Finally, the Taj at 36: A Road Trip That Began with Karna Lake

 

As I neared the end of 2024, standing on the threshold of my 37th birthday, one thing struck me — I had never visited the Taj Mahal. Despite receiving a fair early education and holding a professional degree, I hadn’t yet made it to one of India’s most iconic landmarks. In a country so rich in history and culture, that felt like a glaring omission.

Especially once you're married, there’s a kind of societal nudge — or outright push — to visit certain places, and the Taj Mahal tops that list. For months, I had been toying with the idea of finally making the trip, but the plan just wouldn’t fall into place. Every time I checked Google Maps, it reminded me that Agra was about 470 kilometers away from Chandigarh. Not an impossible distance, but not a casual weekend drive either — especially with a 2.5-year-old toddler in tow.

Traveling with a toddler changes everything. Your best bet is always your own vehicle (or a privately hired one), because the baggage isn’t just suitcases — it’s diapers, snacks, milk, extra clothes, wet wipes, and the list goes on. Public transport, with its uncertain schedules and questionable comfort, just wasn’t an option.

The weather was another critical factor. Cities like Delhi and Agra can be merciless in the summer — heat, pollution, and endless sweating are the last things you want when you're carrying a child around. So we picked the tail end of September, hoping for bearable weather. Our journey spanned the last three days of the month and extended into 1st October 2024.

We planned to explore both Delhi and Agra during this trip. In Delhi, the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and India Gate were on our list, with room for a few more if time and energy allowed. Agra, of course, revolved around one goal: seeing the Taj Mahal. Anything extra would be a bonus.

Since I was driving, transportation wasn't a concern. It was just a matter of time, energy, and a toddler’s unpredictable moods — the true wild card of any family road trip.

A Serene Pause at Karna Lake, Karnal

We started early from Panchkula, planning to stay the night with relatives in Delhi — so booking a hotel wasn’t on the agenda. That gave us the flexibility to pause when needed, and around 3 PM, we decided to take a break in Karnal.

Karna Lake appeared on the left side of the highway, just a short distance off the road while heading toward Delhi from Chandigarh. Google Maps showed an eatery right on the lakefront, and we were already a bit hungry — so it felt like the perfect spot for lunch and a leg-stretch.

Now, as I write this in late July 2025, I can’t help but reflect on the recent Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 rankings, which placed Karnal among the top three cleanest cities in India. Had I known this back during our trip, I might have explored more of the city rather than limiting ourselves to the lake.

The lake area was clean and green, surrounded by trees and walking paths paved for pedestrians and morning walkers. There was ample parking, but a school exam was underway at the nearby Delhi Public School, so the parking lot near the school was unusually crowded. Caught in that confusion, I parked a bit farther than necessary. We ended up walking to the eatery, and even though we later noticed plenty of empty spots closer by, the walk was actually refreshing.

To be honest, I don’t recall what exactly I ordered at the restaurant — I’m not much of a foodie. What I do remember is that our toddler, Piyush, wasn’t interested in proper meals or fast food. He was more taken with namkeen and Kurkure. The food itself was average, and it seemed like the eatery was privately run even though the property belongs to the Haryana Tourism Department. Even finding a toilet wasn’t straightforward — I had to walk over to a larger adjacent building just for that. I hope by now they’ve made the amenities more accessible.

But what made up for everything was the location.

From our seat, we could see the lake — calm, quiet, with white ducks gliding gracefully across the water. The trees and greenery surrounding the lake gave it a peaceful charm. After lunch, we took a leisurely walk along the paved path that rings the lake. Being so close to the ducks felt oddly calming.

At the entrance to a narrow pathway extending into the lake stood the statue of Karna, the legendary warrior and half-brother of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. 

The path resembled the radius of a circle, reaching toward the lake’s center but falling short. At its end stood a cluster of tall green trees and a small building whose purpose we couldn’t quite discern. We noticed many bats hanging upside down from the branches above — an unexpected but fascinating sight.

This short break at Karna Lake turned out to be one of the most serene moments of our road trip — a quiet pause before diving into the historical frenzy of Delhi and the majesty of Agra. It reminded me that even the unplanned stops on a journey can leave behind strong, peaceful memories.

