Anil’s Rajasthan Odyssey: From Royalty to the Golden Sands with Thrillophilia
When Anil Shinde planned a family trip to Rajasthan, he knew he was stepping into a world of grandeur, history, and unmatched hospitality. He, along with his wife and son, set out from Mumbai on February 6, 2024, ready to explore the land of kings. Little did they know, this journey would give them stories to tell for a lifetime.
Their adventure began in Jaipur, the regal capital known as the Pink City.
Their first stop of the Rajasthan trip was the City Palace, which is still home to the royal family of Jaipur. As they walked through its courtyards and galleries, Anil was fascinated by the beautifully preserved artefacts - ancient weapons, royal attire, and grand chandeliers that once lit up lavish gatherings. On the other hand, his son was more interested in the tall silver urns that once carried sacred water from the Ganges for the Maharaja’s travels.
They then made their way to Hawa Mahal, whose delicate façade stood like a golden honeycomb against the sky. Awestruck by its intricate windows, his wife remarked, “Can you believe the queens used to watch the city from these jharokhas?” Excited by the idea of secret windows, his son peeked through one with a smile.
As the evening approached, they visited the serene Birla Temple before heading to Shikaar Bagh. Between mouthfuls of Dal Baati Churma, Anil appreciated how Jaipur seamlessly blended its rich past with modern vibrancy.
A Glimpse of the Blue City
The next morning, they set off for Jodhpur, the Blue City of Rajasthan. By the time they arrived and checked into their hotel, the afternoon sun bathed the city in a golden glow.
They made a quick visit to the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, which stood like a guardian over the blue-hued streets. Anil’s son was fascinated by the massive Jaiban Cannon, while his wife admired the intricate mirror work in the Sheesh Mahal. From the fort’s ramparts, they watched the city and its indigo-coloured houses spread below.
A short stop at Jaswant Thada and a brief visit to Umaid Bhawan Palace rounded off their time in Jodhpur. They wandered through Sardar Market in the evening, where his wife picked up colourful textiles and his son enjoyed a spicy mirchi vada. But their hearts were already set on their next destination - the golden city of Jaisalmer.
City of Golds and Legends
As they drove towards Jaisalmer, the landscape slowly transformed - urban life faded and replaced by vast stretches of golden dunes.
Their first stop in Jaisalmer was the Jaisalmer Fort, a living fort unlike any other they had seen. Unlike Mehrangarh or Amer, this fort was home to thousands of people, with bustling shops, cafés, and ancient havelis within its golden walls. They wandered through its narrow lanes, marvelling at the intricate carvings of Patwon ki Haveli and Salim Singh ki Haveli, where balconies extended like peacocks ready to dance.
As they stepped into Gadisar Lake, the soft golden light reflected beautifully on the water. The sight of intricately carved chhatris (pavilions) floating on the lake was mesmerising. Anil and his wife took a quiet moment to soak it in while their son chased a flock of pigeons.
Later, they dined at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the fort.
The Magic of the Thar
The next morning, they set off for the Sam Sand Dunes, eager for the desert adventure that awaited them. As the sun began its descent, their jeep roared across the golden waves, kicking up clouds of dust. The thrill of the ride made Anil’s son squeal with excitement, while his wife clutched his arm, laughing at every sharp turn.
Soon, they switched to camels and slowly made their way up a dune to watch the sunset. The endless expanse of sand glew under the evening sky and the golden hues deepened into orange and red. Anil could feel the peace of the desert - the soft breeze carrying the scent of sand, the distant hum of folk music, and the rhythmic sway of the camels.
At their desert camp, they sat around a bonfire, entertained by the Kalbelia dancers twirling gracefully and their black skirts shimmering under the moonlight. The hauntingly beautiful music of the Ravanahatha echoed across the dunes as they feasted on an authentic Rajasthani thali. The taste of Ker Sangri and Gatte Ki Sabzi, paired with the star-studded sky, made for an experience unlike any other.
A Goodbye with a Promise to Return
As they wrapped up their journey and headed back home, Anil reflected on the past few days. Jaipur had dazzled them with its grandeur, Jodhpur had mesmerised them with its might, but Jaisalmer - Jaisalmer had stolen their hearts with its golden beauty and soulful charm.
They boarded their flight back to Mumbai, with his son clutching his miniature camel figurine. He asked, “Papa, can we come back again?”
Anil ruffled his son’s hair and replied, “Rajasthan is like a storybook, beta. There are always more pages to turn.”
And with that, they carried home memories and a promise to return to the land of kings, where every city, every fort, and every grain of sand had a story to tell.
Read More: Thrillophilia Rajasthan Reviews