India

Khamma Ghani Rajasthan! Rajasthan, the land of Maharajas or the Kings, is a vibrant state in the northwestern part of India. It proudly showcases its royal heritage.A treasure trove of history, colourful culture, majestic landmarks and architecture, and delectable cuisine.  A trip through Rajasthan offers an unforgettable journey through magnificent forts, lavish palaces, intricate carvings of havelis, vibrant markets, serene lakes and golden sands of the Thar Desert. It has a unique blend of heritage and modernity that attracts travellers from around the world and I have already been twice to this spectacular state! This blog will take you on my journey through Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, four cities that capture the essence of Rajasthan. This trip was extra special as my mom was my travel companion! Jaipur: The Pink City (3-4 days) As you arrive in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, the pink hues (don’t confuse it with the modern pink, as told by the locals, pink was reddish brown in olden days!) of the historic buildings welcome you with open arms. Jaipur is a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends tradition with modernity. Highlights: Amer Fort: A majestic fort located on a hilltop, Amer Fort is known for its artistic Hindu-style architecture and offers a panoramic view of the city. City Palace: A sprawling complex that includes Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal, City Palace is a living testimony to Jaipur’s royal heritage. Hawa Mahal: It is also known as the Palace of Winds and, without a doubt, is an architectural marvel with its intricate latticework. Moreover, its unique design allows for a cool breeze to flow through, even during the hot summer months. Jantar Mantar: An astronomical observatory that houses the world’s largest stone sundial, Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Patrika Gate: Constructed in recent times and situated in the heart of the city, it is a beautiful gateway in traditional style that leads to a park. Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar: Offers a plethora of traditional Rajasthani items, including jewellery, textiles, and handicrafts. Don’t forget to bargain. Cuisine: Don’t miss out on trying the local delicacies like Dal Baati Churma, Ghewar, and Pyaaz Kachori. Jaisalmer: The Golden City (3 days) Jaisalmer is nestled in the vast Thar desert and offers glimpses of rural Rajasthan and its unique landscapes. This sparkling city of havelis (mansions) is renowned for its golden-hued sandstone architecture that gleams under the desert sun. Highlights: Sam Sand Dunes: Experience the vastness of the Thar Desert with a visit to the Sam Sand Dunes, where you can enjoy camel rides, 4×4 rides, and witness stunning sunsets across the desert. Desert Safari: No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a desert safari. Spend a night in the desert in comfortable tents. Under the starlit sky, enjoy cultural performances, and savour traditional Rajasthani cuisine around a campfire. Jaisalmer Fort: Rising majestically like a distinctive city from the sands on the horizons of Jaisalmer, Jaisalmer Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest fully preserved forts in the world where people still reside! Additionally, it offers a unique glimpse into the region’s history and culture. Patwon Ki Haveli: A collection of five havelis, Patwon Ki Haveli is known for its intricate carvings and impressive architecture and the bustling bazaars with local singers singing folk songs around it. Gadisar Lake: The traditional structure around the lake makes it more beautiful. Bada Bagh and Vyas Chatri: Home to several historical cenotaphs or royal tombs create a calming yet artistic atmosphere. Salim Singh–ki haveli: A mansion with intricate architecture. Cuisine: The local cuisine in Jaisalmer features rich and spicy dishes such as Ker Sangri and Gatte Ki Sabzi. Moreover, Jaisalmer’s cuisine is known for its use of unique local ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Stay at a Haveli: When in Jaisalmer, be sure to stay at an old Haveli Hotel and experience how locals lived. Jodhpur: The Blue City (2 days) The road trip from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur is a scenic drive that brings you to the gateway of the Thar Desert. Jodhpur, known for its blue-painted houses, offers a unique blend of history and culture. We travelled Jaisalmer to Jodhpur by road and it took us around 5 hours (265 kms approximately) Highlights: Mehrangarh Fort: One of the largest forts in India, Mehrangarh Fort stands tall over the city and provides breathtaking views of Jodhpur. Umaid Bhawan Palace: Truly, a magnificent palace that is part hotel, part museum, and part royal residence. Additionally, it offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the royal family. Jaswant Thada: A beautiful marble cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Exploring the Blue Streets of the Old City: Take a leisurely walk through the narrow, winding streets of the old city to experience the charm of the blue houses and the local way of life. Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi: An historical stepwell that provided water to the locals of areas in olden days. Street Food: Don’t miss out on Raj kachori, Mirchi Bada, lassi and Gulab jamun, mawa kachori at the local eateries. Shopping Recommendations: Shop for handicrafts, antiques, and textiles at Sardar Market and Clock Tower Market. Udaipur: The City of Lakes (3-4 days) The journey from Jodhpur to Udaipur is picturesque, with views of the Aravalli Range and lush greenery. With its shimmering lakes and exotic palaces this city is irresistible. Jodhpur to Udaipur was another road trip of 5 hours (245 km approximately). During the journey, travellers can enjoy the scenic landscapes and charming villages along the way. Highlights: City Palace: Overlooking Lake Pichola, City Palace is a grand structure that offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Mewar dynasty. Lake Pichola: Undoubtedly, a serene and scenic lake that is perfect for boat rides and also offers stunning views of the surrounding palaces. A boat ride on Lake Pichola at sunset is a must-do activity, offering mesmerising views of the City Palace, nearby luxurious hotels and the

Dear India, I feel immense pride and happiness to call you home. You are every traveler’s dream, and I am fortunate to be born in this amazing country. India you are a land of contrasts, surprises and wonder where ancient and modern coexist in perfect harmony. The Indian tourism board’s tagline says, “Incredible India”. And indeed, I don’t think any other word can do justice to my beautiful country. Foreigners often ask me, where should we travel in India during our trip? And this is the most difficult question to answer. Because it is such a diverse and fascinating country that has something to offer to every traveler. From the bustling streets of metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad to the calm of the villages and towns in every state. Mighty snow-capped mountains and valleys of Himachal, Uttarakhand and Kashmir to sun-kissed beaches of Kerala, Goa and Andaman. From pristine lakes of Ladakh, cascading waterfalls of Meghalaya, to arid deserts of Rajasthan, forests and national parks bustling with wildlife, India is a land of breathtaking landscapes. If you are looking for adventures, there are numerous treks in the Himalayas, white water rafting and Bungee jumping in Rishikesh, scuba diving in islands of Andaman and Lakshadweep, Umling La pass in Ladhak is the world’s highest motorable road. For the culturally curious, India offers the ultimate adventure. India is where you will find the world’s oldest continually inhabited city of Varanasi on the banks of river Ganga. Ancient temples of Tamil Nadu and Hampi, majestic forts of Maharashtra, palaces of Rajasthan, caves of Ajanta and Ellora and many other UNESCO World Heritage Sites are a window into its rich history. The vibrant festivals, colourful dressing, diverse languages combined with variety of music, dance, art, unique customs and traditions and welcoming locals reflect India’s rich culture. India is undeniably a food lovers paradise with its flavourful and assorted cuisine bursting with aromatic spices and regional delicacies. From the curries and Naan in the North to Idlis and Dosas in the south to the countless street food and desserts, India is a culinary delight. India is a huge country with 28 states and 8 union territories, each having its own culture, language and identity.  It is not wrong to say that each state is like a country, such is the diversity at every corner and we Indians embrace this diversity as we discover something new each time we visit a new part of the country. On your trip to India, you can choose to explore one state at a time or combine 3-4 depending on your duration. Generally all the places are very well connected by roads, railways and domestic flights. You can choose to stay in luxurious resorts, affordable hotels, comfortable Airbnbs or humble home stays. Furthermore, if you are a bag packer, India has chains of amazing hostels as well. India offers an array of experiences for all who seek to immerse themselves in its magic It is a country that captivates the senses and nourishes the soul. This is a place that must be seen to be believed and journey through India will stay with you forever and its memories will last for a lifetime. No wonder I developed love for travel as my introduction to travel was done through all these amazing places right from a very young age. Thanks to my parents for that. So far, I have traveled to 13 states and 3 union territories which I feel is less compared to what India has to offer and I intend to travel more here. So, stay tuned to read more blogs from India as I explore more of my home.