Namaste!
Let’s chat about beginnings, the kind that come with butterflies in your stomach and the thrill of stepping into the unknown. Our journey into the heart of India started with just that – a hesitant step off the plane in Jaipur, under the cloak of night’s calm.
You see, we had this idea – land in India while the world’s asleep to dodge the sensory overload. We chose Jaipur, not just for its whispered promises of grandeur but because we hoped its midnight streets would offer us a soft landing. And boy, did it deliver!
The airport was as deserted as a stage after the final curtain call. The usual bustle was missing, leaving us in a quiet so profound, we could hear our own thoughts. “Are you ready?” we asked each other, grasping hands, bracing for the inevitable chaos as we pushed the airport doors open. To our surprise, Jaipur’s embrace was gentle. The city was asleep, save for the meandering cows and dogs that ruled the streets at this unearthly hour.
Our drive to the elephant sanctuary, our first destination, was nothing short of a private tour. The Pink City lay before us, a treasure under the moonlight, shared generously by our wonderful driver. There wasn’t a soul in sight, just us and the silent giants of history that lined our path.
The sanctuary was a dream, one we had chased for over a year. Living with elephants, hugging our first cow, and the chorus of puppies and chickens – it was bliss (but that’s a story for our Elefantastic blog post!).
After days of animal cuddles and Rajasthani rhythms, we ventured into the awakened city. Jaipur in daylight was a contrast, with its crowded streets and the technicolor of everyday life. The Wind Palace, Hawa Mahal, was our first stop, whispering the stories of royal women who once watched the world from behind its delicate screens.
But let’s talk about the real star – The Amer Fort. A masterpiece of Rajput and Mughal architectural marriage, this place is poetry in stone and marble. Every level, every courtyard of the Amer Palace told us tales of bygone eras, of Raja Man Singh and his twelve queens, and their secluded love stories etched in stone.
Here’s a pro tip for you, from us seasoned (or should we say, “seasoned by now”) travelers: When in Jaipur, do yourself a favor and find a “red card” guide. These aren’t your everyday tour guides; these folks have a Ph.D. in Indian history and culture! They open up a whole new dimension to the places you visit, weaving stories into the very air you breathe.
We came to India for six weeks and six months later, we’re still here, with hearts intent on exploring every state and territory this vibrant country has to offer. India has that effect – it pulls you in and holds you close, and before you know it, you’re falling, hopelessly and irrevocably, in love with its chaos and calm alike.
So, to those contemplating their first steps in India, or any new adventure really, we say: Go for it. Land in the silence of the night, if you must, but when the sun rises, meet it head-on. Embrace the chaos, for in it, you’ll find your own serene story waiting to unfold.
