Jaipur

  My Journey Back in Time I took the night bus from Udaipur to Jaipur, leaving behind the city’s shimmering lakes as we rolled onto the dark highway. The journey was filled with sleep, jolts from bumpy roads, and occasional stops at roadside dhabas (restaurants), where truck drivers huddled around fires, sipping hot chai. Wrapped in a blanket, I slept through the night. By 10 a.m., I arrived in Jaipur for the first time on a clear, cold winter morning. Traveling from city to city without plans was the ultimate freedom in experiencing India. I arrived with no reservations or itinerary—just curiosity and a willingness to see where the journey took me. Some places instantly captivate me, drawing me in with their stories, streets, and unspoken magic. Other areas, while beautiful, don’t resonate in the same way. And that’s the beauty of traveling like this—there’s no pressure, no commitments, just the freedom to wander, explore, and linger where it feels right. The only plan is to keep moving until something tells me to stop! Along the way, I encountered numerous people—locals and travelers, mostly backpackers—each adding a narrative to my trip. Some friendships lasted a few hours, others days, and a lifetime. Knowing our paths might never cross again, we ate, laughed, and shared travel stories. Still, this travel, in its raw form—a never-ending flow of movement and connection—is a testament to the friendliness of human interaction. There were no expectations or tearful goodbyes. This is the true essence of travel: not following a checklist or a strict schedule but simply being present and allowing the adventure to unfold as it will. India showed me that the best strategy is sometimes none, even with all its charm and mayhem. I stepped off the bus with a backpack and no real plan except for a vague idea of finding a place called Evergreen, where I planned to stay while in Jaipur. Arriving by Bus Madness started the minute I stepped off the bus in Jaipur. I had grown accustomed to handling conflict and dealing with the locals by now. Touts crowded like bees, yelling over each other and attempting to sell me anything—an autorickshaw ride, a guesthouse, a day trip, anything. It was frightening and unpleasant to deal with early in the morning. But I ignored them! Evergreen was where backpackers camped—at least, that was a suggestion in the Lonely Planet guidebook! I had heard about it from Elise, a Dutch backpacker I had met earlier on my trip. “Come to Jaipur, and I will be staying at Evergreen,” she had advised. “I’ll introduce you to my friends!” But I knew she had probably left by now; weeks had passed since I last saw her. On my way to Evergreen, I spotted Elise as I wandered the labyrinth of streets, avoiding rickshaws and street merchants. She came toward me with effortless elegance. “You made it!” she remarked. “I will see you later at Evergreen.” I recall little about my first visit to Jaipur. Not how one remembers sites or an itinerary. I remember emotions. I remember walking around the Pink City and feeling the sandstone buildings sparkle in the midday sun. Entering the bazaars, the air smells earthy from the streets, mixed with spices, tea, and incense. I remember sitting in Evergreen’s courtyard, surrounded by backpackers, sharing stories of our travels through India. When Elise returned to Evergreen, she introduced me to her friends. I remember meeting GD and Fahim first, then Sunny and Bobby later. While Fahim was quiet and focused, GD was friendly and bursting with stories. We talked about travel, Jaipur, and life itself. Looking back, I remember the feeling—especially with Bobby—but not many specifics of what happened. There was something more profound than words, an unconscious connection that existed. On that journey, I never anticipated more than fleeting friendships; nevertheless, life had other plans, showing me the beauty of unexpected connections. This is My Story of India! An accurate tale of eating, praying, and finding love when you least expected it. What began as an uncertain journey, with no clear plan and only an open heart filled with adventure, led me to something far greater than I could have imagined. India was more than just a place I visited; it became a pivotal moment in my life. At the time, I didn’t realize the significance of the connection. It was effortless and natural—two strangers brought together by fate in a city with two million people (1996).  