Journey through Rajasthan: Discovering the Maharaja’s Realm

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Located in the northern part of the country, the state of Rajasthan is the most populous and most visited in India. It is the land of the maharajas, with palaces worthy of the Arabian Nights, old fortified cities, and well-preserved colonial architecture. It is also an agricultural region marked by significant poverty. Amidst fields of millet, maize, and sunflowers, farmers survive through their small vegetable gardens.

Since it is impractical for tourists to rent a car (who would want to risk hitting a sacred cow?), hiring a car with driver is a good compromise.

As the air-conditioned bus weaved through the often bumpy roads amidst animals, we could appreciate stunning landscapes, encounter pilgrims walking towards a holy site, catch glimpses of nomadic groups transporting their meager possessions on donkeys, and observe families peacefully eating under the shade of a tree. We even made a stop along the road to feed cows, an excellent way to improve one’s karma.

Between the bustling crowds in the chaotic cities, we visited well-maintained tourist sites that offered incredible tranquility once we passed through their gates.

Here are the four main stages of a typical itinerary through Rajasthan.

Jaipur

Incredible energy radiates from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. It is an explosion of colors, scents, and sounds. Women wear brightly colored saris, many men sport mustaches, while others take pride in their beards and henna-dyed hair. All sorts of extravagances are allowed.

Daily life unfolds in the streets before our eyes: people bathing, getting their hair done, and preparing meals over open fires. Elephants and camels, sometimes adorned lavishly, strut by as monkeys jump from one rooftop to another. It is a grand whirlwind, a joyful cacophony.

Surprisingly, Jaipur is the only city in Rajasthan built according to an urban plan dating back to 1728. In 1876, during the visit of the Prince of Wales, the city was entirely painted pink. It retains this beautiful saffron-hued color to this day.

Among the various markets and bazaars, a visit to the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory is a must. Since 1729, these marble and stone instruments have provided the time down to the second, the date, planetary positions, and even weather predictions.

You can also explore the City Palace (akin to an Indian Versailles) and the Hawa Mahal (an impressive baroque facade with 953 curved windows that allowed women to catch the air and watch performances without being seen).

Jaipur is renowned for its gemstone craftsmen. Thousands of families have worked in this sector for generations, and there are jewelry shops on every corner.