Rajasthan- A place you cannot have enough of- Part 2

In Part 1, I shared about our visits to Choki Dhani and the amazing palaces in Jaipur. You can read the full text of Part 1 by clicking on:  https://jaunt-fulmemories.blogspot.com/2018/11/rajasthan-place-you-cannot-have-enough.html

DAY 3

Ajmer and Pushkar were not in our plans. We had originally planned to take the early morning train to Jodhpur from Jaipur and return by train from there to Mumbai the next day.

But during our train journey from Mumbai to Jaipur, our co-passengers suggested we should visit Ajmer and Pushkar also. We first thought of taking a cab to Ajmer and Pushkar and reach Jodhpur late evening. However, we eventually dropped Jodhpur and chose to have a more relaxing visit to Ajmer and Pushkar. That way, we would also get an extra day in Jaipur. 

Entrance to the Dargah

Ajmer and Pushkar are popular historical religious destinations, In a way the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer and the famous Brahma temple in Pushkar, to which people from all over the world flock to, stand as outstanding symbols of religious harmony. The towns are just a few kilometers away from each other and yet have an ambience of their own. It is believed that if one worships with a pure heart, all wishes are fulfilled. 

The Dargah Compound 

After a three-hour journey, we reached Ajmer at around 1 pm from Jaipur. Our driver told us to be extremely careful of thieves while visiting the Dargah, as it is crowded. The car dropped us a little away from the Dargah, from where we had to take an auto up the road. Reaching the Dargah, we encountered a huge silver gate and entered a completely different world.

When you enter the courtyard, you can see a radiant white tomb, the shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. You can make donations of any amount, but make sure to give them only to the concerned authority. The place gave me a sense of emotional calm even though hundreds of people were present there. It is important to dress appropriately and respect the culture. 
We left the Dargah feeling blessed and moved towards the holy town of Pushkar, which has a charm of its own. Popular for its camel fair, the town is also a prominent Hindu pilgrimage as it is home to India’s only Brahma temple. 

Our ride awaits! 

Post lunch, we decided to go for a camel ride in the desert. I was surprised to know that even Pushkar had a desert. We took a two-hour camel cart ride. The vendor showed us pictures of the movies shot there and the actors who had visited. We excitedly looked at the pictures and geared up for the ride. 

Much of the ride was through bumpy roads which had rose and amla plantations on one side. When we reached our destination, we realized it was more like the photocopy of a desert. It was a small land surrounded by isolated sandy areas. However, we decided to make the most of it. After all, we had paid Rs 3,500/- for this experience!

Rajasthani folk dancers and singers were performing in the area. There was also a photo booth where one could click pictures in Rajasthani dresses. We didn’t opt for those photos, but clicked pictures on our phones and danced to the beats of the folk singers. It was a fun moment and we were amazed to see how talented those singers and dancers were. Though it only provides a sneak peek into a real desert, it is still worth its while, for you can take click pictures with some interesting backdrops. 

Cultural performances at the desert

The camelback ride

The camel cart took us to another part of the `desert` which was more commercialised and had a lot of photo booths. It was very disappointing to see the litter that was scattered all over. As citizens, we must take responsibility to keep the country clean. Garbage in tourist spots affects the country's image. 

We chose not to spend time there and returned to base. The overall ride was not worth the money, but it was a different experience. Anyway, we were happy we took the ride. 

Pushkar Lake

We then headed to the serene and holy Pushkar lake. The entry to the lake is through a beautiful white marble building. Flower stalls and priests greet you at the entrance, with the priests offering to do puja.  

The blue and calm water is surrounded by small temples and settlements. It was a tranquil moment and we just sat by the lake enjoying the serenity.

Malpua in the making!

We then visited the historic Brahma temple. It is a small and exquisite blue-coloured temple amidst the city market. It is at a walkable distance from the lake.

Pushkar’s small town bazaars are perfect if you are looking for some local shopping and taking your palate for a spin. It has numerous local sweet shops popular for their malpua and kalakand. With it’s mystic lanes, blue temples, chanting of devotional songs in the background, small bustling bazaars and beautiful people, this medieval temple town will give you an experience like no other. We had a blessed day, visiting pilgrim sites of two major religions. 

Delicacies at Pushkar Market 

Snake charmer- Pushkar market 

DAY 4

Having had a hectic previous day, we decided to start our Jaipur city tour a little late. We had just half a day in hand, as our train back to Mumbai was that evening. 

City Palace

The Pink City, or Old Jaipur as it called, greeted us with all its buildings and shops coloured in pink. Our auto driver told us that the then King had decorated the city to welcome the arrival of a British noble and hence he coloured the city in pink. It is indeed fascinating to see everything in pink. It is like a city within a city. 

Our first stop was The City Palace. I took an audio guide for the city palace tour. The palace offers various tours. One part of the palace is open to public. In the other part, the current royal family of Jaipur resides. The cost for visiting the private is area is much higher. 

Pink City Palace of The Pink City 

Just Pink! 

Lovely photogenic doors

The palace is marvellous and exquisite. The architecture is a combination of Mughal, Rajput and European styles. The palace has some beautiful courtyards and buildings. The red and pink sandstone add an amazing touch to the architecture. We fell in love with the eye-catching gateways and doors. 

The palace has a museum, photo as well as and art galleries, which are a must visit. The palace is simply magnificent and is one of the best spots in Jaipur. 

                                                 

Opposite the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, which has a set of fourteen huge astronomical instruments were built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. There are instruments which predict time, act as a horoscope, measure latitudes and positions of celestial bodies and several other astronomical factors. This was built during a time when geometrical instruments weren’t even introduced. The accuracy of these massive instruments is beyond expectations, which generates a huge respect for our Indian rulers and ancestors. It is a one-of-a-kind attraction and adds to the must-visit list. 

Jantar Mantar Complex

We then proceeded towards the attraction Jaipur is known for – Hawa Mahal. We often associate Jaipur with Hawa Mahal. It is located in the city center, in the complex of the Pink City. Thought it didn’t turn out to be something I had expected, it is an architectural wonder. It is not a massive structure, but its presence is evident, ensconced as it is in between the bustling bazaars of Jaipur. 

Hawa Mahal 

Hawa Mahal- an architectural wonder

We then did some shopping in the Old Jaipur city markets. Bapu and Jowri Bazaars are two of the most popular ones. Jaipur is popular for its Jaipuri cotton clothes and gemstones jewellery. 

Bapu Bazaar

We bid adieu to this lovely city in the evening. Despite two rounds of Jaipur city tour, we missed out on a few attractions like Albert Hall museum, Galta Ji, Birla Mandir, Patrika Gate, Gaitore and Sisodia Rani Palace and Garden. Now you know why I say “You will have to come back for more.” 

Jaipur- Ajmer- Pushkar has been my best trip to date, with different experiences everywhere. Without doubt, Rajasthan is a unique destination - be it food, attractions, people or stay. That's why they say about Rajasthan, `Jane kya dikh jaye`.

Top Recommendations In Jaipur

1.          The Grand dining experience at Choki Dhani. 

2.          Try authentic local food at Khandelwal Pavitra Bhojanalay.

3.          Wax Museum and Sheesh Mahal at Nahargarh Fort. 

4.          Amer Fort during Sunset.

5.          Shopping at Bapu Bazaar (Pink City)

6.          Delicacies at Rawat Mishthan Bhandar (Sindhi Camp area)

7.          Malpua and Aloo puri in Halwai Gali, Pushkar