HYPNOTIC JAIPUR

As I stepped down from our intercity bus, only moments after the sun had woken, what I wasn't prepared for was the shocking culture overload of India's vibrant pink city.

Eager to escape the madness in Delhi, we decided pack our bags and take the bus out to the first destination that had hotels available! And lo and behold, Jaipur it turned out to be. As soon as our bus slowed down slightly, the full effect of a chaotic, overflowing city started to hit me. Jaipur was hypnotic in all senses. 

Day one saw us passed out well until the sun had almost retired. Not one to waste the last remnants of the day, we hopped onto a rickshaw and preceded to chase the setting rays up till the majestic Nahargarh Fort that sits comfortably atop a ridge overlooking the city. At every turn and bend, my heart was sold. The crisp, cool air combined with a musty mountain smell and the slow ruffling of leaves—I could sit here and stare into nothingness all day. Nahargarh was as breathtaking as every book had mentioned it would. Climb the highest point of the fort, drag one of the few metal chairs to the edge, get your hands on a cup of coffee and watch the hypnotic, twinkling city slowly fall asleep.

Jaipur's colourful streets ebb and flow with activity and madness, even on a Sunday. We navigated the city next day, making our way through speeding busses, dawdling camels, buzzing auto-rickshaws and a never-ending stream of tourists. Shopping is addictive here. You tell yourself that you won't really need the new shoes or the silk stole, but the affordable prices and luring colours convince you otherwise. Hawa Mahal and City Palace were our next stops, destinations that didn't really excite me as much. I found myself stuck in between more than a dozen people screaming and pushing. Not a good mix for those who tend to get claustrophobic.

A not so short ride later, we found ourselves facing Jaipur's star attraction, the Amber Fort. Just out of sight, in the arid hill country surrounding the city, the fairy-tale grandeur of this fort beckons. Make sure you put on your walking shoes and ditch that jacket or sweater before you arrive here. Two things that I obviously did not do! Well, the sweaty look always did suit me.

Not in a hurry to head anywhere, we stopped at every climb, every turn and every tree that fascinated us. The views are breathtaking once you reach the palace/fort. From here, we decided to brave the steep and arduous climb towards Jaigarh fort, waayyyy up over there. I wish I could say I succeeded, but half an hour into the journey and my lungs were about to die. Elegant.

I do wish we had a few more days to full understand the city better. But from the little acquaintance we managed to have, Jaipur has definitely managed to make me feel like royalty.