The Pioneer’s Shikha Duggal, in this travelogue, takes the readers through royal heritage in Rajasthan and shares her experience with the Pink City of India.
Jaipur came to mind as I was searching for a traditional Rajasthani touch. Even though the trip was during one of those chilly, dry winters, I found the experience to be quite pleasant because of the blue ceramics and the feeling of being pampered by a royal family. I walked out of Royal Heritage Haveli, which is led by the renowned hospitality expert Shambhavi Singh, with a unique experience! It seemed as if I had entered a time capsule dating back to the days of hunting. Do you know why? Because I was able to observe the sentinels of an 18th-century hunting lodge via the stunning architecture of my stay! I had eyes I couldn’t believe. It was founded by Sawai Madho Singh Ji of Jaipur and gave me a glimpse into the lifestyle of the maharaja. In a city like Jaipur, how could I not feel like majesty?
Curiously, despite being dubbed the “pink city” of our nation, it didn’t appear to be one until I began looking for the magic touch of pink. Readers, I’m kidding! I eventually came to the conclusion that the city’s signature exteriors, particularly those of the night markets, are what give it its distinctive pink and red color. Vendors set up shop even on the upper floors of ancestral buildings constructed in the late ages, beehived with so many little windows and brightly lit. The walled city of Jaipur, which initially appears to be in ruins, becomes pink the moment it is lit up for the night, and that’s when the real fun starts. However, I believe that Hawa Mahal is simply overrated. It’s a famous landmark and possibly charming, as expected, but I wouldn’t describe it as an amazing visual display. I was therefore really excited to return to my haveli, whether it was for the hand-painted frescoes or the suite’s architectural interiors. I was alone, if only for the necessary tranquility — the pool, surrounded by artificial lanterns, stood out above the others.
Let me take you further into this travelogue so you may discover more history. Situated at the base of a tiger fort, I observed an impressive fusion of Rajput and Mugal architectural styles. Even in its stones, I could see the royalty at Gaitore Ki Chattriyaan! The birds’ constant flying added to the scene’s scenic quality. Very enduring! Then it was time for us to sit on a hill covered with fortresses, and we couldn’t have done so without a car. Due to its historical significance, Amber Fort is experiencing a massive influx of people. You guys need to beware of the tour guides! They never stop being clingy. Although the fortress’s expansive perspective of the surrounding hills more than makes up for the tour guides’ neediness, I was so angry by this behaviour that only delicious cuisine could have made up for it. The experienced cook at the haveli was prepared to present his signature dish to me. I have to admit that Rajasthani food is taken quite seriously! I ate mangodi papad ki sabzi, a creative culinary treat, in the tranquility of the inner courtyard. It was novel and unlike anything I had ever seen.
After that, I went down a spiritual path. Even the temples themselves were screaming their own stories of faith and unique artwork. I remember an instance, almost like a scenario from a movie, where I see about fifty Rajasthani ladies in brightly coloured sarees reciting the legend of Galta Ji Mata as soon as I enter one of the shrines. I sat down with them in front of a spiritual peepal ka pedh under the open sky out of instinct, only to learn about the fascinating and faith-filled world of a sacred site. All-encompassingly, I had my own special experiences in Jaipur, including teaching myself how to create handloom artwork with the assistance of weavers.
In the end, as a journalist, I’m always curious to learn about the establishment of the stay I’m staying at because it’s so unique. I was living in the same room as one of her Greek ancestors, or rather, I was accidentally bumping into the young lady associated with the haveli and her parents, who told me about some of their unforgettable memories at the haveli, including the one that smitten me — the frangipani spa, which used to be her grandmother’s kitchen to cook the hunting delights! Completely engrossing, it had to be among the most tranquil Jaipur experiences.
Curiously, despite being dubbed the “pink city” of our nation, it didn’t appear to be one until I began looking for the magic touch of pink. Readers, I’m kidding! I eventually came to the conclusion that the city’s signature exteriors, particularly those of the night markets, are what give it its distinctive pink and red color. Vendors set up shop even on the upper floors of ancestral buildings constructed in the late ages, beehived with so many little windows and brightly lit. The walled city of Jaipur, which initially appears to be in ruins, becomes pink the moment it is lit up for the night, and that’s when the real fun starts. However, I believe that Hawa Mahal is simply overrated. It’s a famous landmark and possibly charming, as expected, but I wouldn’t describe it as an amazing visual display. I was therefore really excited to return to my haveli, whether it was for the hand-painted frescoes or the suite’s architectural interiors. I was alone, if only for the necessary tranquility — the pool, surrounded by artificial lanterns, stood out above the others.
Let me take you further into this travelogue so you may discover more history. Situated at the base of a tiger fort, I observed an impressive fusion of Rajput and Mugal architectural styles. Even in its stones, I could see the royalty at Gaitore Ki Chattriyaan! The birds’ constant flying added to the scene’s scenic quality. Very enduring! Then it was time for us to sit on a hill covered with fortresses, and we couldn’t have done so without a car. Due to its historical significance, Amber Fort is experiencing a massive influx of people. You guys need to beware of the tour guides! They never stop being clingy. Although the fortress’s expansive perspective of the surrounding hills more than makes up for the tour guides’ neediness, I was so angry by this behaviour that only delicious cuisine could have made up for it. The experienced cook at the haveli was prepared to present his signature dish to me. I have to admit that Rajasthani food is taken quite seriously! I ate mangodi papad ki sabzi, a creative culinary treat, in the tranquility of the inner courtyard. It was novel and unlike anything I had ever seen.
After that, I went down a spiritual path. Even the temples themselves were screaming their own stories of faith and unique artwork. I remember an instance, almost like a scenario from a movie, where I see about fifty Rajasthani ladies in brightly coloured sarees reciting the legend of Galta Ji Mata as soon as I enter one of the shrines. I sat down with them in front of a spiritual peepal ka pedh under the open sky out of instinct, only to learn about the fascinating and faith-filled world of a sacred site. All-encompassingly, I had my own special experiences in Jaipur, including teaching myself how to create handloom artwork with the assistance of weavers.
In the end, as a journalist, I’m always curious to learn about the establishment of the stay I’m staying at because it’s so unique. I was living in the same room as one of her Greek ancestors, or rather, I was accidentally bumping into the young lady associated with the haveli and her parents, who told me about some of their unforgettable memories at the haveli, including the one that smitten me — the frangipani spa, which used to be her grandmother’s kitchen to cook the hunting delights! Completely engrossing, it had to be among the most tranquil Jaipur experiences.
