Exploring Rajasthan with Thrillophilia: Monika Khalate’s Colourful Trip to the Land of Kings
“We need a break,” I said half-jokingly as I closed my laptop. My husband smiled and replied, “Let’s go for a vacation!”
As software engineers, our lives revolve around deadlines and meetings, so we needed an escape from our busy schedules. Little did I know that he was so serious he would book a trip to Rajasthan. Not only was I excited but also panicking as we had such little time to pack our bags. But, my husband took care of it all.
It was the morning of 24th January 2023, when my husband and I left the fast-paced life of Mumbai behind to explore the beauty of Rajasthan.
The Pink City Welcomes Us
The moment my husband and I landed in Jaipur, our excitement was incomparable, and the colours of the city took over.
“Everything was pink and beautiful! There was this energy in the air that made me feel like we were in for something special”.
With the grand palaces and streets, I loved the vibe of the place.
Unable to control our excitement, we headed straight to the Hawa Mahal. I had seen countless photographs of this iconic place, but nothing could prepare me for seeing it in person. Standing before the tall pink sandstone structure, I was awestruck.
The hundreds of jharokhas seemed to hum with stories from the past. As the afternoon sunlight bathed the facade in a warm glow, I could almost imagine the rustling of royal garments and whispers of queens who once gazed through those delicate windows.
We also found ourselves climbing up the winding paths to the magnificent Amber Fort. Situated on a hilltop, the grandeur of the fort unfolded before us with each step.
The intricate carvings on the walls, the majestic courtyards, and the sweeping views of the city below left us speechless. I remember standing in the Sheesh Mahal, and feeling like I had stepped into a dream. The way the light danced off the thousands of tiny mirrors on the walls was captivating.
It’s magical.
“This is why Bollywood loves it here,” I whispered to my husband as we both stood there. “When the sunlight hits the mirrors just right, the whole room sparkles as if it is alive.”
Transitioning from Pink to Blue
From Jaipur to Jodhpur, it was a complete change of scenery as we could only see indigo-coloured buildings around. I was really looking forward to visiting this place, especially because of the Mehrangarh Fort.
My husband could not even forget how majestic and imposing the fort was. Even today, he exclaims, “How incredible the views from the top were! You could see the sea of blue buildings stretching out beneath you!”
As soon as we went inside the fort’s museum, we felt like we were walking through time. There were plenty of royal palanquins and ancient artefacts that reflected so much about the history of the state.
In the evening, what attracted our attention was the Jaswant Thada. The locals told us that it is called the “Taj Mahal of Marwar”. It was so quiet there, and we got a chance to spend time with each other after a long period of busy schedule. The moment we spent there made us realise that love needs to be cherished everywhere. It does not need any vacation to grow, but each other’s presence.
…And, at that moment, we felt closer than before.
Now, It Is Time for the Golden City…
After pink and blue, the hour has come to witness the golden part of Rajasthan - Jaisalmer.
Before coming on the trip, my husband told me enough about the Sam Sand Dunes and the desert experience. When we finally arrived at Jaisalmer, I could see the excitement in my husband’s eyes that I had never seen before.
And, to my surprise, the place was exactly what we had hoped for. The drive through the desert with the sun setting in the background felt surreal. The golden sands seemed to stretch endlessly, and the changing colours of the sky created a picture-perfect moment.
We checked into a desert camp and did dune bashing, which was so much fun.
“Riding over the sand dunes in a 4x4 vehicle made us feel that we were in some kind of a desert adventure movie.”
But the highlight of the day was when we got to ride camels across the sand dunes. I recall, “The sunset while riding a camel - it does not get more Rajasthan than that!”
The evening was filled with Rajasthani folk music and dance performances. Sitting by the bonfire, under a sky full of stars, while listening to traditional music, I could not have imagined a more perfect way to end the day.
While watching the stars in the night sky, I said to myself, “The beauty of Rajasthan, the warmth of the people, the history - it all came together to create an adventure I will never forget. Every moment felt special, whether we were exploring ancient forts, walking through bustling markets, or just this - sitting by the campfire under a blanket of stars.”
I knew that the memories of this journey would stay with me forever as a reminder of the magic of Rajasthan and the joy of travel until next time.
Thank you, Thrillophilia, for making it so special!
Read More: Thrillophilia Rajasthan Reviews