For the past two years I had been planning and quite meticulously awaiting the moment when I’d be able to go and experience Jaipur at its finest. January came with new beginnings and new opportunities. I remember being in denial till I was actually there, all ready for this journey with two duffels and the GPS finding the route to the hostel I had booked. Oh, the thrill! I was venturing out solo. Cue the monkey screeching.
The Beginning
AKA THE INCEPTION OF THIS JOYFUL JOURNEY
The birth of this journey was two days prior when I was suggesting I go and visit my friend in Dharamshala. The answer to which I was hoping would be in the affirmative. An hour later, I had my bus bookings done and dusted. All of my accommodation was comfortable and cheap since I planned to be on a budget and explore the real streets and joys of Jaipur. I wanted this trip to not be a simple trip but an adventurous one, I would later realise this would be one of the best journeys of my life!
Day 1
WHERE I AM IN DISBELIEF
THE JOURNEY:
On the morning of the twentieth, I caught a bus from Dhaula Kuan at 7 a.m., having not slept the entire night due to nerves and excitement. Once the bus left the terminal, emotions hit me, leading to some ugly crying (apologies to the concerned dude beside me). This impromptu trip meant I hadn’t informed any friends until I called from the bus, receiving their heated reactions which somehow amplified my excitement. This was really happening!
During the journey, I amused myself by sending videos of random animals and even witnessed an elephant happily munching on sugarcane while being transported on a truck. Arriving at Sindhi Camp bus station, I immediately spotted Rawat Misthan Bhandar, bringing back memories of my first visit in 2017. Their infamous onion kachori lingered in my mind, a treat I planned to indulge in later. After a quick call with the hostel manager, I navigated my way to the hostel, taking in the mix of excitement and disbelief. Finally settling in the beautiful living room filled with sunlight and swings, I awaited my dorm assignment, ready to embrace the adventure ahead.
NAHARGARH FORT
Avid film enthusiasts may recall that the shooting of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s historical film- ‘Padmaavat’-took place in Nahargarh fort. The minute you step into the fort, you transcend another dimension. I felt as if I was back in the era of Rajput Kings, especially down the steep climb that we made at seven in the night. Pro tip- please wear good sport shoes and not slip-ons like I did. I was stumbling the entire way back. It was however, quite exhilarating to see the sunset off that beautiful fort, overlooking the entirety of this beautiful city.
I still consider myself super lucky to immediately have found three friendly dormmates that graciously offered and let me tag along to Nahargarh Fort- my first sight of this Jaipur trip!
DAY 2
WHERE I SPEND BEYOND MY BUDGET
JEWEL HUNTING
The next morning, after a few fun games and a little karaoke session, I went to a local jewellery market right across the street from our hostel. Located in the centre of MI Road, this market had various jewels to offer. I felt like a pirate who had unearthed treasure. I even purchased some cute gemstones that have a good idea what I am going to use for-to make beautiful pendants. Obviously! We had a hearty delicious South-Indian lunch after which I took the metro for my next destination.
THE CITY PALACE
Let me paint you a picture of importance, since that is exactly what the Palace represents- important heritage that trickled down through centuries of history, leaking through pried cracks of sculptured stone walls. Onlookers gawked at the seven feet tall Maharaja’s clothes standing proudly behind glass cases I use the word ‘gawk’ because to imagine a man of that stature is beyond our usual imagination. The gallery was where I spent the most time since the paintings are nothing short of a marvel.
The simplicity with which maps had been drawn in that era is quite thought provoking- how long did it take to accurately lay the scene of the city? How many revisions were discarded before the final version? Is this actually the final version or a copy? Some things are better left a secret. My desire to uncover them was however immensely uncontrollable.
Photos obviously aren’t allowed in some portions of the palace; however, I did find quite a few spots where I could take a selfie. I may have concerned some security guards as well- who were curiously wondering what a single girl was doing wandering about!
JANTAR MANTAR
I walked to Jantar Mantar next, where I saw the astronomical genius that was made by Maharaja Jai Singh II, and was left flabbergasted. The expertise and precision that these instruments demonstrated in a time alien to technology, is another example of how developed our ancestors actually were. They definitely possessed more knowledge and wisdom than any of us can currently fathom.
