From Pink City To Golden Sand: Monika’s Vibrant Rajasthan Trip With Thrillophilia
Rajasthan had always been on our bucket list, and this January, my partner and I finally made it happen. With Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer as major stops in our trip, we were excited to dive into the culture, history, food, and markets of this vibrant state.
What we didn’t expect was how many surprises the trip would hold, starting right from the moment we landed in Jaipur!
The Famous Pink City
Our trip surely kicked off with a colourful start in Jaipur, a city that radiates warmth and charm from every corner. As we made our way through the historic streets, our first stop was the iconic Hawa Mahal, the perfect introduction to Rajasthan’s royal architecture.
But the moment we stepped out to take in the beauty of the palace, I had one of those crazy moments — I ran into an old college friend! She got married in Jaipur and I completely forgot about that. Ah! small world.
She was equally surprised, and before I knew it, we were invited for dinner at Khole Ke Hanumanji temple, where they were hosting a Goth, a traditional Rajasthani community meal like a prasad kind of a thing.
That unexpected twist added a whole new layer of excitement to our Jaipur exploration. From the intricate Jantar Mantar to the opulent City Palace, everything felt infused with a sense of anticipation. We hopped from one landmark to the next, soaking in the history and grandeur of Amer Fort and snapping photos at Jal Mahal. But throughout the day, we couldn’t stop talking about how fun our dinner plans were.
Of course, no trip to Jaipur is complete without a bit of retail therapy, and we had just enough time to hit the markets before leaving Pink City. Bapu Bazaar and Johari Bazaar were bustling with life, and we dove right in.
I couldn’t resist the stunning block-printed wall hangings, which now adorn our living room. And then there was the jewellery — let’s just say I have a new favourite pair of earrings. My partner and I even indulged in some Rajasthani juttis and kurtis, which we proudly wore for the rest of our trip.
And dinner? Well, it was more than just a meal. It was an experience. The prasad served in traditional dry leaf plates, was simple yet delicious — dal, baati, masala batti, churma of 5 different flavours, lehsun ki chutney, papad and ah! the sweet- moong thal.
I fell in love with Rajasthani food there. I was quite literally in a food coma.
We left the Goth with full stomachs and even fuller hearts.
Fifty Shades of Blue
After Jaipur, it was time to experience the charm of Jodhpur, the Blue City. We arrived just in time for lunch and headed straight to a local eatery for some authentic Rajasthani thali. The spread was incredible: gatte ki sabzi, ker sangri, laal maas (a fiery mutton curry), and heaps of fresh, hot rotis.
With our appetites satisfied, we set off to explore the towering Mehrangarh Fort. This place is massive, perched high on a hill, and offers stunning views of the blue-tinted houses scattered below. You know what - while walking through its grand courtyards and ornate rooms, we could imagine the lives of the royals who once called this place home.
Another highlight of our Jodhpur trip was Jaswant Thada, a serene white marble cenotaph that felt like an oasis in the desert. Its peaceful atmosphere was the perfect contrast to the vibrant streets of Jodhpur, and we spent some quiet time there, soaking in the beauty.
I must say that Jodhpur’s Ghanta Ghar Market was a sensory overload — in the best way possible. We browsed through stalls filled with Jodhpuri handicrafts, from vibrant turbans to intricately carved wooden furniture. My partner, who loves to cook, was thrilled when we stumbled upon a spice vendor. We left with bags of Rajasthani spices — especially red chilies and cumin, which we still use to recreate (well we try) some of the dishes we tasted on this trip.
The Golden Mirage
The last leg of our trip took us deeper into the desert, to the Golden City of Jaisalmer.
The entire colour palette shifted from blue to gold as we arrived at this stunning city that looks like it’s been carved out of sand.
Well, our first stop had to be the mighty Jaisalmer Fort, a living fort still buzzing with homes, shops, and cafes. Its narrow lanes were truly a maze of treasures, from leather bags to camel bone jewellery, and of course, I couldn’t leave without picking up a few more souvenirs.
But Jaisalmer was about more than just forts and shopping. It was time to experience the Sam Sand Dunes, something I had been eagerly waiting for. We arrived at our desert camp in the late afternoon, just in time to take a camel ride into the dunes. Watching the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange, was nothing short of magical. It was the kind of moment that made all the travel worth it.
That evening, we gathered around a bonfire under the stars, sipping masala chai and enjoying a traditional Rajasthani cultural performance. The night came alive with the beats of drums, twirling skirts, and the haunting melodies of desert folk songs. And the food? Oh, it was a feast fit for royalty.
We spent the night in a cosy desert camp, drifting off to sleep to the sound of the wind sweeping over the dunes.
Some Gratitude, Truck Loads of Memories
Our trip ended after returning back to Jodhpur from Jaisalmer - with a heart full of memories. We took one last walk around the markets and indulged in one final meal of pyaaz kachori and lassi. It’s hard to sum up a trip that was as much about the unexpected surprises (like running into an old friend) as it was about the grand forts and delicious food.
From the pink hues of Jaipur to the golden sands of Jaisalmer, our journey through Rajasthan was nothing short of extraordinary. It was a trip filled with history, culture, flavours, and shopping (loads of shopping) that left us wanting more. And now, as we sit back home reminiscing about our adventure, we can’t help but think — when’s the next trip to Rajasthan?
Thanks to Thrillophilia, who planned this unforgettable trip, we’ll be cherishing these memories for years to come!
Read More: Thrillophilia Rajasthan Reviews