Welcome to Rajasthan, India’s largest state by area and seventh most populous state. According to my driver, Azad, it is also the most colourful. After leaving the breathtaking Taj Mahal and Agra behind, I set off for Jaipur. The drive usually takes around four hours. However, my friend suggested taking a detour to Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve, which added another two hours to the journey and an overnight stay near the park.
Okay, let’s go, then!
And let me tell you… it was certainly a stopover I won’t forget anytime soon. What an adventure! That said, the Rajasthan Jaipur Fort made up for the previous disaster at the Tiger Park. Read more below…
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The Rajasthan Women
After leaving Agra, we soon crossed into Rajasthan on our way to Ranthambore National Park. My driver explained that many women in the region wear vibrant, colourful outfits, and I was immediately captivated, perhaps even a little obsessed! I couldn’t stop taking photos of the beautifully dressed Rajasthani women. Their outfits were really extraordinary.
I had read that traditional clothing, patterns, and colour choices can reflect a person’s region, community, and cultural identity. This applies to both men and women. Amazing!
Read more about traditional Rajasthani clothing here.
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Then, as we drove through a village, avoiding even more cows standing in the middle of the road, we passed a local market. I spotted a bright pink scarf and immediately asked my driver to stop. Within moments, a crowd had gathered around our car.
I bought the pink scarf for about one dollar. Then I noticed a woman holding a vibrant yellow odhni. Curious, I asked where she had bought it because I wanted one too. “Down the road,” she explained, pointing in that direction. What a shame! However, after she spoke briefly with my driver, he told me she was willing to sell hers to me for $10.
Done!
How exciting! I finally had my own bright odhni! Shopping through the car window at a local market was certainly a unique experience. The people were incredibly friendly, smiling shyly and eagerly saying hello.
My driver kept telling me that I needed something of higher quality, but I wanted the authentic local experience.
Next, the adventure at the Ranthambore National Park!!
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Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Resort
After six long hours, I finally arrived at my hotel near Ranthambore National Park. The park is famous for its wildlife safaris, particularly its tiger sightings, so I was eager to discover what awaited me. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but I felt excited and ready for an adventure.
And what an adventure it was…
No one had warned me that I might end up trapped in the middle of Ranthambore National Park, sitting in an open jeep during a massive storm. The rain fell so heavily that the roads turned into wild rivers. We were soaked, freezing, and unsure whether we, or the people in the six other jeeps, would make it out of the park that day.
To make matters worse, there wasn’t a tiger in sight. The downpour became so intense that I didn’t even dare to take out my phone for photos. It was a crazy experience and, honestly, quite worrying at times. Thankfully, our experienced drivers handled the situation well. Still, I was incredibly relieved to return to the hotel and take a hot shower.
My overnight detour to Ranthambore National Park was certainly an adventure. Would I call it a must-do? Based on my experience, probably not! However, other visitors have been lucky enough to see tigers during the morning safari. I did spot two sloth bears, which was apparently quite rare, but was it really worth the extra journey?
I’m still not sure. Nevertheless, if I hadn’t gone, I wouldn’t have this story to tell. So, in the end, it became another unforgettable chapter in my Indian adventure. Let’s visit the Rajasthan Jaipur Fort next.
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The Jaipur Forts
The next morning, after my adventure at Ranthambore National Park, I continued towards Jaipur on another long drive. Jaipur and the Rajasthan Jaipur Fort marked the final destination of my Golden Triangle journey.
After spending so much time sitting over the previous two days, I decided to explore Amber Palace, also known as Amer Fort, before heading to my hotel. As one of Jaipur’s top attractions, it seemed like the perfect place to stretch my legs. I desperately needed a walk!
And walk I did! Azad dropped me off at the base of Amber Palace, which sits beautifully on top of a hill. “Take your time,” he said. “I’ll wait for you here.”
Okay, let’s go up!
The vast palace complex combines pale yellow and pink sandstone with white marble, creating a truly magnificent sight. It reminded me a little of Kotor, Montenegro. Especially as I walked through the connecting tunnel towards Jaigarh Fort. The architecture was breathtaking, and the views over Jaipur were amazing!
It was the perfect way to get moving again before heading to my final hotel, the Rambagh Palace, to celebrate my birthday! Let’s enjoy Jaipur and the final days of my India trip… x
Read here: Jaipur – the pink city!
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