Arpita’s Travel Tale Through Rajasthan with Thrillophilia
They say Rajasthan is a land of stories, but I did not expect it to help me write one of my own.
The idea of taking my mother on a trip had been quietly growing in my heart for a while. Life has a way of slipping through our fingers with work deadlines, family obligations, and routines that repeat endlessly. Maa had always been the steady presence behind my every step, but I could not remember when was the last time we took a journey that was just for us. And i wanted to change it.
When the Rajasthan group tour appeared in my social media feed one lazy September afternoon, I paused. Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer - eight days across the royal land. I thought of the golden deserts, majestic palaces, and colourful streets - but more than that, I thought of Maa. Without a second thought, I booked it. It was time.
Pink Walls and Warm Smiles
Our journey began on October 19th in Jaipur. As we stepped out of the airport, we were greeted by Thrillophilia’s driver with a smile that instantly made us feel at ease. Our fellow travellers were a lovely mix of ages and backgrounds- some were solo adventurers, others with friends, but everyone brought a shared excitement.
After a quick check-in and a little rest, we began our exploration. Hawa Mahal stood tall with its honeycombed facade, like a vision out of a painting. I caught Maa admiring it quietly, with her eyes tracing its delicate latticework. Jantar Mantar was a beautiful collision of science and art, and the City Palace felt like it still held stories of kings and queens in its echoing corridors.
We also visited the Govind Dev Ji Temple and ended our day wandering the local market, where Maa bought a pair of handmade juttis and I treated myself to a bandhani scarf. That night, as we tucked ourselves into bed, she said, "Jaipur feels like a city dipped in old-time romance."
And, she was not wrong.
Fortresses, Lakes, and Gentle Laughter
The second day was a whirlwind of fort tours. Amer Fort was our first stop, which was a majestic maze of history. We climbed its slopes with surprised, wide eyes, as our guide narrated tales of battles and queens with dramatic flair. From there, we went to Jaigarh Fort and Nahargarh Fort, both of which offered views that stretched far into the horizon. I remember standing there with Maa, a soft breeze brushing our faces, and thinking: this trip was worth every mile.
We also visited the serene Birla Temple in the evening. Everything about it, whether it was the marble glow or the calm within, was beautiful. We sat there quietly for a while, holding hands.
The next morning, we left for Udaipur. On our route, the Shiva statue at Nathdwara and the Eklingji Temple brought a spiritual calm to the long journey. When we finally arrived, Udaipur embraced us with its calm lakes and artistic soul.
Sahelion-ki-Bari, with its fountains and flowers, reminded Maa of her grandmother’s garden. "I used to run barefoot like this," she said, walking on the grass without shoes and gently touching the flowers. Fateh Sagar Lake glimmered under the afternoon sun, and cool winds made the following evening a delight for us mother-daughter duo.
The next day, the City Palace in Udaipur was easily one of our favourite stops. Opulent yet welcoming, it was one of the most lavish and magnificently furnished places that I had ever seen. The Crystal Gallery sparkled like a dream, but it was the boat ride on Lake Pichola at sunset that etched itself into my memory. Watching the sun dip behind the palaces, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. When we were wrapping up the evening by strolling through the local markets, Maa picked out a silver anklet for me- "For your next dance performance" she said with a smile.
Blue City and Timeless Tales
Jodhpur greeted us next. The drive was long, but Sooraj Bhan Ji, our skilled driver, navigated every turn with ease. When the Mehrangarh Fort appeared, it looked like a guardian watching over the city. Inside, we were swept away by its grandeur. The wind carried old stories of battles and art through the courtyards, and the white marble memorial of Jaswant Thada felt like a soft lullaby after witnessing the fort’s strength.
We even explored Ghanta Ghar in the evening, the market bustling with spices, textiles, and people bargaining with flair. Maa tried some mawa kachori and made a face. "Too sweet," she said, but finished it anyway (although she tried a mirchi vada with ease after that)
It was in Jodhpur that we had the deepest conversations. Over a simple dinner, she told me stories of her own mother’s travels, of dreams she had left behind, and of how proud she was of me. "This," she said, gesturing at our modest hotel room, "means more to me than a palace ever could. And spending it with you, my dear daughter, is the best part"
Golden Sands and Silver Silences
The final leg of our journey took us into the heart of the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer shimmered like a mirage. On the way, we visited the Jaisalmer War Memorial moved us deeply, and the bravery of our soldiers grounded the rest of the trip in quiet gratitude.
When we reached the Jaisalmer Fort, it felt alive with its sandstone glowing golden in the sunlight. The Havelis were intricately beautiful, with each corner telling stories of artistry and wealth. Gadisar Lake was also peaceful and composed, which gave us a moment to simply breathe.
And then came the Sam Sand Dunes. I had been looking forward to this moment, but it was even more magical than I imagined. Our camel walked across the sand, and I held onto Maa as we laughed like children. As the sun began to set, we dismounted and sat on the cool dunes.
"I never thought I would sit in the middle of a desert and feel so full," Maa said. We watched the colours bleed across the sky in silence. It was one of those rare moments that needed no words.
A Bittersweet Farewell
The next morning, we returned to Jodhpur for our flight back. It was quiet in the car. No one wanted the trip to end.
That journey gave us so much more than photographs or souvenirs. It gave us shared laughter, rediscovered stories, and a bond with my mother that felt deeper than ever.
And no other place than Rajasthan, with all its glory, could give the perfect backdrop for that.
Read More: Thrillophilia Rajasthan Reviews