak season of tourism for Rajasthan, but we did not wish to disappoint them. So, pulling strings from here and there, we finally arranged for their stays and transfers although there were not many options available. We put in all our workforce to make it happen, even going beyond the ordinary protocol of trip booking.
They had also asked for a counselling session regarding the destination, just to know about the possible extra budgeting, the weather expectations, what to pack, and what to eat. We had grown a nice bond with them over phone calls and WhatsApp, and we went the extra mile to ensure them a safe and comfortable trip.
13th November, 2022
As they entered the city through the Sanganeri gate, the Golden Hour greeted them.
The otherwise brownish walls of the houses and shops slowly started turning into a very peachy shade of pink, which made them realise how the city got its name.
They toured Hawa Mahal- absorbing its splendour and getting to know the history and logic behind the 953 jharokhas (the windows that served as a cooling machine for the fort and also as the only access for the Royal women to the outside world).
Since they had enough time to go to Govind Dev Ji, they decided to tour the market first. Getting excited by the varieties of jewellery and clothes in the Jawahar Bazar and Bapu Bazar, they ended up carrying 4 shopping bags to the temple.
14th November
The couple spent the whole day trying regional dishes like Gatte ki Sabzi, Dal Bati Churma,and Ghewar, in between touring the famous forts of Amer, Jaigarh, and Nahargarh.
This trip was spinning out of their imagination, the grandeur of the palaces and the intricate architectural designs, the art scenes, and the amazing artefacts of the place seemed to embed on their skins, making them glow pink, just like the city itself.
Their City Palace and Jantar Mantar tour revealed the Royal glamour of Jaipur, after which they wanted to spend some time relaxing.
It can be hard to soak in so much within such a short period. They understood that Rajasthan can never run out of places to impress you to the core.
15th November
They were in Udaipur.
Going over to the window, Pankaj slid open the curtains and his jaws dropped. A serene sight of the Fateh Sagar Lake lined by green Aravallis bid them a very good morning. Who would feel like stepping out of their room if they found such a mesmerising view?
But Pankaj and his partner had a city to tour!
Their whole day was spent touring the gems of the City of Lakes. Starting from the famous City Palace of Udaipur to Saheliyon ki Bari and Crystal Gallery, their journey through the culture and history of the region left them spellbound.
That is why, while taking the boat ride in Lake Pichola, they sat in silence, listening to the guide about the architectural marvels that they could see all around the lake. But by that time, they were more interested in just feeling the wind blowing on their faces and immersing themselves in the peaceful ambience of the lake.
16th November
They were discussing not being able to visit Sajjangarh Fort in Udaipur the previous day, overhearing which the driver commented,
“Visit during the monsoon season sir, you will fall in love with the place. Rajasthan is a diverse state, each region has its unique aspect. While Jaisalmer is best in Winter, Udaipur is best in Monsoon.”
The driver continued, “The state is made up of four different regions, and you can feel the cultural difference today itself after reaching Jodhpur. Not just that, the histories, the heritage all of it are quite different, yet similar in some way.”
The Blue City looked amazing from the Mehrangarh Fort. The Marwari architecture was indeed different from those in Jaipur and Udaipur, which astounded them. Surprised to go through the extensive history of the place, they spent almost 5 hours there.
They realised that the trip was a labyrinth of history, culture, and ethnography as they dived deeper into the roots of Rajasthan.
To top off the journey, they tried Mirchi vada during the evening from the Ghanta Ghar market which totally won over their hearts! But the real charm was the glass of Makhani lassi which left them craving for more and more!
And by the end of the day, while lying on their bed, they could not wait any longer to go to their much-awaited place- Jaisalmer.
18th November
The day before, on 17th, they had reached Jaisalmer and toured most of the town. But the best was left for the last.
As they stepped into the Golden Fort, their eyes glimmered with the stories of the past. More havelis they toured and the more stepwells they came across, they felt an overwhelming rush of emotions.
The history of the place was reflected in the eyes of the people. The singers, the children running around the alleyways, the shopkeepers selling clothes with mirror-works, all of the people they met treated them with utmost hospitality.
And before the day ended, they headed to the desert camp for their camel safari and camp stay. The sunset safari marked the perfect ending to their lovely trip. Not to forget the taste of Laal Maas and Hara Maas that compelled them to ask for two servings extra for dinner!
It was perhaps one of the most lively and happening vacations they had taken together, and to say the least, they were mind-blown.
*Not our words*
The thrill was visible in their voices as they conveyed their feedback to us over a phone call after departing from Rajasthan.
To quote them-
“We did not expect to see and learn so much. It was an experience of a lifetime. Thank you Thrillophilia for all your arrangements and for making our trip memorable!!”.
Read More: Thrillophilia Rajasthan Reviews