Through Forts, Dunes, and Everlasting Tales — Rajasthan
Rajasthan, the
Land of Kings, is one of India’s most captivating tourist destinations,
celebrated for its grand forts, majestic palaces, vibrant culture, and timeless
desert landscapes. From the royal cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and
Jaisalmer to sacred sites like Pushkar and Ajmer, the state offers a rich blend
of history, spirituality, and tradition. Massive hilltop forts such as Amer,
Mehrangarh, and Jaisalmer Fort stand as proud reminders of a glorious past,
while serene lakes, bustling bazaars, colourful festivals, and folk music add
life to every corner. The golden sands of the Thar Desert, camel safaris,
traditional cuisine, and warm Rajasthani hospitality make every journey
unforgettable. A visit to Rajasthan relatives and friends from Chennai, is not
just a tour—it is an immersive experience of colour, culture, and enduring
memories.
We were a group
of twenty-five members, including children. They are Kumar, Savitha, Dhanyashree,
Sasikumar, Archana, Rithu Poorna, Karsith Hari, Vinoth, Janani, Nakshathra, Srinivasan,
Gunavathi, Ramajayam, Bharathi Priya, Muralidharan,
Renuka, S. K. Nair, Chandrika Sumathi, Somnath Nair, Renjini, Vimal Sekar, Bhuvaneshvari,
Ritvick Sekar, Yathvika, and Sri Fahad Kamal, the owner of the tour operating
company VMEETHOLIDAYS.(Photograph not as per the list)
Echoes in historic forts- Rajasthan memories of journey – Day
One
The day 30th
January 2026 marked the beginning of a beautiful journey to Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Left my home along with my wife Chandrika, niece Ranjini and her husband
Somanathan by about 4 am to the Kempe Gowda Airport of Bangalore. Mind
was fully prepared to enjoy the deserts, historic forts and palaces that stand
as witnesses to the time. Am
We arrived at
Jaipur Airport from Bengaluru at around 7:00 am and waited about two
hours for our group members, the relatives and friends from Chennai. Their
flight landed by 9 am. Once they arrived and came out of the airport, we headed
to Hotel Rudra Vilas 6.5 Kilometres away from the airport.
Almost all group
members were socially and emotionally connected, as we had already travelled
together to Kashmir and Malaysia over the past few years.
It felt like an
annual reunion—with my daughter Sahana’s in-laws, Muralidharan and Renu; our
niece Ranjini and her husband Somanathan; friends Sreenivasan, Sashi, Vinoth,
Vimal, Kumar, and Rama Jayam, all accompanied by their family members from
Chennai—along with Chandrika and me. The director of our tour operating
company, ‘Vimneeth Holidays’, Chennai, Fahad Kamal, was also with us throughout
the entire journey.
After completing
our morning routines at Hotel Rudra Vilas, we set out for our first
destination—the Maharaja City Palace Museum.
The City Palace
of Jaipur was founded in the early 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II,
the founder of Jaipur. Built between 1727 and 1732, the palace complex blended
Rajput, Mughal, and European architectural styles and served as the royal residence
of the Kachwaha rulers.
Over time, parts
of the palace were converted into the Maharaja City Palace Museum, preserving
the royal legacy. The museum houses royal costumes, weapons, manuscripts,
paintings, and ceremonial objects, reflecting the lifestyle, governance, and
cultural richness of Jaipur’s erstwhile rulers. Even today, a section of the
palace continues to be occupied by the royal family, making it a living
heritage site. We truly enjoyed the venue, immersed in its timeless royal
charm.
Hawa Mahal, also
known as the “Palace of Winds,” is one of the most iconic landmarks of Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, this stunning pink sandstone
structure features 953 small windows designed to allow royal women to observe
street festivals without being seen. Its unique honeycomb façade, cool breeze
ventilation, and Rajput architecture is the attraction of the Pink City.
Located near the City Palace, Hawa Mahal stands as a beautiful symbol of
Jaipur’s royal heritage.
In the evening,
we returned to the hotel and spent a joyful time with Murali, Vinod, Shashi,
Ramanujam, Srinivasan, Kamal, Vimal, and Soman—a warm fellowship of family
heads. After dinner, we prepared for the next day’s programme and retired to
our rooms. As I settled into bed, I looked forward to another day of wandering,
a journey that would follow the very footsteps of history itself.
