Welcome to Rajasthan, India’s largest state by area and seventh largest by population. Also, according to my driver Azad, the most colourful one. After leaving the breathtaking Taj Mahal and Agra, I set off for Jaipur. The drive usually takes about 4 hours, however my friend suggested a detour to the Ranthambore Tiger Resort, adding 2 hours extra to the drive and an overnight stay near the park. Ok, let’s go then!
And let me tell you.. it was certainly a stopover I won’t forget too quickly…
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The Rajasthan Women
After leaving Agra, we soon entered Rajasthan. My driver mentioned that the women here dress in vibrant, colorful outfits, and I was immediately captivated and obsessed. I couldn’t stop taking photos of the Rajasthan women. Their outfits were unbelievable! I have read that by choosing their dresses and colours they define the people and their connection with the land. Both, men and women. Amazing!
Read more here.
Each woman seemed more vibrant than the last, standing out against the simple surroundings of ruins and dirt. I was mesmerized. Where could I buy one of those stunning, colorful veils (called Odhani or Chunari)?
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Then, as we drove through a village, avoiding more cows on the middle of the road, we passed a local market. I spotted a bright pink scarf and asked my driver to stop. Immediately, a crowd of people gathered around our car.
I purchased the pink scarf for one dollar and I noticed a woman holding a vibrant yellow Odhani. Curious, I asked where she got it from. I would like one too. ‘She bought it down the road’, she pointed out. Shame. However, after a brief conversation between her and my driver, he told me she was willing to sell it to me. For $10. Done!
So exciting! I finally had my own bright Odhani! Shopping from the car window at a local market was definitely a unique experience. The locals were super friendly, smiling at me shyly, but keen to say hi.
My driver kept telling me I needed something more top quality, but I wanted the local experience.
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Ranthambore Tiger Resort
After six long hours, I finally arrived at the small town and hotel near Ranthambore National Park. This Tiger Resort is famous for its wildlife tours, especially for spotting tigers, so I was eager to see what was in store. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but I was excited and ready for the adventure. And an adventure I had…
What I didn’t expect, and no one warned me about, was being trapped in the middle of the National Park, in an open jeep, during a massive storm. The rain was so heavy, the roads turned into wild rivers, leaving us soaked, freezing, and unsure if we (along with six other jeeps) would make it out that day. To top it off, there were no tigers in sight. The downpour was so intense, I didn’t even dare take out my phone for photos. It was a crazy, and honestly, at one point a bit worrying experience.
Thankfully, our drivers were experienced and handled it well. I was glad to have a hot shower back at the hotel.
My overnight detour to the Ranthambore Tiger Resort was certainly an adventure. Is it a must do? Most likely not. That said, others have been lucky enough to see tigers on the morning safari. I did see two bears, which was rare (apparently), but was it worth the extra trip?
Still, if I hadn’t gone, I wouldn’t have this story to tell. So, in the end, it just adds to the adventure during my time in India.
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The Jaipur Forts
The next morning my journey continued with another long drive, heading towards Jaipur. The final destination of my Golden Triangle. Given the amount of sitting I have done the past two days, I decided to first explore the Amber Palace (Amer Fort), one of the top tourist attractions of Jaipur. I needed a walk!
And walking I did. Azad dropped me off at the base of the Amber Palace, perched beautifully on top of the hill. His words were: ‘Take your time. I will be waiting here.’ Ok. Let’s go up.
The magnificent Amber Palace and Amer Fort is an extensive palace complex that has been built with pale yellow and pink sandstone, and with white marble. It is absolutely stunning and it reminded me a bit of Kotor, Montenegro. Especially when walking up to the Jaigarh Fort via the connecting tunnel. The architecture is breathtaking, and the view of Jaipur amazing! It was the perfect way to get some walking in before heading to my hotel, the Rambagh Palace, to celebrate my birthday!
Let’s enjoy Jaipur and the final days of my India trip.. x
