A City Drenched In Colour And Tradition
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, and also stands as a gateway to the vibrant world of Rajput, royalty and tradition. Known as the pink city forest, its distinctive colour of the historic buildings, Jaipur is a perfect blend of ancient history and contemporary art. From its magnificent forts and palaces to the lively bazaars, Jaipur is a journey into Culture and colour
The Hawa Mahal
Mangesh Annachhatre’s first stop was the Hawa Mahal or which is also called Palace of winds, which is an iconic structure that epitomises cities, unique architecture. Built with pink and red sand stones, this five story, Mahal was designed to allow royal woman to see the streets while maintaining their privacy. Standing in front of its intricate letticework I could almost imagine the whispers and laughter of the Royals. The view from the top was of bustling city scape set against the backdrop of Aravali range. This site stayed with me for a long time after I left.
Amir Fort
No visit to Jaipur could be complete without exploring the grand Amir Fort, which is located on the outskirts of the city. The foot has its sprawling courtyard and gateways, which has an old old charm. I opted to walk up the steam path of the Fort taking the view of the lake below. The Sheesh Mahal was the most breathtaking part of the Fort. With walls in laid with tiny mirrors, a single flame could light up the entire room like a star studded sky. Being there, I could literally envision the royal gatherings that must have once filled the space with laughter and music.
The Shoppers Paradise
Jaipur resort treasure trove for those who love to shop. I spent hours and hours wandering through the vibrant Johri Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar. These are the main and the oldest markets of the city, which has a lot to offer from handmade jewellery, colourful textiles to spices and what not. I couldn’t resist purchasing a few pieces of silver jewellery and hand embroidered Bandini sarees for my family. We also bought a lot of bedsheets and other home furnishing items as a memory from Jaipur.
The Flavours Of Jaipur
Jaipur’s food is as rich as its heritage. For lunch, I visited this heritage restaurant where I tried Rajasthani Thali. This Thali was an explosion of flavours, from Lal Mass to Changi Care Sanghri and soft Baajra ki Roti. There was everything on that platter. The meal was a feast for me, and this was also complimented by the Rajasthani folk music, playing in the background.
A night at Chokhi Dhani. The best part of Mangesh Annachhatre’s trip was that I visited Chokhi Dhani, which is an ethnic village resort that gives you the feel of Rajasthan. The experience was amazing with traditional dances, camel rides, puppet shows, and an array of local artisans showing their craft. Sitting on a low charpai I enjoyed my meal which was served on a leaf while listing to the folk tales narrated by an elderly storyteller. It was a perfect blend of food, art and culture, which made me feel like I stepped into this vibrant tapestry of Rajasthani life.
Final Thoughts
Jaipur is a city that stays with you long after you have departed. It’s majestic For, colourful bazar, and the worm hospitality of its people make it a place, unlike any other. Each moment was in Jaipur was a reminder of its royal past and vibrant present, which has left me with memories that are as colourful and as lively as the city itself.