Something deeper took root in a whirlwind of shared stories, late-night conversations, and spontaneous adventures. Less than a year later, Bobby and I were married, and what started as a chance encounter became the foundation of a lifetime together, a testament to the transformative power of travel. And now, almost 28 years later, we are still together. Through every high and low, every twist and turn, that moment in India remains the beginning of a story that never stopped unfolding. What was once a leap of faith turned into a lifetime of love— Proving that the most unexpected journeys sometimes lead us exactly where we are meant to be. Since that first visit, I have returned to Jaipur several times, but those trips were different. We centered our trips around family, bringing our kids to visit family and sharing glimpses of the city. Those visits evoked feelings of nostalgia and responsibility, a stark contrast to the carefree wandering of my early travels. Neal’s first visit to India at 6 months old. With Neal and Nathan in 2007. Chai drinkers in training! Now, 17 years later, I am back again. This time, it’s different. There are no obligations and no hurried schedules. My husband and I are rediscovering Jaipur together, walking through its bustling streets and taking in its chaos and charm. The city has changed—grown and modernized—but it remains the same in many ways. India Story:   Then: When Plans Fall Apart: Embracing the Unknown in India   Now:  Jaipur:

  Temples, Thalis, and Timeless Chaos When we arrived in Jaipur, the Pink City, it felt like stepping into a world where the past and present were intertwined. The grandeur of the palaces and forts stood tall against the backdrop of chaotic and busy streets, where rickshaws weaved through traffic, cows lounged in the middle of the road, and street vendors shouted their wares. But beyond the daily turmoil of navigating Jaipur, what struck me most was its deep spiritual essence—the city is home to countless temples, each with its charm, history, and devoted following. Temples of Jaipur: Finding Peace Amidst the Chaos   You will find a temple on about every block as you stroll the crowded streets. The city boasts many temples, which provide a serene setting for prayer, meditation, and dedication. For Hindus, visiting a temple is a means of showing allegiance and connecting with the Almighty. This habit deepens one’s relationship with the gods, encourages inner tranquility, and enables the soul to follow what is good.   There are a few temples in Jaipur worth visiting.   Found in the City Palace, the Govind Dev Ji Temple honors Lord Krishna. People say the picture here quite closely resembles Krishna’s earthly appearance. The temple was dedicated, particularly in the early aarti, when I sensed the strong spirit of individuals gathered for prayer. Built from immaculate white marble, this modern but spiritually significant temple honors Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The tranquil surroundings and finely crafted sculptures provided a quiet respite during my travels. On a little hill, Moti Dungri Temple honors Lord Ganesha. Many come here seeking guidance in conquering obstacles. Rising in the Aravalli hills, this ancient site is known as Galtaji Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple. Its natural springs and breathtaking scenery made it seem magical. Less well-known but as magnificent is the Kalki Temple, which celebrates Lord Kalki, supposedly the tenth manifestation of the god Vishnu. As we strolled about Jaipur, we could hear priests chanting, temple bells ringing, and incense smoke billowing. This encounter inspired a great spiritual feeling. These temples were part of the city’s essence, offering a peaceful area in the middle of the bustle and a deep link to the divine—not only places to pray. Seeing these temples is not to be missed. Next—Savoring Jaipur: The Ultimate Rajasthani Thali Experience   Author and photo credit: Cristy Latest Post All Posts Blog Serendipity in Jaipur: A Journey Back in Time   My Journey Back in Time I took the night bus from Udaipur to Jaipur, leaving behind the city’s shimmering… Jaipur: A City of Temples, Thalis, and Timeless Chaos   Temples, Thalis, and Timeless Chaos When we arrived in Jaipur, the Pink City, it felt like stepping into a… Savoring Jaipur: The Ultimate Rajasthani Thali Experience Exploring Jaipur’s Best Thali Experiences Amid Jaipur’s bustling streets and majestic palaces, the thali custom unites the essence of Rajasthan’s… Daily Turmoil: The Unchanging, Timeless Chaos of Jaipur Despite Jaipur’s advancements, luxury malls, and modern conveniences, Jaipur still clung to its age-old chaos. Crossing the Street Crossing the… When Plans Fall Apart: Embracing the Unknown in India My Unplanned Trip to India I had planned an ambitious trip to five countries with a coworker I barely knew.… Almost Stranded in Bengaluru: An Unexpected Act of Kindness No Hotel Reservations I landed in Bengaluru at about 6 p.m. and had no hotel reservations for the night. As… An Unexpected Trip to Puttaparthi – A Spiritual Curiosity A Detour to Puttaparthi The Australian couple I met last night at Mr. Matthai’s house, Joe and Amy, make an… A Night Train to Bijapur: A Journey of Unexpected Connections Railway Station I ran as fast as I could to the Puttaparthi Railway Station. My first thought was to take… Udaipur: The City of Lakes and Serenity Udaipur, The White City I arrived at Udaipur, the City of Lakes, from the golden deserts of Jaisalmer. The difference… Facebook Instagram

