Travel is an investment in yourself.

I have always wanted to visit Jaipur as it is home to some of the most historic architectural structures in the world. I wouldn’t say I have a concrete bucket list, but I want to travel all of India and the world. India houses some of the most beautiful structures in the world. Sorry for being repetitive. But the time I visited wasn’t the best time as it was very hot an humid. The best time to visit Jaipur is by November when the temperatures have dipped.

While I was in Delhi, spending time with my aunt and her family, we came up with a plan for a one day trip to Jaipur via road. Its quiet a journey from Delhi to Jaipur. But we finally decided to take that trip on 23rd March 2022. We left home at 4 A.M. It took us 4 hours to reach Jaipur City. We had packed breakfast from home, so we sat in the car and had breakfast, then headed to our first spot – Hawa Mahal.

Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace) is part of the Jaipur City Palace. Its a 5 story structure, which was constructed close to the women’s chambers and has 953 windows with intricate works, so that they could watch the streets without being see by others. Its amazing to see such a thought out structure in that era. I have always wondered how they constructed it, given that there were not many equipment’s at the time. I was awe-struck while walking through those corridors and looking out through those windows. It was such a fulfilling experience.

When it comes to City Palace, most of its grounds are open to the public. There is a small area which we do not have access to as the Royal family still reside there. The Palace is beautiful. The Palace grounds are massive and there it is all well kept. There are a few galleries that we can enter, the first one we entered was where they displayed the Royal Robes and Attires. Since there was a no photography in most of these galleries, which i totally understand and respect, I didn’t click any. But the clothes used at that time were all hand woven and have such beautiful designs and art work. Its when you see it in person that you realize what the true definition of royal dressing means. I spend quiet a bit admiring the designs on the clothes on display there.

After that we headed to the Art gallery, photography is not allowed in there as well. The depth of color used in every art piece that was displayed there was beautiful and I really don’t know if I can every do justice trying to explain how each and every color looked and felt. They were exquisite. I wish we had such depth in colors that are used these days. I spend more than an hour admiring the art work, I would have spend more, if I had that kind of time. But were were in a bit of hurry.

The third gallery we visited was the armory, or to say a Museum of Armory. Its filled with all the weapons used in the olden times during the war. There was a wide collection of guns, swords, knives, whips and the likes. There were a variety of sword handles that were on display. each had an intricate royal word in gold. On one of the handles, it was like a small floral patterns. I am not one for violence, so I walked through the museum, glanced through the displays and then stepped out. I bet Lybin would have loved to see each item there in detail.

Then we walked towards the next set of courtyards, they were so vast and open. in the center of the courtyard was a rectangular structure which you can walk through, it has the most beautiful and detailed works on it. Here also is displayed the Silver Urn (Gangajali) – used for carry water from the Ganga for the King to take with him Then we headed to see the Sabha Niwas – The hall of Public Audience. This area is also a no photography zone. Line on both the sides are pictures taken when there was a public audience and also when dignitaries visited. The hall is massive, chairs lined on both sides covered in red velvet, beautifully carpeted floors, walls lined with the photographs of the rulers, massive marble pillars with red flowers and green leaves with golden outlines. The red and green are so deep that I have never seen such deep and royal colors in my life. It reminded me of my visit of the Sistine Chapel. Even the color of the paintings there cannot be described nor replicated. That’s the same feeling I had when looked carefully at those marble pillars. I also purchased a few shawls from the souvenir shop inside the palace grounds. They were pretty reasonable and of good quality.

Our next stop was Jal Mahal (Water Palace). As the name suggests, its situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, Its a five story structure of which four are underwater. No one is allowed to enter the structure or go near it anymore. Initially, people were allowed to go near the structure in small boats, but at the time we visited it was not allowed. So we had to stand afar and see it. This turned out to be a short visit. I really wish that someday we could see the Jal Mahal up close and explore its corridors. But, I guess, it will always remain a dream.

Our last spot was Amber/ Amer Fort, by the time we got here, I was totally exhausted because of the heat and I was also suffering from a severe toothache. The climb to the top was pretty steep and it was also tiring. There is an option to rent a vehicle at the entrance and they would drive you to a certain point after which you do have to walk. But, I feel walking up is a good way to enjoy the view. I did manage to climb till the top and enjoy the view every step of the way. We walked the courtyards of the Palace, but since it was too crowded by then, so we sat there, enjoyed the view and came down the hill. Got myself a few fridge magnets as souvenir.

We had lunch on our way back to Delhi. Overall, I had a wonderful time. One day is not enough to go around and soak in the beauty of this city and its surroundings, so Lybin and I have decided that we will plan a trip solely to Jaipur when the temperatures have dipped, and spend a few days there so that we do justice to Jaipur. Its an amazing city with a lot to enjoy, be it food or history. I really want to spend more time admiring the paintings in the art gallery located inside City Palace grounds. If your a person who enjoys history depicted in paintings, please do not miss City Palace. We learn about a land and its cultures from its past, so a trip to any place is incomplete if you don’t pay homage to that.