Jaipur, Rajasthan: Timeless Travel Magic

Bidding farewell to Varanasi (VARANASI SACRED GANGES) was a deeply sentimental moment for me; it's one of those places that etched a profound meaning into my soul. But reality dictates that we must move on, so from Varanasi Airport, we flew back to New Delhi, landing at the bustling Delhi Airport before heading to Hotel Sohi Residency for our one-night stay. I wish I had more positive things to say about this hotel, but when you’re informed that accommodations will be three-star, expectations are modest. While I am far from being a travel diva, the bedsheets, pillow covers, and blanket left me questioning the cleanliness. The one redeeming feature was the super clean bathroom, a small consolation.

Breakfast the next morning was just what you’d expect from such a place, not worth delving into further. I had coffee and two big bananas to fuel up for the approximately five and a half-hour journey to Jaipur. Along the way, we stopped at a North Indian R & R for a comfort break, my first experience of one in India. I was pleasantly surprised  - it was spacious, clean, and felt more like a shopping mall than a rest stop, a far cry from the ones back in Malaysia. The washrooms were clean as well, and there were choices to food outlets, making it an impressive and refreshing break.

 

I leisurely sipped my coffee, taking in the surroundings before setting off again until it was time for our lunch stop at another R & R. Breaking away from the group, who would undoubtedly opt for the usual thali vegetarian set, tosai, or chapatti, I ventured into Hotel Highway King. The male staff, not just one but several, eagerly approached to offer me the menu, making me feel like royalty. Their hospitality was heartwarming, showcasing the incredible kindness found even in roadside outlets.

After they patiently explained the dishes, I decided on Raj Kachori and another coffee. The Raj Kachori was a delightful explosion of flavors and textures  - crunchy, crispy, with a perfect blend of spiciness, sweetness, and tang. I couldn't help but wonder why it starts with "Raj" - perhaps a nod to its regal taste? And the coffee, ah, Indian coffee is truly something to be proud of.

As I made my way back to the entrance, a Paan stall caught my eye. I couldn't resist trying one, despite being unsure which type to choose from the myriad of toppings on display. The moment the Paan hit my mouth and I began chewing, I was greeted with an incredible symphony of flavors. The slight bitterness of the betel leaf beautifully enhanced the sweet and crunchy fillings inside. I found myself thinking, "I love you, North India!" What an unforgettable experience.

Off we went, continuing our journey to Jaipur amidst the bustling traffic. I felt a magical moment in my heart, my instincts telling me that Jaipur was going to melt my heart. However, as we walked from where we got down to Jantar Mantar, the sight was less than pleasant. North India, you have so much to offer, but your people need to pay more attention to cleanliness - rubbish was strewn everywhere, and the smell was quite overwhelming.

The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an extraordinary testament to the astronomical advancements of the 18th century. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, this impressive observatory consists of 19 architectural astronomical instruments, including the world's largest stone sundial, the Samrat Yantra.

 

These instruments were designed to measure time, predict eclipses, track the positions of stars, and ascertain celestial altitudes and declinations. Blending artistic elegance with scientific precision, Jantar Mantar stands as a remarkable fusion of science, astronomy, and spirituality, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the historical pursuit of understanding the cosmos.

Inside the Jantar Mantar monument, various kinds of astrological and architectural instruments provide measurements of time, sun declination, constellation positions, azimuth, and other astrological phenomena. The observatory's 19 geometric devices include famous structures such as the Hindu Chhatri, Jai Prakash Yantra, Samrat Yantra, Rasivalaya, Chakra Yantra, Rama Yantra, Yantra Raj, Nadivalaya, and Digamsa, each aiding in the analysis of the universe.

As a history buff, I loved my time in Jantar Mantar, Jaipur. It was a promising start to our visit, and I now understand why experiencing Jantar Mantar is essential when visiting Jaipur. Our lively and cheerful local guide made the experience even more enjoyable, turning an already fascinating visit into an unforgettable one.

Next, we visited the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of Winds," an iconic landmark in Jaipur, Rajasthan, renowned for its unique architectural splendor. Constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, this five-story pink sandstone palace features an intricate façade with 953 small windows, or jharokhas, adorned with delicate latticework. Designed by Lal Chand Ustad, the palace served as a high screen wall, allowing royal women to observe street festivals and daily life without being seen, in accordance with the strict purdah system.

The ingenious honeycomb structure ensures a constant flow of cool air, making the interiors remarkably pleasant even during the scorching summer months. Overlooking the bustling streets of Jaipur's old city, the Hawa Mahal remains a stunning example of Rajput architecture and a testament to the artistic and cultural heritage of Rajasthan.

Truly a masterpiece, the Hawa Mahal makes you feel comfortable and cozy, almost as if you were one of the royal women from centuries past. It enlivens you in ways that are hard to articulate. Moments like this, in such an ancient, artistically crafted place, highlight why India is known as "Incredible India."

 

To be continued...