Delhi, the wonderful city impressed me to the hilt with its striking attractions. There was a combination of both, modern and traditional. With a heart filled with joy and contentment I drove to Jaipur, my next destination. I started early morning at 6 and reached Jaipur at 10:30 am. Now I was all set for delving into the glories, history and culture of Rajasthan.

Rajasthan is a land of raja-maharajas and I always had a wish to experience their lifestyle so I decided to stay in a heritage hotel. Caper Travels Pvt Ltd had booked me in Alsisar Haveli hotel in Jaipur. It is a heritage hotel where once lived the raja-maharajas. Its royal ambiance and world class facilities transported me back in time to the royal era.

As it was already afternoon so we decided to go to Chokhi Dhani first. I was elated to see this unique and beautiful Village Resort which makes you feel as if you are in a traditional village. Its typical rural ambiance, peaceful environment, beautiful surroundings and delicious traditional food served in a traditional style captured my heart. I also saw traditional Rajasthani dance. It was fabulous and lively.

My guide Umaid Singh gave me some information on the city while on our way to the attractions. Jaipur is a tourist destination which pulsates with royalty and rich cultural heritage. Popularly known as the ‘Pink City’, Jaipur, the princely city, boasts of a rich cultural heritage which majestically reflects in its palaces, forts and monuments. It was established by the king Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. One interesting feature about this city is that it was planned in accord with the Hindu architectural principles of Vaastu. Quite interesting!

I first visited the famous ‘City Palace’. The jewel of Jaipur, this palace is a huge structure which encompasses refreshing gardens, great museums, magnificent halls, huge courtyards and stunning apartments. It was great to explore this place which speaks volumes about the kings who lived here.

My next halt was the Jaigarh Fort which is famous for housing the largest canon in the world. It was built for defense purposes and is also known as the ‘Victory Fort’.

Next, enjoying an elephant ride I reached the most famous attraction of Jaipur, Amber Fort. It is huge, majestic and stunning. Built beautifully in Rajput and Mughal style of architecture, the fort has a history that dates back to 1592. I was overwhelmed by its size, cravings, mirror work, mosaic work and architectural design.

After treating my senses with the beauty and royalty of Jaipur forts and palaces, now was the time to pamper my stomach with some delicious Rajasthani food. I gorged on dal bati churma with a big glass of lassi. I loved it. Then I went on a shopping spree and bought some wonderful handicrafts from the bazaars.

Next day I was slated to explore Agra and again I was excited to know something fascinating about India.

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Personally, I affectionately consider Jaipur as a royal affair. It conjures visions of things which are classy, royal and beautiful. And its royalty is epitomized by its majestic structures which were once the abodes of raja-maharajas of the bygone era.

Again I was in Rajasthan waiting for another ‘time-stopping’ experience. And my royal journey started with an elephant ride to the majestic Amber Fort. Elated, I was attentively listening to the guide about this classic structure which is majestically fashioned out of white marble and red-sandstone. Overlooking the beautiful Maotha Lake, the fort is ideally perched on a hill and it seems as if the exteriors of this structure are budding out of the hill itself. Raja Mansingh started the construction of the fort in 1592 and later more and more structures were added to it by the subsequent rulers.

The fort clearly reflects the lavish, capricious, classy and adventurous lifestyle of the then raja-maharajas. I was completely bowled over by the incredible architectural brilliance of this stunning structure. The interiors of the fort are adorned with paintings, mirror and semi-precious stone work. The must-see apartment is the stunning Sheesh Mahal. Its walls and ceilings are decorated with colorful mirror work. The arresting carvings are equally enchanting.

The other structure I visited inside the fort were Kali Temple famous for its silver doors and silver lions; Diwan-I-aam, the Hall of Public audience with double row of columns; Ganesh Pol which is beautifully painted with vegetable colors; Zenana (women’s apartment) which was made to facilitate the royal ladies to watch the proceedings of the royal court without themselves been seen. It is decorated with mesmerizing paintings of Krishna Leela scenes; the Hall of Victory, Jai Mandir boasting of mirror studded ceiling. There is so much to see and enjoy in the fort.

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