Golden Bonds and Desert Dreams: Arpita’s Rajasthan Journey With Thrillophilia
Arpita Barve had always believed that travel was about creating stories, memories, and meaningful moments. So, when the idea of taking a week off came up in October 2024, she did not think twice. There was only one person she wanted to share it with - her mother. Arpita decided to visit Rajasthan this time and wanted her mother to experience its grandeur, colour, and culture in a way she never had before.
But more than the logistics, it was the emotional weight of this trip that made it different. It was a way of saying thank you and giving her mother the joy she had quietly postponed for years. For the same, Arpita approached Thrillophilia, knowing that they would take care of all the aspects seamlessly.
And so, with hearts full of anticipation, they set off for Rajasthan to create a shared memory that would be etched forever in the pages of their lives.
The Royal Greetings in Jaipur
Their adventure began on the 19th of October in the city of Jaipur, where the air carried a mix of old-world charm and a royal essence. As soon as they landed at the airport, the driver from Thrillophilia greeted them with a warm smile and a welcome that felt more familial than formal.
Their first day was painted in various shades of pink - Hawa Mahal’s honeycombed beauty, the astronomical wonders of Jantar Mantar, and the regal corridors of City Palace. Arpita watched her mother admire the intricate arches of the Jal Mahal. Later, as they offered prayers at the Govind Dev Ji Temple and wandered through the bustling markets of Jaipur, a strange calm settled in.
The second day was a deeper dive into the grandeur of Jaipur. They visited the sprawling beauty of Amber Fort, the military might of Jaigarh, and the sunset-painted skyline of Nahargarh. Moreover, they paused at Jal Mahal again to see its reflection in the still waters and ended the day munching on some roasted peanuts. That evening, over dinner, her mother smiled and said, “You made the right choice. This… this is perfect."
Lakes, Legends, and Laughter in Udaipur
The next morning, their journey moved south toward Udaipur - the City of Lakes. On their route, they paused to admire the tall Shiva statue at Nathdwara and paid respects at the Eklingji Temple.
Udaipur was a true marker of Royal beauty. Sahelion-ki-Bari’s floral beauty, the glimmering Fateh Sagar Lake, and the colourful world inside the Under the Sun Aquarium brought quiet smiles and wonder for both. The following day, they explored the magnificent City Palace, the shimmering Crystal Gallery, and enjoyed the soft sound of the Lake Pichola boat ride during dusk.
As they walked through the bustling local markets, Arpita’s mother paused to try on a pair of Rajasthani juttis. “You know,” she said with a mischievous smile, “I have not worn these since college.” And with that, they bought all that they could carry from the market and returned.
That night, their room echoed with laughter and stories of her mother’s youth - a side Arpita rarely got to see.
The Blue Hues and Golden Shades of Jodhpur
Their journey then turned northwest to the Blue City of Jodhpur. As they arrived, the silhouette of Mehrangarh Fort appeared in the distance.
Inside the fort, history came alive through sword displays and delicate glasswork. At Jaswant Thada, they saw the marble glowing in the sunlight, and Arpita’s mother paused for a moment. “Places like this… they make you think of all the untold stories, don’t they?” she murmured.
Arpita could not agree more.
Later, in the market near Ghanta Ghar, Arpita bargained with a local for handcrafted jewellery, while her mother tasted mawa kachoris with pure delight. It was not luxury that defined this journey, but the layers of culture wrapped in every bite, every street turn, and every smile.
Sand, Silence, and Shared Sunsets in Jaisalmer
From Jodhpur, they travelled to Jaisalmer. The landscape began to change, and so did the rhythm of their journey. At the Jaisalmer War Memorial, the stories of bravery added a certain depth to the golden sand that now surrounded them on all sides.
During the evening, as the golden Jaisalmer Fort glowed under the amber sun, Arpita watched her mother trace her fingers along the sandstone carvings. She was marvelling at all the beauty and history that surrounded her. The following day was a kaleidoscope of desert wonder - the quiet charm of the Gadisar Lake, the timeless havelis, and finally, the vast dunes of Sam.
There, they took a camel ride, which was bumpy but joyous. “Hold on tight, Ma!” Arpita laughed as their camel heaved upwards. They shared laughter along the entire ride and created a moment that was a token of remembrance for the rest of their lives.
As the sun dipped behind the dunes, they sat on the sand. “This sunset,” her mother whispered, “is one I will remember forever, the one which I spent with my daughter in Jaisalmer.”
And that was the greatest takeaway from the trip.
A Few Parting Tips from Arpita’s Journey
Some places are all about people, memories, and the unspoken love that only travel can bring to life. So, to enjoy the best of it, here are a few tips for a Rajasthan trip-
- Time your arrival early to make the most of Day 1, especially in Jaipur.
- Brace yourself for long drives, but with good company and a scenic route.
- Choose the right travel partner - Arpita swore by Thrillophilia’s seamless coordination and attentive team, especially Nitin Joshi and Prateek Gupta.
- Pack light, carry stories, and wear a smile. Rajasthan will do the rest.
And enjoy the rest of the journey...
Read More: Thrillophilia Rajasthan Reviews