Stories Written in Sand and Stone– Day Two in Rajasthan
The second day of our journey unfolded
happily, transforming into a blend of historical memories and colourful images
of nature. At exactly 8:30 am, we departed from Rudra Vilas Hotel. A
gentle cool breeze and a fresh sky welcomed us. The weather was so mild and
pleasant that the woollen clothes suggested by the tour operator were
unnecessary.
The day’s first destination was the magnificent Nahargarh Fort. As we climbed
the slopes of the Aravalli ranges, we were greeted by a breathtaking view of
the historic monument overlooking the Pink City. True to its name—the “abode of
tigers”—a sense of strength and loneliness seemed to come from its walls. Built
in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II as part of Jaipur’s defence system,
along with Amer and Jaigarh forts, Nahargarh hides centuries of silent stories
within its stone walls. We spent nearly an hour there, soaking in the panoramic
views and timeless atmosphere.
From there, we proceeded to Jaigarh Fort, the enduring symbol of strength—a majestic hill fortress overlooking Amer Fort and Maota Lake. Its formidable military architecture speaks of power, vigilance, and strategic brilliance. Within the fort stands the legendary Jaivana Cannon, one of the largest cannons in the world and a true marvel of history.
It is said that
the cannon was fired only once, during a trial using nearly 50 kilograms of
gunpowder. The impact was so immense that the earth at the firing site, near
Jaipur, was deeply scarred and rendered uninhabitable. Moved by the destructive
force he had witnessed, the Raja is believed to have shed tears and ordered
that the cannon never be used again, preserving it instead as a lasting
monument within the fort.
The vastness of
the fort and the far-stretching views left us deeply impressed.
Next, we visited
Jaipur’s crown jewel—Amer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one
of Rajasthan’s most famous historical wonders. Its massive gateways and decorative
halls echoed royal majesty, making us feel transported to another era.
On our return
journey, we witnessed a sight that appeared like poetry—Jal Mahal, the
beautiful Water Palace, standing as if floating on the waters of Man
Sagar Lake. Originally built by Maharaja Madho Singh I as a hunting
lodge and later expanded by Maharaja Jai Singh II, the palace appeared
less like a structure and more like a vision resting upon water.
In the evening,
the bustling streets near City Palace welcomed us. Shopping there
felt like a festival—an amalgamation of colours, handicrafts, and local
culture. By 8:30 PM, we returned to Rudra Vilas Hotel. After a
refreshing bath, we shared joy and friendship with companions, enjoyed dinner,
and slowly drifted into sleep.
The day ended with hearts filled with memories of kings, forts, and legends
that travelled through centuries. Gazing at history with wonder, the silent
stories of countless queens still seemed to ripple within Rajasthan’s ancient
walls.
A day, lived
with immense joy! Even if undertaken at the insistence of our children, this
journey now ranks first among life’s many achievements. Perhaps the warmth of
our loving Chennai relatives and friends added to this happiness.
More Than a journey — Rajasthan Is a Feeling – Day Three
The third day
morning, once again, the weather welcomed us with gentle coolness—as if nature
itself were blessing our journey. At 7:30 AM, we checked out
from Rudra Vilas Hotel, Jaipur, and set out by bus arranged by the tour
operator toward the holy town of Pushkar, about 145
kilometres away.
The
historic Pushkar Brahma Temple (Jagatpita Brahma Mandir) is one of
the very rare temples dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator as per Hinduism.
Located in Pushkar town of Ajmer district, Rajasthan, the temple stands on
the banks of the sacred Pushkar Lake. The present structure is believed to
date mainly from the 14th century CE. Today, it is regarded as one of the
most important pilgrimage centres for Hindus and is often referred to as one of
the world’s sacred places.
Legend says that Lord Brahma chose Pushkar after performing a divine yajna, and
that the beautiful lake was formed from a lotus that fell from his hand. Before
darshan, devotees take a holy dip in the lake. Built using gleaming marble
and stone, the temple’s striking red spire rising into the sky is a
breathtaking sight. Carvings of Hamsa, Brahma’s divine vehicle, adorn the
structure. Inside the sanctum, the radiant four-faced idol of Brahma,
representing the four Vedas, stands alongside his consort Goddess Gayatri.
Among the
temple’s major festivals, Kartik Purnima holds special importance.
