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.

Maggi, Mountains & Memories

Riding up to Mussoorie is a special experience—the cool air, winding roads, and breathtaking mountain views feel like a movie scene. This trip was even more memorable because I shared it with my siblings. We set off at sunset, the sky glowing in shades of orange and pink. As we climbed, the air grew cooler and fresher, revealing forests, valleys, and twinkling village lights. Each turn brought a new view, making us want to savor every moment.

By the time we decided to take a break, the sky had shifted to a deep twilight, and it was getting chilly. That’s when we knew it was time to stop at one of our favourite places—the "Maggi Point." For those who don’t know, Maggi Points are these tiny roadside stalls that serve up simple, yet heavenly, comfort food to hungry travelers. And on a cold evening in the mountains, there’s nothing better.

We pulled in, parked our bikes, and grabbed a seat at a small table that looked out over the valley. The view was stunning, even in the fading light. The air was crisp, the sky was clear, and the distant lights below flickered like stars. It was one of those moments where you just take a deep breath and feel lucky to be exactly where you are.

The food came out pretty fast. First, the Maggi—steaming hot, simple, and perfect. There’s just something about eating Maggi in the mountains; it’s like it was made for moments like this. Every bite was warm and comforting, the kind of food that makes you feel good from the inside out. After the Maggi, we dug into a perfectly grilled wrap and some chicken momos. The wrap was crispy on the outside and loaded with flavour, while the momos were soft, warm, and delicious. We shared everything, joking around and reliving old memories, just enjoying each other's company.

As the night crept in, we ended the meal with tea and cold coffee—an odd but fitting combination. The hot tea warmed us up even more, while the cold coffee gave us that refreshing kick. Sitting there, with the cold breeze against my skin and the warmth of the food still lingering, I realized how special these little moments were. It wasn’t just about the food, the ride, or even the beautiful scenery. It was about being together, creating memories in the simplest, most unexpected places.

The ride back down to Dehradun felt almost effortless. We were full, happy, and riding in a comfortable silence, each of us lost in our thoughts but still connected by the shared experience. It was one of those evenings that felt like it went by in a flash, but I knew it was something we’d all remember for a long time.

Nestled in the mountains, that little Maggi Point had given us more than just a meal—it had given us a moment. It is a moment of warmth, laughter, and simplicity in a world that sometimes feels moving too fast.