My weeklong cruise to northwest India, in the beautiful state of Rajasthan amidst the heart throwing Thar Desert, was most exciting and driving experience. I booked my tour with the renowned 'Rajasthan Holiday Tour Operator' before starting my, a week long, travel.

Day -1 October 22nd
For my travel to Jaipur, I opted for a train journey rather then airways, as it was the ideal way to enjoy the country side scenic beauty as well as it leaves you with enough time and opportunity to mingle with the people of India and to know more about their ways of life. My train cruiser was just marvelous.
It took almost 5 hours to reach the Japur junction- to my surprise I was greeted like a royal guest at the crowded platform with the garlands and the crew of helpers.
My stay was arranged in the royal Jai Mahal Palace, there the hospitality was at its best. The hotel has a royal ambience showcasing the artifacts and the portrait of the Rajput rulers.
That very afternoon, I was taken to some of the beautiful treasures of the city- Jantar Mantar, City Palace Museum. I was absolutely wonder-stuck at the heart throwing architecture depicting the splendid amalgam of Mughals and Hindus at City Palace. A well-trained guide was arranged for me, by my travel agent, who was continuously narrating me the tails of valor and pride of the Rajput rulers. He acquainted me with the brief history of Jaipur- also known as the 'Pink City of India'. The city was founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II a great king of his time.

By late evening I was back to the palace where the mouth watering Rajasthani Cuisine was waiting in the dinner. The layout for the dinner was awesome, the lawns of the palace were beautifully decorated in typical Rajasthani style. There were numerous variety of dishes garnished on the buffet table. I was bit hesitant to try the stuff, but to my surprise it was good- some thing different. The day was very tiring, I don't know when I felt asleep in my most luxurious palace bedroom.

Day 2: October 23rd
Morning sharp at 8 o clock, my tourist coach was ready at the palace gate, to drive me to the most enthralling journey of Amber Fort, situated on the top of the hill. From the foothills, I had a royal ride on the elephant's back up to the fort. It was a huge fort encompassing many temples, palaces and a small museum, all embellished with beautiful architecture. That day, evening was full of excitement and fun. Besides, visiting historical Rambagh Palace, there was a small holt at the Steam Engine, dating back to 1915, with its decorated three coaches transformed into a captivating pub. We were on time to enjoy some relaxing moments in the pub.

Day 3: October 24th
Today I had to travel to Jodhpur rightly called as the 'Sun City' of Rajasthan. We started early in the morning to our onward journey as 'Pratap'- my tour agent told me that in mid way we have to cover Pushkar and Ajmer Sharif - famous as a holy city of Muslims. While I was at the Mosque in Ajmer, Pratap told me " you ask any of your most desired wish, the dargah has the power to fulfill your wish." I was absolutely zapped, and ended up my prayers by asking for a wish. By evening we were in Jodhpur, here my stay was arranged in Taj Hari Mahal.

Day 4: October 25th
Pratap continued his commentary, as we visited Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswaqnth Thada, informing me much about the rich architecture of these forts. In afternoon we took a Jeep safari to the Bishnoi villages to experience rural life of the Rajasthani folk. The drive was wonderful, I sighted many creatures in way like- black bucks and chinkaras grazing serenely and migratory birds dotting the sky. I have read in many Indian tour packages that if you happened to visit the rural people, then definitely greet them by offering some chocolates or candy. I took some snaps of these simple people, and in return, they offered me with their fresh camel's milk - it tasted good, along with some sweet- I don't remember the name. I came back to my place with beautiful memories stored in my handy-cam. OH-GOD! "What a hectic day it was"---I exclaimed to my self.

Day: 5 October 26th
Morning we started on our onward destination to Udaipur. The entire route was so much captivating that I insisted on stopping the vehicle many a time on way, to take photographs of Rajasthani women with their young ones. Here I would like to mention that Rajasthani women are 'just beautiful', and their colorful veils and heavy silver jewelry was adding to the glow. I would have fallen in love with any one of them, if I were not aware of Indian culture and customs.
By afternoon, we were in Udaipur. My evenings were at my disposal - to stroll through the bustling markets of the city was not a bad idea. I did lot of shopping- as if gone mad! Pratap was absolutely shocked at my madness. There were lot many things of tourist interest, among many items I bought a beautiful Rajasthani Painting depicting the royal palaces and the court of the king- just for 500 bugs.

Day-6: October 27th
I had a stomach full breakfast at the hotel and was all set to explore the city charms. The heritage walk through the Taj Lake Palace was fabulous and quite refreshing. I also visited the famous Eklingji / Nagda temples. Saas Bahu Ka Mandir with its decorative arch above the entrance and beautifully carved figures of holy women was worth visiting. The other charms of the city were City Palace Museum, Jagdish Temple, Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir, and Saheliyon Ki Bari. In evening there was a boat cruise waiting for us in the lake of Fateh Sagar, from where I also enjoyed the sun setting in to the laps of Mother Nature.

Day 7: October 28th
Today was the end of my weeklong journey, I was little sad of leaving the place but at the same time quite contented with my Rajasthan tour. Here I would like to give my special thanks to the 'Rajasthan Holidays Tour Operators' who made my tour so comfortable and made me feel at home, for complete 7 days. Their hospitality was excellent, much more then expected---and their guides were more like a friend - advising me throughout the way. That very day, I had a flight back to Delhi for my onwards destination. My tour to Rajasthan was much more then, what I had thought of!