During this time, the world-famous ‘Pushkar Camel Fair’ takes place,
drawing thousands of pilgrims and visitors from across the country.
At 12:30 pm,
carrying heartfelt reflections about the thousands of lives sustained by the
lake and temple surroundings, we left the temple premises.
Our next
destination was the Ajmer Sharif Dargah—the eternal resting place of the
great Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, who illuminated the
world with messages of love, compassion, and unity. Located in Ajmer,
Rajasthan, the dargah attracts lakhs of devotees every year, irrespective
of religion, caste, or creed—an inclusive spiritual gathering bound by a shared
hope. It is believed that prayers offered here with sincerity are surely
fulfilled. The most significant celebration is the Urs festival, when
heartfelt prayers fill the entire atmosphere on the saint’s death anniversary.
We then started
the long journey of about 200 kilometres to Jodhpur. Though
physically tiring, the journey was made joyful by the enthusiastic song and dance
performances of the friends Ramajayam, Vinod, Shashi, Vimal and children Nakshathra,
Rithu, Harshith, Yathvika and etc filling
the bus with laughter and warmth.
At 9:00 pm,
we reached The Fern Residency, Jodhpur. After dinner and friendly
conversations, everyone retired to their rooms for rest. Sleep gently brushes
my eyes. The serene memories of Pushkar Brahma Temple and Ajmer Sharif
Dargah glow within my heart—living testimonies to India’s
timeless secularism, brotherhood, and unity.
Echoes of Royalty – Rajasthan Tour, Day Four
The morning
greeted us with the serene atmosphere of ‘The Fern Residency’ Jodhpur, a
well-known three-star hotel nestled in the city’s quiet and pleasant
surroundings. After enjoying a delicious breakfast, our group of twenty-four
set out at 8:00 AM to begin the day’s sightseeing.
Our first destination was Mehrangarh
Fort, one of India’s most magnificent and historically significant forts. Built
in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur. The
name Mehrangarh means “Fort of the Sun.” Rising
about 400 feet above the city atop the rocky hill known
as Bhaurcheria (“Hill of Birds”), the fort covers an area of
nearly 1,200 acres. In some places, its walls rise to 120
feet in height and 65 feet in width.
We reached the
upper terraces and palaces by elevator, from where the view of the
famous Blue City below was breathtaking. According to local legends,
a hermit named Cheeria Nathji once lived on this hill and cursed the
land when he was forced to leave—a story still remembered by locals.
Over centuries,
successive rulers expanded the fort into a vast complex with palaces, temples,
and gateways. Inside, Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Sheesh
Mahal reflect royal splendour, while Chamunda Mata
Temple and Nagnechi Ji Temple add spiritual depth. The fort
museum preserves rare collections of weapons, paintings, costumes, musical
instruments, furniture, and royal attire. Today, Mehrangarh Fort also serves as
a venue for international cultural festivals and as a backdrop for famous
films—standing as a living monument of Rajasthan’s heritage.
From there, we
proceeded to Jaswant Thada, affectionately called the “Taj Mahal of
Marwar.” Built in 1899 by Maharaja Sardar Singh in memory of his
father Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, this white marble cenotaph is a marvel of
finely carved stone that glows softly in sunlight. Surrounded by gardens and a
tranquil lake, it serves as the royal cremation ground of the Marwar dynasty
and offers serene contrast to the majesty of nearby Mehrangarh Fort.
Further, we
visited Umaid Bhawan Palace, one of Rajasthan’s most famous royal
residences. Construction began in 1929 and was completed
in 1943. Designed by British architect Henry Vaughan Lanchester, the
palace is a rare blend of Indo-Saracenic and Art Deco styles. Spread
across 26 acres with 347 rooms, it was commissioned by Maharaja
Umaid Singh during a severe scarcity to provide employment—making it a monument
of compassion. Built of golden sandstone, with a majestic 105-foot-high
dome, and interiors adorned with Makrana marble and Burmese teak, the palace is
breathtaking.
Now a days, the
palace functions in three parts—the royal family’s residence, the luxury
hotel Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace, and a museum showcasing royal memorabilia,
old photographs, vintage clocks, and classic cars.
The final stop
of the day was Mandore Garden, often called Mandodhari Park, located
about 9 kilometres north of Jodhpur. One of the city’s most popular green
retreats, this vast historical garden connects history with nature through
monuments, temples, and sculptures—an open-air museum of royal heritage. We
explored the garden using a toy train, enjoying trimmed lawns, shaded
pathways, and a peaceful atmosphere.
