Road to Rajasthan
Jaipur was like a childhood dream come true for me. The forts,
rajas, ranis, pagdis and not to forget the amazing malpuas. Every second in the
pink city was a new experience in itself. The splash of colours all around,
intricate and breathtaking works of local artisans and delectable cuisine – in all,
it is everything that one does not expect a desert land to be – refreshing,
bustling and always welcoming.
For the traveller interested in the rich heritage of the city,
Jaipur has an array of forts that are not only architectural marvels but also
visual treats.
The visit to the three forts – Amber, Jaigarh and Nahargarh –
took us an entire day and was totally worth it. The magnificent structures,
tales of the erstwhile rulers and the vast landscape would definitely sweep any
traveller off his feet. At one of the forts, I even managed to become a Rajasthani
chori for a brief while and got a photo clicked in the traditional attire.
There are also puppetry shows that are quirky and fun. The dolls in the show
that we saw were dancing to the tune of ‘Waka Waka’.
The Sheesh Mahal (Palace
of glass), Jal Mahal (Palace on water), baoris (step wells) and wax museum are
a feast to the eyes like never before.
Then there is Hawa Mahal (Palace of winds), the beauty of
which is inexplicable. The intricate lattice windows offer a beautiful view of
the bustling city right below. Anyone who goes inside the numerous rooms would
be pleasantly surprised by the cool breeze circulating inside even in the heat
of the blazing sun. Let me remind you that there is no other way to believe it
than by experiencing it all by yourself.
City palace, the residence of the erstwhile maharajas,
gives the traveller a first-hand experience of what the lives of royals are
like. They have on display the various fashionable outfits worn by the rajas
and the ranis, the cutlery they use, their weapons as well as the other finesse
in the everyday lives of the rulers.
Right next to it is the Jantar Mantar, an astronomic
marvel, that delights those with scientific interests.
For the shopaholics, there are several bazaars like Johri
bazaar, Bapu bazaar and Tripolia bazaar. We managed to pick up a few bed sheets
with amazing Rajasthani block prints, Lahriya saris, razais, a bandhni suit and
a few trinkets, all of it at affordable prices. You need to make the most of
your bargaining skills and constantly be on the watch out for touts who try to
trick you into buying cheap stuff at exorbitant rates.
Another unforgettable experience was the village resort ‘Choki
Dhani’. The scrumptious Rajasthani thali they offer with generous helpings of
desi ghee and butter is one that you will not forget for ages. Every time you
think twice about having that extra roti or choorma, the Marwari waiters mock
you in good humour and remind you of the traditional ways of eating well and eating
healthy. Not only that, they even encourage you to have another glass of
Rajasthani cola aka chaas or savour another bit of the yummy malpua. And for
the albums, they let you wear their pagdis and help you click photographs.
For all the city folks like us who have had no chance to
visit a real Rajasthani hamlet, Choki Dhani provides a glimpse of all things
rural. Be it the traditional folk dancers or the magician, the resort has it all.
All they ask you is to be their audience for the evening.
If you are too lazy and tired for anything after the sumptuous
meal, you can just lie down in one of the numerous khaats and gaze at the
evening sky. Let me remind you that the
village offers plenty to explore till your feet turn sore.
On the third day morning, we set out on our return journey
with a heavy heart. More than the places we visited, we missed many. We also
knew that the hundreds of new things we learned in two days was more than what
we had learned from any teacher. Jaipur had just laid bare before us the
vibrant soul of Rajasthan.
With its warm people and colourful walls,
the Pink
City had really become ‘Aapno Rajasthan’ for us.
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