Jaipur, Until Next Time

It’s crazy how fast this trip went by; Bharatpur to Jaipur, two cities that felt so different yet somehow flowed together perfectly. Day 2 in Jaipur was our last full day, and though we didn’t have a long list of places to tick off, it turned out to be one of those slow, memorable days that stay with you for a while.

Morning Views at Hawa Mahal 🌸

We started at Hawa Mahal, the “Palace of Winds,” glowing in the soft morning light. I’ve seen it in pictures a hundred times before, but standing there, watching sunlight spill through its tiny windows really hit differently. Jaipur truly lives up to its name as the Pink City. There’s something about those pastel walls, the warmth of the people, and the quiet buzz of the streets that just feels… timeless.

The Pink City & Some Retail Therapy

After Hawa Mahal, we wandered through the Old Pink City, and it honestly looked like a postcard come to life: bright walls, colourful shops, and the kind of chaos that somehow makes perfect sense.

Of course, I couldn’t resist shopping. I picked up a pair of juttis, a few clothes, and some small things I didn’t plan to buy but absolutely had to. The best part? Bargaining, laughing, and just soaking in the old-city vibe. Jaipur markets have that charm - they’re loud, messy, but full of character.

Dinner, Dessert & Little Goodbyes

Back at the hotel, we ended the night with one of the tastiest dinners of the trip: simple, cozy, and exactly what we needed. And of course, dessert was a must: chocolate ice cream with brownie bits (my all-time favourite). It was the sweetest end to a day that had everything: culture, colour, calm, and a little chaos.

The Next Morning

We woke up early the next morning, packed up, and started the long drive back to Dehradun. I didn’t take too many pictures this time, just a few here and there, but maybe that’s what made it more special. Some trips aren’t meant to be over-documented; they’re meant to be felt.

And that’s how this Bharatpur–Jaipur trip came to an end: a mix of forts, laughter, chai breaks, unexpected turns, and quiet moments.

Bharatpur Diaries: Day 2 – Lassi, Maggi & The Road to Jaipur

It’s been a while since my last post; life’s been a mix of college, moving to a new city, and a whole lot of change in between. But that’s a story for another post (coming soon 👀). For now, let’s rewind to something a little lighter, the second (and equally beautiful) day of our Bharatpur trip.

Morning Calm

We woke up to the softest morning light streaming through our window — the kind that makes you want to just sit by the sill and breathe it in. Bharatpur had a stillness that was rare and comforting, and we decided to enjoy it slowly before hitting the road.

Breakfast Goals: Badam Lassi & Masala Maggi

Before leaving, we stopped by a cozy roadside café that quickly became a favourite. Served in traditional clay kulhads, the badam lassi was rich, creamy, and perfectly chilled, a sweet start to the day.

But the real star? A bowl of spicy Maggi, loaded with green peas, chillies, and street-style masala. It was simple but somehow perfect - the kind of comfort food that always hits the spot when you’re travelling. Between sips of lassi and bites of Maggi, we chatted, laughed, and stretched breakfast into brunch without even realizing it.

From Bharatpur to Jaipur – The Open Road

By late morning, it was time to say goodbye to Bharatpur. We packed up, put on our travel playlist, and set out on the road trip to Jaipur. The drive was lined with open fields and dusty roads that glowed under the sun - one of those scenic stretches that makes silence feel meaningful.

Our Bharatpur leg was short but wholesome, from forts and birds to chaat, lassi, and Maggi mornings. As we reached Jaipur in the evening, the change of pace was immediate. The calm of Bharatpur gave way to Jaipur’s lively charm - pink walls, busy streets, and the hum of a city that never seems to slow down.

Bharatpur Diaries: Day 1 – Fort Walls, Bird Calls & Chaat Stalls

If you’re craving a weekend that’s a mix of royal history, wild nature, and street food magic, Bharatpur serves it all on one platter. Day 1 of our trip was proof—and here’s how it unfolded.

A Calm Start: Breakfast & Morning Coffee

Our day kicked off with a peaceful breakfast at our stay, which felt extra special with that crisp morning breeze and no deadlines in sight.

Stepping Into History: The Unshakable Lohagarh Fort

By mid-morning, we were standing before the mighty Lohagarh Fort, and let me tell you—it doesn’t try to charm you; it challenges you to understand its strength.

Built in the 18th century by Maharaja Suraj Mal, this “Iron Fort” earned its name by resisting countless British attacks without ever falling. No marble luxury here—just stone, strategy, and serious presence.

We explored its massive gates, strolled around the moat, climbed the Jawahar Burj, and soaked in centuries of resilience that seemed to echo off the walls.

Spicy Interlude: Chaat for Lunch

History makes you hungry—and what better way to refuel than with chaat from a local stall? We dove into crispy kachoris, tangy golgappas, and syrupy jalebis, standing shoulder to shoulder with locals. It wasn’t just food—it was an experience. Affordable, authentic, and bursting with flavour.

Nature’s Encore: Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary at Golden Hour

As the sun began to dip, we made our way to the peaceful haven that is Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary. It was like nature’s own orchestra—chirping birds, rustling trees, and the occasional splash of water. We were lucky to spot painted storks, Indian darters, and even a few migratory birds that had made this UNESCO World Heritage site their temporary home. The peacefulness was a welcome contrast to our otherwise hectic routines. We spotted painted storks, egrets, and flocks of migratory birds nesting quietly in the wetlands. The sunset cast a golden glow over everything, and for a moment, the world felt still.

Wrapped in Dust and Wonder

By the time we returned to our hotel, we were dusty, tired, and full of stories. Day 1 had given us a little of everything—heritage, flavours, and feathered friends. And we couldn’t wait to see what Day 2 would bring.