A calm and fitting conclusion to a joyful, fulfilling day..!
These monuments
are truly overwhelming; the marble carvings exemplify extraordinary beauty, and
the foresight of providing employment to thousands during difficult times
deserves heartfelt appreciation. Yet, one cannot help but wonder whether the
same skills, resources, and collective energy might also have been used more
toward the nation’s long-term development rather than solely to glorify rulers.
Where History Breathes and the Desert Speaks In Rajasthan– Day Five.
After reaching ‘Hotel
Anthra Inn’ late last night, exhaustion completely overtook us. A refreshing
bath, followed by dinner, and we surrendered straight to bed, with no energy
left for anything else.
On February 4,
the fifth day of our journey, we set out early at 7:00 AM from ‘The Fern
Residency’, Jodhpur, embarking on a long yet eagerly anticipated drive of about
270 kilometres to the Golden City of Jaisalmer.
Covering an area
of 135 square kilometres and home to only about 60,000 people,
Jaisalmer is a small town located on Rajasthan’s western frontier, in the
heart of the Thar (Great Indian) Desert. The city beautifully blends
historical magnificence with natural beauty. Adorned with yellow sandstone
buildings that glow like gold in sunlight, Jaisalmer is widely known as
India’s Desert City. Situated near the Pakistan border, the city is
named after King Jaisalmer.
Towering above the city is the massive golden
sandstone Jaisalmer Fort—Sonar Kila (Golden Fort), one of the world’s rare
living forts where people still reside. Inside are temples, shops, and
homes bustling with life. Rising about 250 feet with
roughly 275 steps, the fort and the city host 12th–15th century Jain
temples and royal mansions such as the complicatedly carved Nathmalji
Haveli.
After
visiting Salim Haveli, the residence of a wealthy family, we checked into
the city’s famous Four-Star Hotel Anthra Inn. Even as we collapsed into
bed after dinner, thoughts echoed in the mind—the golden glow of sandstone, the
royal richness of past eras, and the silent life stories of countless ordinary
families whose livelihoods depend solely on tourism.
Land of Forts, Deserts and Military Glory - Rajasthan Tour Day
Six
Although the
weather and atmosphere were pleasant this morning, the realization that our
joyful six-day journey would end tomorrow cast a faint shadow of sadness on
everyone’s faces. At 7:30 AM, we checked out from ‘Hotel Anthras Inn’.
Our first destination was Bada Bagh (Badabagh)—a historic garden located
about 6 kilometres north of Jaisalmer.
The beautifully
constructed royal monuments built in memory of Jaisalmer’s Maharajas
are the main attraction here. Balanced on a small hill overlooking the desert,
Bada Bagh offers a spectacular experience with its golden sandstone
architecture, sunset views, and serene atmosphere. Begun in the 16th
century during the reign of Maharaja Jai Singh II, these monuments evoke the majesty
of old Rajasthan. We returned after enjoying both the natural beauty and
architectural elegance.
We then
proceeded to the Jaisalmer War Museum. Located on
the Jaisalmer–Jodhpur Highway (NH-125), about 11 kilometres from the
city. The museum is maintained by the Indian Army. The courage and
sacrifices of Indian soldiers during historic events such as the 1971
Longewala War and the 1965 war are respectfully showcased here.
We were able to see war vehicles, tanks, guns, aircraft, and memorials
dedicated to brave soldiers. A documentary film screened there powerfully
conveyed the strength of the Indian Army and its unwavering commitment to the
nation. At one point, a thought crossed the mind—had India really had only one
Prime Minister from 1947 till today!
Paying homage to
the brave soldiers who laid down their lives to protect our country, we offered
a proud salute to the national flag flying high at the main entrance.
After taking a photograph with Vishnu, an energetic young soldier from Mattannur,
we left the museum.
Paying homage to
the brave soldiers who laid down their lives to protect our country, we offered
a proud salute to the national flag flying high at the main entrance.
After taking a photograph with Vishnu, an energetic young soldier from Mattannur,
we left the museum.