HAWA MAHAL (WIND PLACE)
After wordlessly marvelling this monument, I sipped on buttermilk and made my way out to the main market where I did light shopping for my family (of course not, it was all for me!). Having splurged my heart out (I was just getting started). I, once more, took some selfies in front of ‘Hawa mahal’ and made my way back to the hostel, but not before buying kachoris from Rawat Misthan Bhandar.
Around seven, I packed my bags and made my way (begrudgingly-because I had made some really cool friends with whom I wanted to spend more time but oh well) to hostel number two.
I met my dormmate who was a really cool dude and we ended up chatting for a long while. I had plans with hostel mates from the first hostel in the morning, and even though I had said I would pull an all-nighter I ended up dozing off.
DAY 3
WHEN I EXPERIENCED SLEEP DEPRIVATION
Night two was a bit restless for me, especially as I had woken up at three and couldn’t fall asleep even if I tried. So, at six in the morning, I found myself back at hostel one-where it all started (since it seemed prudent), and caught up with the two English girls I had made plans with.
MARKET SHENANIGANS
We had shopping plans to visit Johri Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, where I unfortunately did not stumble upon accessories of my liking. We had a wonderful afternoon, chatting and walking around the markets after which I had to bid them goodbye and leave for the next place I had booked- which was a hotel, since it was my third and last night there.
Situated in Bani Park, I checked into my room and inhaled a plate of fries. My head felt like it would split open. I was grouchier than the Grinch. In that zombie state- I left for Vaishali, which is fondly called New Jaipur. The huge buildings and modern cityscape are a stark contrast to the Jaipur was I strolling through. After successfully buying clothes from both National Handloom and our family favourite store- Vasavi (the brand that makes up more than half of the ‘kurtis’ I own in my closet).
I returned around seven in the evening, thoroughly exhausted and in dire need of a shower. Shahpura House was well decorated, wherein I could hear the ongoing cultural events that are a staple in this magnificent heritage property.
MASTER OF ELEPHANT – PAINTINGS
I stepped out at nine and found a kindred spirit in their resident guest shop- who would kindly demonstrate how he makes stone paintings on old postcards. Mister Mukesh was the most talented and humble self-taught artist I have come across. Obviously, the interactions with the best people have made this trip as memorable as can be, Mukesh sir took the cake with our two-hour chat.
Transfixed, I was captivated with his easy explanations and simple control over the small postcards, that had quickly transformed from blank pages to mighty warrior elephants, ridden by their Maharajas. I must reinforce my love for elephants again. I adore the grey mammoths. I totally recommend visiting if you don’t get the chance to stay- Mukesh sir and his array of art displayed elegantly in the souvenir shop. The talent is too big to gatekeep.
CIAO JAIPUR
The next day I returned to Delhi, with a full heart, rejuvenated soul, happy mind and a suitcase full of clothes! My journey had come to an end. Or did it? I plan on going back to Jaipur and visiting some places I could not get around to this time. This is just phase one of my journey to Jaipur! The best is yet to come:)
PLACES YET TO VISIT
Apart from the locations mentioned above, there are a couple of places I wish I had the time to visit
- GALTA JI TEMPLE– An auspicious temple comprised of tanks or ‘kands’, most famous and its namesake is the ‘Galta Kand’, which never dries out and is frequently visited by many to bathe in.
- ELEPHANT SANCTUARY– Alas, apart from the beauty I saw in the truck on the first day, I got to know about the elephant sanctuary later than I would have liked. It will be the first place I visit, whenever I go next.
- JAL MAHAL (WATER PALACE)– Although entry to the palace is not allowed, people gather to watch the intricate architectural marvel whose four floors lay underwater with only the top half visible. There are many superstitions prevailing about this place, but it makes for a scenic backdrop with a sunset.
- JAIGARH FORT – Situated right along the way to Nahargarh, this fort also screams of cultural elegance and offers solitude to travellers from far and wide.
- AMBER FORT– An extremely touristic place with good reason albeit usually crowded. Its architecture is a marvel that warrants crowds from all over the globe.
TIPS FOR TRAVEL
- PACK LIGHT- There are hundreds of shops selling clothes at cheap prices. You’ll get souvenirs in this way.
- WALK- I suggest walking around scenic places like the City Palace. There are little wonders along the way that you might miss if you take a rikshaw.
- BEWARE OF SCAMS- Some auto and tuk-tuk drivers will often try to con you to splurge money on places that are not as far as they seem. Stay vigilant and constantly check prices on apps like uber and ola. Their rates are usually lower.