I was in India for a short while and I really wanted to explore the vibrant culture of our country. And there seemed no better place to do that than the grand state of Rajasthan
Day 1: Amber Fort
We reached Jaipur by Lunch time and first headed towards Amber Fort. Though the actual royal enclosure looks much more fascinating and huge, we had to make-do with the colossal fortification of Amber. It was beautiful and the panoramic shots from the jharokhas (or windows) was something beyond the description in words. However, the much spoken about Belgium-glass and mirror studded hall called Sheesh Mahal was definitely the highlight, making the Amber Fort a must see!
Day 2: Bikaner
Bikaner is definitely a foodie’s paradise, with its mouth watering savouries and sweets!
Day 3: Jaisalmer and Desert Camp
Post a heavy breakfast, I headed towards Lake Jaisalmer. One of the locals told me how it used to be a place where people stayed when the fort was closed, alongside the embankments, which was now squatted by generations. Next was a magnificent golden, sandy structure, known as Patwon ki Haveli. Legends have it that opium and spice traders travelling via the Silk Routes stopped over here and made a fortune. And, what’s even better is to see the only living fort that’s situated here in Jaisalmer.
The cab ride to the Manvar Desert Camp and Resort from Jaisalmer was a short one. Post a delicious and sumptuous welcome lunch of Rajasthani delicacies (including the famous Daal Baati Choorma and Lal Maas), I was led to my uber-luxurious tent. And, while I cannot describe it enough, the pictures speak for itself. Next on my itinerary was a jeep safari over the sand dunes of the Thar desert. The sand and sun never looked better!
Day 4: Jodhpur
The Jodhpur Fort was worth a sight, but besides the blue and the doors, Jodhpur is known for its shopping arcades. The locals and their markets are an impressive display!
Day 5: Udaipur
The city palace was worth the spectacle because of its enigmatic myths and legendary history. The locals spoke of such legends regarding the erstwhile rulers- Rana Pratap and Chetak and the Suryavanshi Descendants tracing back their lineage to stories from the Mahabharata. However, without a doubt, going to LakePichola was the best part of Udaipur. The view is truly epic and so was the boat ride.