Despite Jaipur’s advancements, luxury malls, and modern conveniences, Jaipur still clung to its age-old chaos. Crossing the Street Crossing the street in Jaipur is not for the faint-hearted. There are no actual rules—just instincts and divine intervention. It took me a week to acclimate, but having my husband as a shield also worked. There were no actual pedestrian crossings—just an unspoken rule: you had to walk confidently, pray, and hope that the sea of motorbikes, rickshaws, and cows would somehow see you coming. And somehow—it does. Most of the time! It felt like a survival game, one where hesitation could mean defeat.   Riding an Uber, a Taxi, and an Autorickshaw Then came riding the Uber—a task that should have been simple but turned into an unpredictable adventure. Some drivers abruptly canceled their rides, others refused to switch on the air conditioning, and some became so chatty that they resembled tour guides rather than drivers. “You are from America?” one asked me excitedly. “Why are you here? America is better!” And let me tell you—they are the most maniacal drivers! That is a story I will save for another time.   Dealing with the Locals: Time is an Illusion If I quickly learned one thing, it was that time in Jaipur operates on its own rhythm—it is flexible, unpredictable, and utterly detached from any fixed schedule. Someone tells you they’ll be there in five minutes? That could mean twenty. Maybe an hour. Maybe never. And if you call to check, you’ll hear the ever-reassuring, “I’m just reaching,” which could mean they haven’t even left yet. They say yes when they mean no, they say no problem when there’s a problem, and they tell you what you want to hear, even if it isn’t true—but it’s not a lie, either. It’s just the Indian way! Our Uber driver said he knew exactly where our hotel was, so we trusted him. Thirty minutes later, we were in a random alley with no hotel. “Are we close?” I asked. He nodded enthusiastically, “Yes, yes, very close!”  We drove for another forty minutes.   Despite their constant hurry, they consistently arrive late. You eventually learn to adapt to changing circumstances. You stop expecting things to be on time, waiting for straightforward answers, and surrender! Negotiating with a rickshaw driver or a vendor is an art form—a delicate dance where both sides pretend to be entirely baffled by the other’s price. ‘500 rupees? Too much!’ you say, shaking your head. They scoffs. “Very far, madam! Special price for you: 450!” Eventually, you settle for something in between, knowing that a local would’ve paid half. Strangely, that’s part of India’s charm—the unpredictability, the contradictions, the way everything feels like it’s on the verge of collapse—but somehow, miraculously, it all works out. India doesn’t adapt to you—you adapt to India.   You stop expecting logic, stop fighting the chaos, and just let it sweep you up. And that’s when India truly reveals itself—not as a city to be controlled but as an experience to be embraced. Either you love it, or you don’t! There’s no in-between!   Jaipur is a city where you lose yourself in temples, stuff yourself with thalis, risk your life crossing the street, and accept that time, logic, and reason are merely suggestions. As we left the city, I realized Jaipur hadn’t changed much. But maybe, just maybe, it had changed me. More on Things to Do and See in Jaipur.   Author and photo credit: Cristy Latest Post All Posts Blog Serendipity in Jaipur: A Journey Back in Time   My Journey Back in Time I took the night bus from Udaipur to Jaipur, leaving behind the city’s shimmering… Jaipur: A City of Temples, Thalis, and Timeless Chaos   Temples, Thalis, and Timeless Chaos When we arrived in Jaipur, the Pink City, it felt like stepping into a… Savoring Jaipur: The Ultimate Rajasthani Thali Experience Exploring Jaipur’s Best Thali Experiences Amid Jaipur’s bustling streets and majestic palaces, the thali custom unites the essence of Rajasthan’s… Daily Turmoil: The Unchanging, Timeless Chaos of Jaipur Despite Jaipur’s advancements, luxury malls, and modern conveniences, Jaipur still clung to its age-old chaos. Crossing the Street Crossing the… When Plans Fall Apart: Embracing the Unknown in India My Unplanned Trip to India I had planned an ambitious trip to five countries with a coworker I barely knew.… Almost Stranded in Bengaluru: An Unexpected Act of Kindness No Hotel Reservations I landed in Bengaluru at about 6 p.m. and had no hotel reservations for the night. As… An Unexpected Trip to Puttaparthi – A Spiritual Curiosity A Detour to Puttaparthi The Australian couple I met last night at Mr. Matthai’s house, Joe and Amy, make an… A Night Train to Bijapur: A Journey of Unexpected Connections Railway Station I ran as fast as I could to the Puttaparthi Railway Station. My first thought was to take… Udaipur: The City of Lakes and Serenity Udaipur, The White City I arrived at Udaipur, the City of Lakes, from the golden deserts of Jaisalmer. The difference… Facebook Instagram