Tanya SachdevVisiting Jaipur was a last minute plan. My close friend from Dallas had come there to visit her parents after 2 Covid years. A lot of to and fro had already happened with respect to the plan and this was a last minute booking. Thank God for it! Impulsive plans are the best, once again proven.
I got on the 610 am Shatabdi from New Delhi Railway Station that left the platform on the dot. And I closed my eyes for a nap as soon it left the city. The next 4.5 hours passed with me sleeping through the most of it and twitching my neck. That’s the peril of forgetting the neck pillow. Well, I also forgot the sanitiser & the handsfree. Thanks God, I found a mask in my bag. Though it was no longer a mandate but with a few people coughing around, I didn’t dare to do the journey without it. Life’s better with mask on, at least for the time being.
I reached Jaipur on time and my friend was there at the platform waiting for me. What a sight it was to see her in a printed top and pink skirt. Our Jaipur extravaganza started immediately with a big smile and a long hug. It was an unplanned trip and that I guess made it a hit.
Flexible friends, randomness & going with the wind: Perfect recipe for an amazing trip.
Here are 5 things to do in Jaipur on a 2 day visit.
1.Lunch at Rajmahal palace
Rajmahal Palace is a heritage residence turned luxury hotel that is an experience in itself. It opulently provides some of Jaipur’s most sumptuous experiences. The hotel is royally decorated, and gives that perfect cocktail of old-world culture with a contemporary style. It was built in 1729 and was the home of Maharaja Sawai Man ‘Jai’ Singh and Maharani Gayatri Devi.
Enjoy the Royal family photos, polo trophies and many heirlooms displayed at the property. The property still belongs to the Royal Family.
We started the lunch at 1230 noon and wound up at 630 after endless conversations. Such is the peace outta there. You don’t want to get up.
2.Sunset at the lit up Hawa Mahal : This is a million dollar advice. Run to the Hawa Mahal at the sunset to see it shining in all its glory. There is Tattoo cafe right in front of it that offers a rooftop view that not many know. Majority of the tourists see Hawa Mahal from the road, take a few pictures and leave. You do what I’m telling you. Go up the cafe, order a nice coffee and enjoy it sitting at the rooftop with the beautiful Hawa Mahal as the backdrop. This is dream stuff.
Also, don’t forget to shop juttis, silver jewellery and other knick knacks in the vicinity. Bargain to your potential. I didn’t but you don’t make that mistake.
3.Shikaar Bagh, dinner at Palladio
I missed doing the dinner here but did see the place during the day time. Palladio is a must do sumptuous bar-restaurant that will leave you awe-struck with the heritage brews and recipes. The mood here in the evening is the highlight. Grab a drink and just flow in royalness here.
4.Tapri Cafe for BIG TIME CHAI LOVERS
You can’t miss this if you love chai. The masala chai is so good that you may end up repeating the order not just once but twice minimum.
It is one of the most popular and buzzing hangout places in Jaipur. Tapri Central is your go to place for amazing food options that will surprise you first with their quirky names and then with the taste.
5.Anokhi Cafe
It’s a cute relaxed cafe that offers food along with shopping. We Delhiites are well acquainted with Anokhi for shopping amazing Indian wear. Here you get the fun of shopping and then eating out at the cafe which offers global eats like pizzas, pastas & salads prepared with organic produce. Just sit here and relax.
So this was all about my non stop rendezvous at the Pink City. Hectic, impulsive and too much fun.
If you’d like to recommend a place in Jaipur or just say a hi, write to me in the comments below.
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Do check this out: A leisurely getaway at Welcomhotel, Mashobra (Shimla)
Tanya Sachdev
Kritika Manchanda
