Anil Shinde’s Wonderful Family Journey to Rajasthan with Thrillophilia
It had been a while since we had taken a proper vacation. Life had been a blur of deadlines, school schedules, and routine errands. My wife had been hinting for months that we needed a break. Even our son had started asking, “Papa, when will we go on a real adventure?”
That is when we decided that it was time to pack our bags and go on a remarkable journey. Rajasthan has always fascinated us with its rich history, breathtaking architecture, and vibrant culture. However, planning a trip across multiple cities felt overwhelming. That is when we found Thrillophilia, and from the very first call, we knew we were in good hands.
With a perfect itinerary curated for us, we were ready for our royal adventure.
A Grand Welcome to the Pink City of Jaipur
From the moment we landed in Jaipur, Rajasthan welcomed us like an old friend. Our guide greeted us with a warm "Khamma Ghani!", and we were whisked away to our hotel in a comfortable private vehicle.
The first day in Jaipur felt like stepping into a time machine. The City Palace left us surprised with its grand halls and intricate carvings. My son, who usually found history boring, was completely mesmerised.
We also strolled through the bustling streets of Johari Bazaar, where my wife could not resist picking up handcrafted jewellery. As we stood before the majestic Hawa Mahal, with its 953 windows, she turned to me and smiled, “Can you believe this place was built just for royal women to watch the streets without being seen?”
By the evening, we found ourselves at a rooftop restaurant, enjoying authentic Rajasthani cuisine with a view of the twinkling city lights. I had never tasted Daal Baati Churma this good!
The next morning, we explored Amber Fort, where an elephant ride up to the grand entrance made our son feel like a prince. Standing on top of the fort and gazing at the vast Aravalli hills, I felt that it was an experience we would cherish forever.
The Timeless Charm of the Blue City of Jodhpur
The next leg of our journey took us to Jodhpur, where the old-world charm of the Blue City awaited. As we approached the mighty Mehrangarh Fort against the desert sky, I realised why it had been described as one of the most magnificent forts in India. The view from the top was breathtaking - endless blue houses stretched beneath us like a dream.
Our son was fascinated by the ancient cannons at the fort, while my wife and I admired the beautifully decorated Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal.
“Did you know the fort still has cannonball marks from past battles?” our guide mentioned, pointing at the walls.
Later, we went to Jaswant Thada, a serene marble cenotaph. The peace of the place, surrounded by gardens and a shimmering lake, was a welcome contrast to the grandeur of the fort.
We explored the bustling Sardar Market in the evening, where the air was filled with the scent of fresh spices and the sound of bargaining voices. We picked up some traditional Bandhani textiles and, of course, indulged in the famous mirchi vada and makhaniya lassi in Jodhpur.
A Golden Dream in the Desert of Jaisalmer
As we entered Jaisalmer, it felt like stepping into a golden mirage. The sandstone buildings shimmered under the sun, and the grand Jaisalmer Fort, still home to thousands of residents, stood tall, narrating centuries of history.
The Patwon ki Haveli, with its intricate carvings, transported us to an era of wealthy traders and royal extravagance. With newfound love for history, our son kept asking the guide about secret tunnels and hidden treasures.
But the true magic of Jaisalmer awaited us in the Thar Desert.
As the sun dipped into the dunes, we rode camels across the golden sands. The silence of the desert was unlike anything we had experienced before - just the soft crunch of sand beneath the camel’s feet and the whisper of the wind.
At the desert camp, we were welcomed with warm chai and folk music. My son watched in amazement as Kalbeliya dancers twirled gracefully to the rhythm of the dhol. Under the vast, starlit sky, we enjoyed an authentic Rajasthani feast. Sitting by the bonfire, my wife leaned in and whispered, “This… this is what we needed.”
And I could not have agreed more.
The Last Leg of the Journey
On our last morning in Rajasthan, we stood by Gadisar Lake and watched the sunrise paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. Standing there, I thought to myself that our trip was a treasure trove of memories that we would carry with us forever.
The team at Thrillophilia had curated a flawless experience and made every moment seamless and special. From handpicked hotels to expert guides, everything had been taken care of, allowing us to simply immerse ourselves in the beauty of Rajasthan.
As we boarded our flight back home, my son looked up at me and asked, “Papa, where are we going next?”
I smiled. Because after Rajasthan, every trip would have to be just as extraordinary.
Read More: Thrillophilia Rajasthan Reviews