We departed Delhi at 6:30 AM on Tuesday to beat the city’s notoriously congested traffic. Our ride, a comfortable 21-seat bus, accommodated our group of 13 with plenty of space. The driver even has an assistant and they both sit in a glass-enclosed cockpit.
Our first stop, 90 minutes into the drive, was at a roadside McDonald’s. Manu, our guide, recommended it for its reliably clean bathrooms. Later, we stopped for lunch at Hotel Highway King. The drive itself was eye-opening; the so-called “highway” made the Pennsylvania Turnpike look like the Autobahn. India’s infrastructure has immense room for improvement as the roads are unfinished and litter is everywhere.
We reached Amber Palace, located seven miles outside Jaipur, shortly after lunch. Built in the 1500s from red sandstone and marble, the palace sits atop a steep hill. To save time and energy, we paid 200 rupees each for a cart ride up the steep hill to the entrance. Our guide provided an engaging tour on the royal family and the history of the palace, he was fantastic.
Being Uttarayanam—a Hindu holiday marking the transition from winter to summer—the palace was crowded with Indian tourists. Many eagerly asked to take pictures with members of our group.
On our way to Jaipur, we stopped briefly to snap photos of the Water Palace, a picturesque sight.
In Jaipur, the city was alive with celebrations for Uttarayanam, which coincides with a massive kite festival. Rooftops were crowded with people flying kites, creating a vibrant spectacle against the blue sky. As dusk fell, the kites gave way to fireworks which were being blasted by people in every direction of the city. We ended the day with dinner at Dagla, a rooftop restaurant offering a fantastic view of the fireworks display.
This morning, we took a walking tour of the market area in Jaipur’s “Pink City.” The nickname comes from the distinctive pink hue of landmarks like the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and the surrounding market buildings, which stretch on for blocks. While the architecture was stunning, the market area was cluttered with litter.
After exploring the market, we watched a fascinating block printing demonstration using vegetable dyes. The intricate craftsmanship and technique were captivating.
Later, some of us visited the City Palace, where we had lunch before exploring its royal museum. Highlights included the textile gallery, printing and photography exhibits, transport gallery, and a fascinating tour of the arms and armor collection.
The adventure continued with a tuk-tuk ride back to our hotel, an exhilarating experience in itself. We wrapped up the day with a delightful dinner at Café Auberge. Our lively conversation ranged from arranged marriages to politics in the US, Canada, and the UK—where no one hesitated to voice their disapproval of Trump.
This journey was a whirlwind of history, culture, and celebration, showcasing the vibrant energy and contrasts of Rajasthan.
Traveling Walters 