The scorching heat in Delhi is driving us all mad. People are searching for destinations where they can escape from getting baked. As an avid traveller, I realised the quick change in weather twice in a week will harm me more than doing any good. And thus the decision came to visit Jaipur during weekend. Some even called me crazy for choosing such a destination when the temperature or the weather is acting as a con. But I thought how bad could it be? Especially, now as a Delhiite, when I reach home after a tiring day, the heat-wave does not show any mercy. Managing to dodge pretty much everyone’s wise opinions, I packed my bags and got into a bus that would straight away take me to the Rangeela city.
When I reached, it was like, “What is everyone talking about? It’s quite pleasant.” But, I guess I forgot that it was only 6 am in the morning and the entire day was awaiting. It took me around half an hour to reach the hotel. I had a basic idea that my trip to the forts should be done before noon. I gulped down my breakfast and booked a car. The driver called me up ensured that it will take me to almost all the places from my wishlist.
As we started, the heat started following us as well. If I remember correctly, I drank at least 3 litres of water within a span of 6 hours. We first went to the Birla temple. By that time, the heat was beginning to exhaust me. But as the day went on, the enthusiasm to witness the grandeur of the city palaces and the awe of the beauties that came one after other made all the tire and agitation go away.
Rajasthan’s forts attract all from far and wide. The tour is never complete without a glimpse of these magnificent beauties, which includes innumerable forts and temples. As for Jaipur, Nahargarh has becomes my personal favourite. The breathtaking view of the entire city from the fort is definitely a show-stealer. Be it daytime or evening, the view will make one want to linger to the place a little longer. But, Jal Mahal could have become another one of my favourites had I gotten the chance to visit the mahal itself. Due to some people’s foolish acts the entry to the palace has been prohibited. Anyways, being a first time visitor, I needed the opinion of my driver as in where it would be appropriate to have lunch.
Jal Mahal
The driver suggested a moderate restaurant and I was more than happy to explore the food joint. The meal was filling and quite different from what a North Indian thali offers. But the flavour of coriander was a bit too strong I felt.
In the evening, I had food at Fairmont Hotel. I knew I had to visit this place to checkout their ravishing Rajasthani thali which they have launched recently. And as expected, the dishes were too appealing to resist.
The flavoursome food and the courteous staff made it worth travelling 25 kilometres.
This was the first time, I was tasting Laal Maans, Dal Baati Choorma or Malai Ghewar. And each of them made me promise to myself that Jaipur is a must visit once in a while. If not for anything else, for these dishes at least. It won’t be too dramatic if I say that the experience taught me not only to appreciate barren beauties but the food, culture and people of Jaipur boosted my energy to keep me going for a couple of months.
