At times, seemingly insignificant things of our lives lead to monumental events. Who could have ever thought that an impromptu viewing of Bollywood oldie “Guide” would send me on a trip to Jaipur. When I was watching this Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman classic, I was fascinated by the beauty of Rajasthan where this movie was shot, more than anything else. The vibrant colors of this land belonging to the brave Rajputs, beckoned me to come and discover its magnificence and the magic. The coming weekend offered the best time to get ahead with my wanderlust and I zoomed along the highway leading to the pretty Pink City and chose a homestay. The tryst proved far better than what I had expected as I got to:

Interview the Hawa Mahal

The magnetic Waheeda Rehman dancing around the forts came alive when I went to the landmark Hawa Mahal. Carved in pink sandstone and standing tall with five stories, this exquisite fort takes your breath away with its detailed honeycomb like structure. You stand awestruck, admiring the stupendous skills of the artisans who created this wonder that gives a grand view of the Jantar Mantar and the City Palace.

Camp inside the City Palace

Sitting in the center of the old city, this palace is a monument lover’s delight. An excellent blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture, the palace greets you to many delights. Going through Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan-I-Aam and the Armoury felt like being transported to the glorious past. It is an awesome encounter filled with regal beauty and nostalgic appeal.

Indulge in elephant and camel ride

If you come to Jaipur and do not take a ride on the gigantic elephant and the calm camel, you have not really tasted the beauty of this city. Raised to a great height, walking the streets on the elephant back gives you a strong sense of royalty, made to appear more authentic when you survey the forts and the monuments, dotting the landscape. As for the camel, the Ship of the Desert is a very cool and obedient animal that carries you with great ease and gives you an unforgettable leisurely ride.

Watch the most amazing puppet show

The cute and colorful wooden puppets are a treat to the eyes, telling multiple tales seeped in mythology, folklore and legends of the land. I could feel the child inside me, relishing every step of the dancing kathputlis, presenting a charming spectacle with their brightly colored clothes and interesting narration accompanied by folk music.

And not to forget the local cuisine that added to make this trip even more enjoyable and scintillating.

Shop in the street markets

Jaipur boasts of an extensive marketplace where you can buy the best handcrafts, jewellery and clothes. I am always crazy for old bazaars because here you can find the most savory samples and best stuff at affordable prices, something impossible at the swankiest of malls. I had a good going at the Johari Bazar and the street shops. At the end, I had managed to lay my hands upon some of the most beautiful ornaments, odhnis.

Choose a homestay the next time you decide to explore Jaipur.