In January, Andrew and I returned to India to explore this fabulous culture again. For this trip, we chose Rajasthan as our destination. This fascinating state brings images of deserts, camels and turbans to mind. And I was not to be disappointed! We saw so many men with phenomenal moustaches and grand multicoloured turbans! How fabulous these men look! And let’s not forget the women, beautifully wrapped in their colourful saris. Let’s look at four places to visit in Rajasthan according to what we experienced.
Rajasthan is stunning, and even though we can see poverty on every street corner, it’s a visually rich state. It seems such a strange contrast to speak of beauty and richness whilst so much poverty abounds, but I’ve been really touched by those people with old hands and resilient eyes.
I am always intrigued by the human race. I am moved when I see women queuing up every day to collect water at the only well in town. This is life in its purest state, and I think it’s beautiful. Those everyday scenes of life, submerged in poverty, are filled with humanity. In a certain way, I see beauty and richness in them. I see the contrast between misery and happiness; genuine smiles; free and happy kids, tired men and strong women.
I clearly see the vast range of human emotions that we tend to hide in the comfort of our homes in the Western world. In India, life is raw and spent in the streets or on roofs, in front of the neighbours and the passing tourists. No censorship.
Contrasting with the ever-so-present poverty, Rajasthan is also rich in history. The land is covered with exceptional remains of the past: stronghold forts, shiny palaces, and detailed temples. Yet, we’ve seen only a tiny portion of the treasures hidden in that state, and we’ve been dazzled!
Places to visit in Rajasthan: Jaipur
In Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, we visited the Hawa Mahal, the famous Wind Palace. What affected me the most in seeing this palace was how the court women lived back in the day.
Hawa Mahal – Wind Palace
The famous façade of the palace was specifically designed to let the wind come in, creating a natural cooling system in the place. Hundreds of little windows allowed women of the court to observe what was happening in the streets without being seen. Women of the royal court in this palace couldn’t show their faces. Ever! So they spend their time watching life in the streets from a tiny window like this. What a life!
Being a Western woman, proudly living as a free being, I just can’t imagine a life lived behind a wall; a life lived through the tiny opening of a window. God, my heart was suffering at that thought and sadly, I know it is still happening these days in our modern world.
Places to visit in Rajasthan: Jodhpur and the fort
On a more positive note, the place that impressed me the most during our trip to Rajasthan was the Mehrangarh Fort in the blue city of Jodhpur. Built on top of a cliff, this fort is magnificent, imposing, romantic and fascinating. Before the fort’s construction, the hill it sits on was already named “pigeon hill”.
Overlooking the old city, we can see the fort from everywhere. Its profile is huge when seen from the town, but when we visit it, we fall for it. We take a plunge into the past as soon as we pass the tall gate at the fort’s entrance. I was charmed by all the intricate details and carvings of the palace. The palace’s architecture was stunning, and I found the place so romantic. Every corner is beautifully carved. Ah, I could have spent days wandering in that fort!
Places to visit in Rajasthan: Pushkar
Besides those touristic visits, Andrew and I spent three quiet weeks in Pushkar, a little town surrounding a sacred lake in a desert landscape. Pushkar is a pilgrimage place with a few rules to follow to respect the villagers and the pilgrims. One of the rules was perfect for us: it is prohibited to eat meat in Pushkar! The entire town is entirely vegetarian, and every restaurant proposes only vegetarian dishes on its menu. Happiness! We ate like a king and queen!
On the other hand, one rule that was a little bit harder for us to follow was the restriction on displaying public affection. We just couldn’t hold hands whilst walking around; it’s illegal! Although we didn’t see any police in the street enforcing this rule; so it might not have been too bad if we did hold hands.
Other than that, the town is charming. The holy cows are wandering the streets happily, so you must keep your eyes on the ground to avoid stepping into soft lumps. Monkeys play amidst the street’s electric wires, creating power shortages daily. Camels and caravans of gypsies can be seen in the dunes outside of town. All around the sacred lake, babas, saddhus, holy men and pilgrims are immersing their bodies in the water. The Ghats around the lake are a real pigeon’s paradise. There’re so many of them!
Places to visit in Rajasthan: Amber (alternatively Amer)
Before our trip to Rajasthan ended, we returned to Jaipur to visit the Amer Fort. Located outside town, the fort is surrounded by impressive fortifications spread over the surrounding hills. It’s an awe-inspiring sight. The fortress is also quite imposing. The Amer Palace is pretty, with its rooms filled with mirrors and immaculate gardens.
After this third trip to India, I’m still fascinated by this country, and there are still so many other parts of it I wish to explore. So, India, I’ll see you again soon!
