From Palaces to Sand Dunes: Anil Shinde’s Family Trip to Rajasthan
Life had become a routine of deadlines, school runs, and responsibilities. So, Anil planned a trip to Rajasthan - a place his wife had always wanted to visit but never got around to.
So, the family decided to celebrate their journey through the beautiful landscape of Rajasthan.
"Papa, does Rajasthan have castles?" their son asked as they landed in Jaipur.
"Not just castles - whole kingdoms," Anil smiled.
His wife smirked. "And hopefully, decent food, because I am starving."
And so, their adventure began.
Living History and Vibrant Markets of Jaipur
The moment they stepped into City Palace, their son’s eyes widened.
"This is like a real-life kingdom!" he whispered, running his fingers over the intricate carvings.
The family walked through its grand courtyards and admired the walls decorated with paintings of battles, intricate mirror work, and the grandeur of royal artefacts on display.
Moving forward, they wandered through the Albert Hall Museum, with his son making dramatic sword-fighting moves near ancient weapons. At Hawa Mahal, Anil’s wife sighed in awe at the honeycomb windows while he tried to get the “perfect” photo - only for his son to photobomb every single one.
In the evening, they went to Birla Temple, where the peaceful atmosphere made them pause. But soon, hunger took over, and they found themselves at Shikaar Bagh, where they indulged in Rajasthani delicacies. The smoky aroma of Laal Maas filled the air, and the ghee-laden Dal Baati Churma melted in their mouths. Meanwhile, their son was more interested in the Churma, happily licking jaggery off his fingers.
The Forts and the Unexpected Hero
The next day was a deep dive into the grand forts of Jaipur. Amer Fort was the highlight, as its tall gates and maze-like corridors made Anil’s son feel like an explorer. Inside, they admired the Sheesh Mahal, where thousands of tiny mirrors reflected light and created the illusion of a starry sky.
At Jaigarh Fort, they stood before the largest cannon in the world, imagining the sheer power it once held. From Nahargarh Fort, the view of Jaipur stretched endlessly before them in a sea of pink and orange buildings.
Their evening ended in the bustling Johari Bazaar, where the scent of fresh kachoris filled the air. Anil’s partner picked out a delicate pair of Kundan earrings while his son marvelled at the colourful Rajasthani puppets hanging from a vendor’s stall.
The City of Blue and a Surprise Gift
Their next stop was Jodhpur, but not before a quick detour to Pushkar. The Brahma Temple, one of the rarest in the world, stood serene against the calm lake of the town. Bells chimed softly as devotees offered prayers, and their voices blended with the temple hymns.
By the time they reached Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur’s blue city lay stretched beneath them like a painting. The thick walls of the fort held centuries of history, while its balconies offered breathtaking views of the iconic blue houses of Jodhpur below. Inside, rooms were adorned with stained glass, and ornate ceilings told stories of a bygone era.
At Umaid Bhawan Palace, they explored the museum, and Anil found himself fascinated by old photographs of Maharajas. While walking through the palace gardens, they could almost picture the lavish feasts and celebrations that once took place here.
That evening, their son dragged them into a small shop in the local market, pointing at a tiny camel figurine.
"Mama, this is for you. Because you like Rajasthan so much!"
His mother’s face softened as she held the little wooden camel. "This is going to be my favourite thing from this trip."
The Desert Adventure in Jaisalmer
As they entered Jaisalmer, the golden sandstone structures glowed under the afternoon sun. One of the few living forts in the world, Jaisalmer Fort stood like a timeless guardian, with houses, temples, and shops thriving within its walls. The ancient Patwon-ki-Haveli, with its detailed carvings, felt like a window into another era.
But it was in the Sam Sand Dunes that Rajasthan truly came alive for them. As the sun dipped, the dunes turned into waves of gold. A camel ride took them deep into the desert, where the vast emptiness stretched endlessly. The rhythmic sway of the camels, the fresh desert breeze, and the sheer silence of the landscape made it an experience unlike any other.
Soon, the glow of lanterns lit up the night at their desert camp. Folk musicians played soulful tunes while dancers twirled effortlessly on the sand. The warmth of the bonfire, the aroma of traditional Rajasthani food, and the sound of laughter made the night memorable.
Goodbye and New Promises
On their final morning, they packed up for Jodhpur again, ready to catch their flight. Their son looked out of the car window, pouting.
"I do not want to go home. Can’t we stay in Rajasthan forever?"
Anil smiled. "Rajasthan is not going anywhere, buddy. We will be back."
As their car drove past the last stretch of golden dunes, his wife held her little camel figurine and looked at Anil.
"This trip was the best idea you have had in years."
Anil smirked.
And with that, their Rajasthan adventure ended with a collection of memories that would last far beyond their return home.
Read more: Thrillophilia Rajasthan Reviews