Each single metropolis in India is magnificent, so imagine me after I say it was onerous to slim it down to only 5.
As a baby, I used to be fascinated by Bollywood films stuffed with color and keenness, due to a finest good friend’s love of the style (and my love for all issues drama). As an adolescent, getting a wealthy, tomato-y butter rooster with (additional) garlic naan was all the time my go-to takeaway. Now, as an grownup, I can’t recover from the transcendent story of affection behind the creation of the Taj Mahal – spoiler alert, I nonetheless can’t. So, when deciding which nation to go to on my annual journey, India was a no brainer.
India has been on my must-visit checklist for some time, nevertheless, the considered travelling there was somewhat overwhelming. I needed to go, however I didn’t actually know the way. May I courageous the language barrier and cultural variations and discover the nation alone? Or would I want an area information to point out me the place to purchase the creamiest lassi and the way to keep away from getting kicked by a curb-side cow?
I went with the latter on Intrepid’s 15-day Rajasthan Expertise tour. It was nonetheless overwhelming, however these 5 cities made me respect this kaleidoscopic nation in an entire completely different approach and if it have been as much as me (it’s clearly not), nobody would journey to India with out visiting them.
*Disclaimer, I do know not all the cities I’ve listed are technically within the state of Rajasthan, however we nonetheless visited them as a part of the Rajasthan Expertise tour, so I’ve included them on this weblog anyway.
Delhi
You possibly can learn all of the journey guides and do hours of analysis, however nothing prepares you for the sensory overload of Delhi. Residence to almost 33 million folks, this metropolis pulsates throughout you with sights, tastebud-tingling smells and noises so loud and fixed that you simply begin to wonder if you’ll ever expertise peace and quiet once more.
Delhi was the assembly level for the beginning of the journey, so there have been no tour actions included, however I had a while to discover the town earlier than the welcome assembly. Now Delhi is etched in my thoughts because the place the place I dived into India’s tradition, headfirst.
From the marble domes and towering minarets of Jama Masjid to the frenzied Khari Baoli market road the place turmeric, cumin and powdered pink chilli rub shoulders with cashews and peanuts in luggage by the kilo, it was the proper place to get my toes moist – actually. A number of Hindu temples in Delhi required us to take away our sneakers and place our toes in a trough stuffed with marigold-infused water as an indication of respect, cleanliness and humility earlier than we might enter.
We solely spent one evening in Delhi, however that was all it took to get me excited. Sure, I used to be nonetheless feeling apprehensive, however my nervousness was slowly and absolutely being changed by anticipation of the approaching journey.
Agra
After a short, air-conditioned prepare experience (that’s vital when temperatures of 35˚C+ are anticipated), we arrived in Agra. I used to be able to do some hardcore sightseeing. By that, I imply I needed our chief to level me towards the Taj Mahal the second we stepped out of the station. Earlier than he might make my bucket-list goals come true nevertheless, we had a fort to go to – Agra Fort.
The Agra Fort, an icon in its personal proper, can typically be missed for the well-known Taj Mahal close by. It was initially constructed out of vivid pink sandstone by Emperor Akbar as a navy construction in 1565, however in my eyes, this grand majestic constructing might simply have handed for a palace. It was that placing. The wealthy pink color of the sandstone, paired with the Mughal structure that was widespread in the course of the period, blew my sweat-soaked sandals off. I did warn you in regards to the warmth.
And from its ramparts, I caught my very first glimpse of the Taj Mahal (there could or could not have been some anticipatory squealing).
The Taj Mahal was all the pieces I anticipated it to be. I knew Emperor Shah Jahan had constructed it in loving reminiscence of his spouse, Mumtaz Mahal, however I didn’t realise you’d be capable to sense that very same love coursing by way of the construction’s white marble and offering life to the grounds’ lush greenery.
I do know it sounds corny and cliché, however after I entered this sacred advanced, a sure peace came to visit me. Like nothing unhealthy might, or would, ever occur right here. There would possibly’ve been a pair hundred folks strolling round, but it surely was so quiet. Virtually as if everybody there recognised they have been within the presence of a larger devotion – one that point had stood nonetheless for. To place it mildly, I used to be in full awe. I ended the day feeling grateful that Emperor Jahan was considerate sufficient to share his love in a approach we might all really feel 391 years later.
Jaipur
Jaipur was subsequent, and I used to be excited to depart the reds and whites behind for hues of pink. Earlier than you ask, no, Jaipur’s not going by way of a Barbie section (though who might blame it if it was). Town was painted pink in 1876 in preparation for a go to from Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales, who later grew to become King Edward VII.
