Anil’s Childhood Memory Took Him to Rajasthan with His Family
For me, travel has always been more than just a change of scenery. It was about reliving forgotten emotions, chasing echoes of the past, and finding stories hidden in the corners of time. This trip to Rajasthan was a promise I had made to myself long ago.
As a child, I had once seen a photograph of my grandfather standing in front of Mehrangarh Fort, his eyes filled with admiration. That image had stuck with me for years, buried somewhere in my memory until a conversation with my son brought it back to life.
“Papa, what is the best place you have never been to?” he asked one evening, his curious eyes searching mine.
Without hesitation, I answered, “Jodhpur.”
That was it. My wife smiled knowingly, and within weeks, our bags were packed. On the morning of February 6, 2024, we boarded a flight from Mumbai, ready to uncover the magic of Rajasthan together.
A Regal Beginning in Jaipur
Our journey began in Jaipur, the Pink City, where history and modernity coexist in perfect harmony. The moment we arrived, the grandeur of the city surrounded us with ornate palaces, bustling bazaars, and streets alive with the scent of spices and sandalwood.
We spent our first day exploring City Palace, where centuries-old artefacts whispered tales of the royal past of Jaipur. My wife was fascinated by the handwoven carpets and antique weapons, while my son ran ahead excitedly, pointing at the intricate architecture.
“Hawa Mahal next!” he declared as if leading an expedition.
Standing before the iconic Hawa Mahal, I admired its delicate lattice windows. “Imagine how the queens watched the world from here,” my wife thought out aloud. The thought was both melancholic and beautiful.
As the day faded, we visited the Birla Temple to see its white marble glowing under the twilight. Over a hearty Rajasthani meal at Shikaar Bagh, we laughed, reminisced, and prepared ourselves for the journey ahead. But deep down, I knew my heart was already yearning for Jodhpur.
The Blue City of Jodhpur that Stole Our Hearts
The drive from Jaipur to Jodhpur was a journey through time. The moment we entered the Blue City, I felt something shift within me. There was an energy here - untamed, regal, and deeply rooted in history.
Our first stop was Mehrangarh Fort, the very place that had drawn me to Rajasthan in the first place. As I stood at its entrance, staring up at its tall walls, I felt an unexplainable connection.
Inside, the fort was a world of its own - grand courtyards, intricate carvings, and echoes of battles fought long ago. My son was surprised to see the Jaivana cannon, while my wife admired the stunning Sheesh Mahal, whose mirror work reflected light in mesmerising patterns.
But for me, the most breathtaking moment came when we stepped onto the fort’s ramparts. Below us, the entire city stretched out - a sea of blue houses blending seamlessly with the horizon. The sight was surreal. I imagined my grandfather standing here decades ago, taking in the same view, his heart swelling with the same surprise.
Later, we visited Jaswant Thada, which was built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The place had a stillness that contrasted with the imposing grandeur of Mehrangarh. The intricate marble lattice work, glowing under the afternoon sun, added to its ethereal beauty.
Later, we made our way to Sardar Market near the Clock Tower. The market was filled with vivid textiles, aromatic spices, and the rhythmic calls of shopkeepers. My wife could not resist picking up handcrafted jewellery, while my son insisted on trying a fiery mirchi vada. One bite and his eyes watered instantly.
“Spicy?” I teased.
He nodded furiously, gulping down water, but with a determined smile. “Worth it,” he said.
That night, we sat on the rooftop of our hotel and gazed at the illuminated Mehrangarh Fort.
The Golden Mirage of Jaisalmer
The next morning, we left for Jaisalmer which looked as if it had been sculpted from pure gold. Unlike Jaipur’s grandeur or Jodhpur’s royalty, Jaisalmer had a rustic charm and a sense of mystery woven into its golden walls.
We explored the Jaisalmer Fort, where people still resided in ancient havelis. The narrow lanes, filled with shops selling embroidered textiles and camel leather goods, felt like something out of an Arabian Nights tale.
At Gadisar Lake, we watched the golden reflections dance on the water’s surface.
But the real magic awaited us in the Thar Desert. As we arrived at Sam Sand Dunes, the vast area of golden sand stretched before us. My son could not contain his excitement as we climbed onto camels and swayed with each step as they carried us deeper into the dunes.
The sunset that evening was unlike anything I had ever seen - the sky blazed in hues of orange, pink, and purple and cast long shadows over the rippling sand. As night fell, we gathered around a bonfire, enchanted by the hypnotic twirls of Kalbelia dancers and the soulful tunes of the Ravanahatha.
Farewell to the Land of Kings
Our journey through Rajasthan had been nothing short of extraordinary. From Jaipur’s royal grandeur to Jodhpur’s historic charm and Jaisalmer’s golden embrace, every place has given us something to cherish.
We boarded our flight back to Mumbai, with tons of memories and a promise to visit again.
Read More: Thrillophilia Rajasthan Reviews