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A Backpacker's Journey Through India's Royal Land

Rajasthan - Vibrant Indian state, colorful traditions and majestic cultural heritage

I boarded the train from Agra to Jaipur in the afternoon, I felt a sense of excitement at the thought of the adventures that lay ahead. It was filled with locals and travelers alike, each with their own stories and experiences to share. As the sun began to set, I arrived in Jaipur, a city that was as vibrant and colorful as the train ride that brought us there.

Jaipur - Pink City Royalty

After 4 hours and tiring train journey from Agra to Jaipur. I took a tuktuk from Jaipur train station to All Seasons Homestay which is a cozy and comfortable accommodation option located in the heart of Jaipur, Rajasthan. I was greeted with warm hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere that makes me feel right at home. The friendly staff go out of their way to ensure that guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. I settled into the cozy comfort of my room, I took out my laptop and began to tackle the tasks that awaited me.

In the early morning i had a daily meeting with team at homestay. After that I stepped into the tuktuk, immediately struck by the warm and welcoming smile of the driver, his name is Ali who greeted me with a friendly "Namaste!". His enthusiasm was infectious, and I knew right away that I was in for a fun and memorable day trip of Jaipur.

We were heading to Amber Palace, he regaled me with stories and insights about the history of the palace. As we reached the palace gates, I was struck by the grandeur and beauty of the fortress with stunning views of the surrounding hills. Also transported back in time to the grandeur and opulence of Rajasthan's royal past.

By the time I left Amber Palace, I felt deeply connected to the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Rajasthan, and grateful for the opportunity to experience such a stunning example of the region's architectural marvels.

After visiting Amber Palace, I set out to explore another architectural marvel of Jaipur - the stunning Chand Baori stepwell. With the help of Ali, we made our way through the bustling streets of the city to the remote village of Abhaneri, where the stepwell was located. The stepwell was a marvel of design, with its symmetrical patterns and precise measurements creating a sense of harmony and balance that was deeply satisfying to the eye.

After stepwell I decided to head back to Jal Mahal which is elegant architecture and serene lakeside setting. The palace seemed to shimmer in the sunlight, its intricate details and vibrant colors reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan.

Jaisalmer - A Golden Desert City

I settled into my seat on the train from Jaipur to Jaisalmer, I braced myself for what I knew would be a long and tiring journey. The train pulled into Jaisalmer station, I felt a sense of relief and excitement wash over me. Despite the long and tiring journey, I knew that the adventures that awaited me in this magical city would be more than worth the effort.

I stepped off the train at Jaisalmer station, I was greeted by the sound of honking horns and the sight of a desert of brightly colored tuktuk lining the streets. I negotiated with a friendly driver, and soon found myself hurtling through the streets of the city towards the majestic Jaisalmer Fort where my Zostel located inside.

Wandering around Jaisalmer Fort in the morning is an experience like no other, with the first rays of sunlight casting a warm glow over the ancient walls and narrow alleyways of this magnificent structure. As I made my way through the winding streets of the fort, I was struck by the sense of timelessness and history that seemed to permeate every corner and crevice. The fort was alive with activity, with merchants setting up their stalls and shopkeepers opening their doors for the day's business.

I make my way deeper into the desert, the landscape begins to shift and change, with the sprawling sand dunes giving way to rocky outcroppings and rugged hills. The air is dry and dusty, and the sun beats down on me with an unrelenting intensity.

Riding a camel for sunset in the Thar Desert is a truly magical experience. As the sun begins to dip towards the horizon, the desert comes alive with a fiery glow, with the sand dunes taking on a warm and golden hue.

Enjoying traditional Rajasthani music at night was a highlight of my visit to Rajasthan, offering a chance to connect with the rich cultural heritage and vibrant energy of this fascinating region. I attended a live performance at campsite, where I was greeted by the sound of the dholak drum and the soaring vocals of a local singer.

Jodhpur - A Blue City, home of impressive forts and palaces

The train ride from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur takes around 6 hours, i took a tuktuk to Zostel - Jodhpur. I wandered through the streets of Jodhpur, I was struck by the many blue-painted buildings that gave the city its nickname. The blue color took on a new and enchanting quality at night, reflecting the lights and colors of the city and adding to its already mystical atmosphere.

As the sun began to set over Jodhpur, I made my way to the Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest and most impressive forts in India. The fort was perched on a hill overlooking the city below, with massive walls and towering battlements that spoke to its long and storied history.

The golden hour at the Mehrangarh Fort had been a truly magical and unforgettable experience, a chance to connect with the rich history and culture of Rajasthan and to see the beauty of the world in a new and inspiring way.

I made my way through the bustling streets of Jodhpur, I came across a hidden gem that would become one of the highlights of my trip - the Toorji Ka Jhalra stepwell. Located in the heart of the city, this beautiful architectural marvel dates back to the 1740s and is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the artisans and craftsmen of Rajasthan.

Udaipur - A White City of Palaces and Lakes

The journey from Jodhpur to Udaipur is a beautiful and scenic one, taking you through some of the most picturesque parts of Rajasthan. While there are several modes of transportation available, including trains and buses, I decided to take a local taxi for the convenience and flexibility it offered.

Finally arrived in Udaipur, the white architecture of the buildings and palaces was a sight to behold, and the shimmering lakes and serene surroundings only added to the magic of the place.

There's something truly magical about exploring this city before sunrise, when the world is still quiet and the air is cool and fresh. As I set out to explore Udaipur before sunrise, I was filled with a sense of wonder and anticipation.

I made my way to the Ghats, which are a series of steps that lead down to the water's edge. Here, I was able to witness the daily rituals of the locals, who come to the lake to bathe, pray, and wash their clothes.

I arrived at the Ambrai Ghat, I was struck by the stunning beauty of the surrounding landscape. The ghat overlooks Lake Pichola, and the soft light of dawn cast a beautiful and ethereal glow on the water. The silhouette of the Jagmandir Palace, with its intricate architecture and stunning beauty, was visible in the distance. It was a sight that truly took my breath away.

Exploring the City Palace Udaipur is an experience that is sure to leave me awestruck and inspired. This magnificent palace, which was built over a period of 400 years, is a stunning example of the fusion of Rajasthani. Stunning views of Lake Pichola from the palace's many balconies and terraces, every corner of the City Palace is a feast for the senses

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