Quick ahead round 150 years and this pleasant metropolis continues to honour its pink heritage by incorporating pink supplies in new building.
We began our day with a (pink) bang at Hawa Mahal, constructed in 1799.
Formed like a wonderfully preserved honeycomb, this lovely palace was as soon as dwelling to feminine royal relations so they might observe the happenings on the street beneath with out being seen themselves. It was initially made with pink sandstone after which pink-washed earlier than Prince Albert’s go to as an indication of Jaipur’s hospitality. With intricate particulars that mix elements of each the Hindu Rajput and Islamic Mughal design kinds, it’s straightforward to see the way it’s match for a queen (bee).
Colored structure isn’t the one factor that makes this metropolis distinctive. From taking a experience with an all-female powered rickshaw firm searching for road snacks to watching a Bollywood heartthrob defeat the unhealthy guys in one among Jaipur’s oldest cinemas (my inside youngster was screaming), you’ll by no means get bored exploring the town’s fascinating tradition and heritage. I actually didn’t.
Jaisalmer
Subsequent up on Rajasthan’s metropolis color wheel is Jaisalmer, or because it’s extra affectionately identified, the Golden Metropolis. I didn’t have any expectations of Jaisalmer. I’d by no means heard of it earlier than travelling to India and if I’m being trustworthy, I wasn’t all that excited for a two-night cease right here.Â
As we drove alongside the dusty, desert street that may ship us straight into the town’s coronary heart, listening to our chief speak about Jaisalmer’s hilltop fort, snaking alleyways and intricately designed homes, my curiosity was piqued.
Like a variety of cities in Rajasthan, Jaisalmer has its personal fort. Whereas most forts have been became museums and listed as World Heritage websites, Jaisalmer’s stronghold stands out as the most important out of the few dwelling forts left on this planet. Round 3,000 folks nonetheless reside inside the fort’s partitions very like they might’ve again when it was constructed out of yellow sandstone in 1156.
Making house for wandering canines and cows rummaging for meals, our native chief led us by way of the fort’s maze of temples, boutique outlets, previous havelis and conventional lodges. When the warmth grew to become somewhat an excessive amount of, we stopped at a café, cracked open a chilly can of Sprite and admired the spectacular views throughout the entire metropolis. Speak about a pinch-me second.
Whereas the fort could have been the star jewel in Jaisalmer’s crown, there have been loads of different locations to discover. We visited the town’s garment district with its wealthy colors and textured materials and we loved moments by Gardisar Lake, the place a peaceful floor displays the temples and shrines alongside the water’s edge.
Udaipur
Choosing my favorite metropolis in Rajasthan is like loving one pet greater than the opposite or selecting between tikka masala or lamb vindaloo for dinner. But when I needed to decide one, it might be Udaipur (and tikka masala). Should you’re additionally questioning whether or not it has its personal color, it does. Udaipur is called the White Metropolis due to its pristinely preserved marble palaces.
The entire metropolis is just outstanding and I’d be mendacity if I stated it didn’t take my breath away, however that additionally might’ve been the warmth that hit me after I stepped off the bus (do you see a sample right here?). From laneways lined with shops promoting aged leather-based and occasional outlets the place I simply might spend hours to the home made lunch we had with an area household and the royal treasures and historical murals of the Metropolis Palace, Udaipur is magical.
On our second final evening as a gaggle, our chief really useful a family-run rooftop restaurant on Lake Pichola’s edge. We acquired to the restaurant, took the rickety carry to the seventh ground and stepped out to see the prettiest sundown. Flush with reds, oranges, pinks and purples, the sky appeared magnificent and was nature’s send-off to an unforgettable two weeks in India.
We drank, laughed and ate approach an excessive amount of spicy meals as all of us mirrored on our favorite elements of the journey. As we exchanged numbers for a WhatsApp group we named Rajasthan Revellers, I knew we have been leaving India with numerous reminiscences, about 1,278 images and 9 new buddies.
We visited extra locations than I’ve shared, however these cities left an India-shaped mark on my coronary heart. Sure, the journey was lengthy at occasions (these eight-hour bus drives actually known as out the snorers within the group) and sure, it was too sizzling to operate correctly most days, however my god was it value it.
Rajasthan is presumably probably the most daunting, astounding and unbelievable vacation spot I’ve ever been to and whereas it didn’t get any much less overwhelming the extra we noticed, I’d return in a heartbeat.
