Regal Rajasthan

Palace of Winds 'Hawa Mahal', Jaipur

Sheer opulence, splendid architecture, extravagant lifestyle, fleet of vintage cars, expensive trousseau of the ‘ROYALS’. Lo and behold!! Yes, I am talking about the riches of the Regal Rajasthan.

Rajasthan has fascinated me in many ways …right from its food, its culture, Thar Desert and of course…its grandeur. As it is said, every journey has a story to narrate. Certainly, even my journey to ' Land of kings' have a different story to narrate. Hills and mountains have always intrigued me .And my tryst with fort happened more than five years back  and am totally smitten ever since...

Food is another aspect that hooked me to' Land of Royals'. Ok, here is my honest confession...you need steel guts and definitely a seasoned palate to digest earth's most pungent food i.e; Rajasthani food. I must have cried buckets while savouring on few of the local delicacies. Frankly, I can vouch on the popular snack pyaaz kachori at any point of time. Especially the kacchoris from Rawat Mishtan Bhandar in Jaipur is to die for. The moment you dig your teeth into the fluffy and crispy layered pastry of the kacchoris, the first thing that hits your palate is the liberal dose of ghee. It's drool worthy, the crunchy pastry literally melts in your mouth. The onion stuff is equally good and quite filling with right amount of spices. For those with sweet tooth, RMB has mawa kacchori for you. Indulge in this royal treat without counting on your calories.  So how about some savoury? To be more precise deep fried and well-stuffed mirchi badas?? I bet you will be licking fingers till the end. Wash it down with their kesariya lassi. In all, you will not regret spending time in trying their traditional sweets counter for their paneer ghevar and pedas. Similarly you've another renowned and one of the oldest sweet meat shop at the Johari bazaar by name Laxmi Mishthan Bhandaar. But I prefer former than latter. LMB is more popular for their paneer ghevar and one can see the crowd thronging even at the wee hours buying for home or indulging on them. LMB also offers traditional Rajasthani fare for lunch. But I went for a very little known rather a very modest eatery by name Aggarwal Bhojanalay in a dinghy lane near Hawa Mahal. Actually my tryst with pungent Rajasthani food started from here. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the piping hot daal-bhaati-choorma immersed in a clarified butter.

City Palace, Jaipur

Jaipur is heaven for shopholics whether you are looking for ethnic garments like the lehariyas, bandhej, tie&dye or the block prints. Every street has surprise in store.Thinking of statement minakari neck-piece or lac jewellery to flaunt? There are shops in galore, in fact there is two complete street lakhhaaron Ki bazaar and gopalji ka raasta dedicated for fine jewellery. If you can spend a little more...go for kundan jewellery. Word of caution: Don't get cheated by thugs and frauds.

Highly recommended is the Jaipur bed sheet and razaii or quilt. They are ideal souvenirs you can take back home.

Jaipur is more cosmopolitan, I am sure you'll not miss your city life while holidaying. However, traditional Jodhpur will surprise you with its simplicity and culture. The 'blue city' is also gateway to the arid Thar desert. Jodhpur is equally exposed to the international cuisine and culture. One can find 5* hotel properties & restaurants as well small dhabas displaying authentic rajasthani fare, which will compel you to lick finger in every bite.

Umaid Bhavan Palace, Jodhpur

Jodhpur is equally popular for its splendid & magnificent forts, intricately carved cenotaph and colourful & vibrant markets. The city is equally good for shopping like jodhpuri chappals and textiles. How about shopping for some genuine spices for home? You'll love them💓.

When in Jodhpur, one should gorge on makhaniya lassi @ Mishrilal in sardaar market. Other popular eating joint includes Janta Sweet House renowned for its piping hot samosas, mirchi vadas and mawa kachoris. Caution: While you gorge on these savouries ensure that you don't allow lard to settle on your hips. Better sweat it out!

Does the travel bug in you still itching for some more adventure? How about some adventure activities like Flying Fox to give you an adrenaline rush? Check at the Mehrangarh fort office for more information to get an exhilarating aerial view of the fort. Not enough? Then take a stroll to Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park which is at the foothills of the Mehrangarh Fort. Spread across in 70 hectares of land, nature lovers can choose from an easy to tough trail routes crisscrossing thorny shrubs, cactii, rocky pathways and a small stream. One quickly learns to appreciate the special reticent beauty of desert with muted colors that is quite unlike the flamboyance of tropical and temperate plants. It is remarkable how these plants have adapted to the harsh desert climate and the scarcity of water.

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

While you head to explore the park ensure that you are equipped with bare essentials like cap/hat/scarf, sun blocks and water because the nature trail will definitely test your endurance. Carry a map of the park while you tour, it will be handy and also give you glimpse of the flora and fauna of arid Thar Desert.

Drive down to the golden city of Jaisalmer, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the changing vistas. Looking for little adventure here? Then hit the road but do not miss the opportunity to witness the magnificence of the setting sun and the sparkling sand dunes.

There is no point coming to the Thar Desert if you do not go for the Desert Safari. Sam Sand Dunes truly is a magnificent stretch of sweeping dunes, with sparse or no vegetation. The best way to get here, of course, is on camel back. Join a camel caravan and ride along the breathtaking crests and troughs. Enjoy the romance of solitude as your camel takes you deep in the hearts of 'the Great Thar Desert'. Camp at night and enjoy the rustic and earthy music and dance of Rajasthan.

Jaisalmer fort or sonar killa is also called as living fort because it houses 4000 families, who still reside and do brisk business by selling knick-knacks. Walking through these cobbled alleyways, you want to get lost in the lego-like maze. Yellow with spots of bright colored fabric shops selling colourful 'badhini' dupattas, patchwork quilts, coloured stones and handcrafted slippers. Jaisalmer is a 'shop-till-you-drop' kind of place. It is a steal if you're looking for a good bargain especially for antiques.

Foraging for international flavours is not an issue because you have restaurants like July 8 and German Bakery serving multi-cuisine. How about some bhaang lassi or thandai to wash down the heat? There are many government approved bhaang shop that sells bhaang cakes, lassi, pakoras… Also try some of the local specialties like ghotua ladoos and panchadhari ladoos

Jal Mahal @ Lake Pichola, Udaipur

After soaking in the sights of vibrant Jaisalmer, head to Udaipur not just in its marvellous palaces and monuments, but in its unparalleled backdrop, the serenity of boat rides on the lake pichola and Fateh Sagar, fantastic palaces, temples, havelis colourful streets, endless art-deco shops and some lovely countryside to explore. Set in dusty and rolling countryside, Shipgram is another most sought after place that houses traditional village houses from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa and Maharashtra, exhibiting their art and culture.

Serene Fateh Sagar Lake at the Dusk, Udaipur

Udaipur is certainly a dream destination for a romantic holiday, which you will cherish throughout your life. 

So, if you are tired of your chaotic and mundane life, then plan a trip to the 'Land of Royals' to lighten you up.