Our next stop
was Kuldhara Village, an abandoned “ghost village” located
about 20 kilometres from Jaisalmer. Founded by the Paliwal
Brahmins in the 13th century, this once-prosperous village is
believed to have been suddenly abandoned in the early 19th century. Even
today, the remains of houses, temples, and narrow lanes stand as silent
witnesses to a previous way of life. Stories of mystery and legends of curses
make the village even more interesting.
After lunch, we
headed to the famous Sam Sand Dunes, located about 45 kilometres from
Jaisalmer, deep in the heart of the desert. Vast stretches of golden sand
dunes, breathtaking sunset views, camel rides, jeep safaris, desert camps, and
traditional folk performances are the highlights of this place. The jeep safari
was tremendous—thrilling, adventurous, and truly unforgettable. Many of us
enjoyed camel rides and jeep safaris before soaking in the beauty of the sand
dunes at sunset.
At 6:30 pm,
we arrived at Samarth Desert Hotel.
After freshening
up, we sat near the open stage arranged by the hotel and participated in the
cultural programmes. We enjoyed melodious ghazals and musical performances,
followed by dinner. Throughout the tour, Fahad Kamal, the owner of ‘Vimeet
Holidays, our tour operator and a fine example of simplicity, stayed with us
and provided constant support. After a day filled with joy, we retired for rest
with a slight sadness, thinking that we would have to part ways and head to
different destinations the next day.
A Serene Farewell to the Timeless
Soul of Jaisalmer Rajasthan Tour — Day Seven
We at
around 9:00 AM, checked out from Smart Desert Resort, located in the
sand-dune desert area. On the way to Jaisalmer Airport, we got the
opportunity to visit Gadisar Lake, which we had been unable to see the
previous day due to difficulties in parking the bus. We spent about one
hour there.
Gadisar Lake is a historically
significant and scenic man-made reservoir in Jaisalmer. Amid the
desert backdrop of the Golden City, it is one of the most peaceful
and culturally rich tourist spots. The lake was built in the 13th
century by Rawal Jaisal, the founder of Jaisalmer. Later,
in 1367 AD, Maharawal Ghadsi Singh renovated and expanded it,
after whom the lake came to be known as Gadisar. For centuries, it
served as the primary water source for this desert city, functioning
as a major rainwater reservoir.
Though it is no
longer used for drinking water, the lake remains an important heritage and
ecological landmark of Jaisalmer. One of its main attractions is the
beautifully carved yellow sandstone entrance gateway, with a small temple
situated atop it. Along the lake’s banks are stone steps descending into the
water, sculptures of Krishna, Shiva, and elegant cenotaphs—all
reflecting the delicacy of Rajasthani craftsmanship. Visitors can
enjoy boating on the lake, one of the best ways to experience its
natural beauty up close. During winter, migratory birds such
as pelicans, herons, and ducks arrive here, delighting nature lovers.
In short, Gadisar Lake is not just a water body—it is an experiential space
where history, architecture, nature, and culture merge seamlessly.
Whether through boating, bird-watching, photography, or simply soaking in
Rajasthani heritage, it remains an unforgettable destination in Jaisalmer. After
enjoying another delicious Rajasthani lunch, we reached Jaisalmer
Airport at around 3:00 PM.
This marked the
conclusion of our seven-day Rajasthan tour. At around 12 midnight, we
reached Chennai Airport. Though we returned via Bengaluru, were
heading straight to attend the house-warming ceremony (Paalu Kaachal) of
our daughter’ newly purchased home in Chennai on Sunday the February 8.
The entire
arrangements for this trip were handled by the owner of Vimeet Holidays, a
prominent Chennai-based travel company that had previously organized our trips
to Kashmir and Malaysia. Travel, accommodation, lunch
arrangements, and local transportation—all were of excellent quality. A tour
operator who can be confidently recommended to friends, and a trustworthy
establishment that organizes tours across India and abroad. Mr. Fagad Kamal –
Ph: +91 8754455660)
As large parts
of Rajasthan consist of desert and extremely dry regions, the scarcity of water
resources affects even daily civilian life. For both the government and the
local population, tourism—with visitors arriving from different parts of
the country, remains a major source of income. While seated inside the aircraft
awaiting take-off, a thought surfaced clearly in the mind—how blessed we South
Indians truly are with nature, climate, and peace.
With that
realization, our Rajasthan journey comes to an end, leaving behind a treasure
of sweet memories.
SK NAIR
+919591922522
+916363522522
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