At around 3:40 PM we were back on our car riding towards Delhi.

Night Stay at My Cousin Sister’s Home in Delhi

After our refreshing stop at Karna Lake, we continued our journey toward Delhi. As we approached the city from the Sonepat side, we began to encounter the familiar crawl of evening traffic. It was around 6 PM when we turned off the Budhpur–Alipur stretch (of NH 44) and veered onto Pushta Road, which runs parallel to the canal. Not long after, we took a quieter sub-Pushta road lined with trees, which led us towards Bund Road, which runs parallel to the Yamuna River. However, we were to take a mid-way right turn towards Burari, before the sub-Pushta road could touch the Bund road.

With guidance from my cousin sister (Didi) and her husband (Jija Ji), we navigated the narrow lanes of Burari and reached their home just as daylight faded. After Jija Ji helped me find a parking spot along the roadside, we settled in for the evening — catching up over a warm meal and hours of conversation.

It had been nearly a decade since I’d last seen my sister and her daughter, who was now grown up — almost unrecognizably tall. That moment of reunion, filled with laughter and nostalgic stories, felt truly special. However, Delhi’s night heat took me by surprise. Unlike the cooler evenings of Chandigarh, here the air was still and heavy, a reminder that summer hadn’t fully let go yet.

A Morning Stroll Along Pushta Road, Near the Yamuna

Dawn broke early. I was already awake, and with some quiet time on my hands, I decided to go for a morning walk along the Yamuna’s Pushta Road — a long stretch built on the embankment protecting the city from the river’s seasonal rise.

Though the sun had already risen, the morning air was still pleasant. In monsoon months, the Yamuna’s waters can rise dramatically, often brushing against these very embankments. But at the end of September, the scene was far more tranquil. Greenery stretched as far as I could see, interrupted only by rows of trees. From my vantage point, the river itself wasn’t visible — hidden by the thick vegetation and distance.

I realized I was quite close to the Yamuna Biodiversity Park — a protected green zone I’d heard of but hadn’t prioritized for this trip. Maybe next time, I told myself. It would be worth a visit.

There was no traffic on the Pushta Road, just silence and a gentle breeze, making it a perfect start to the day. Before the sun climbed too high, I turned back and was home before 8 AM.

Our plan for the day was to explore some of Delhi’s key tourist attractions. Unfortunately, Jija Ji wasn’t feeling well, so neither he nor my sister could accompany us. But we were excited to take on the capital city on our own — with a full day of adventure ahead.

Exploring Delhi: First Stop – The Red Fort

Even though we had to explore Delhi without our hosts due to Jija Ji’s health, we were excited to take on the capital city on our own — ready for a full day of adventure.
Looking back now, nearly ten months later, I can’t recall the exact time we left my sister’s home in Burari. But thanks to the timestamps on my photos, I know we reached the parking area near the Red Fort around noon.
What should’ve been a quick, five-minute drive to the parking lot, from the left lane of the Netaji Subhash Marg,  turned into a frustrating detour. The traffic on the stretch of Netaji Subhash Marg running alongside the Red Fort was nothing short of chaotic. It was slow-moving, bumper-to-bumper — the kind of traffic that chips away at your energy and patience. I likely lost at least half an hour, maybe more, just trying to loop around to the Red Fort/Chandni Chowk parking lot.

Once we parked and stepped out, we were greeted by a different kind of crowd — the human kind.
The sidewalks along the road were packed. A dense mix of tourists, locals, rickshaw pullers, and roadside vendors made walking feel like a task in itself. Street stalls selling everything from cold drinks and snacks to souvenirs lined the way, narrowing the walking space even further.

The Red Fort Experience

Despite the pressing crowd and the unforgiving heat, the first glimpse of the towering red sandstone walls of the Red Fort filled us with a sudden rush of energy. We had finally arrived at its historic gates—a place that had silently witnessed centuries of India’s triumphs, trials, and transformations. The journey had tested our patience, but the thought of stepping into a monument so deeply woven into our nation’s past made everything worthwhile.

I had last visited the Red Fort back in February 2017, during a trip to see Surjit in Ghaziabad. That visit had been as a bachelor, and life was very different then. This time, standing at the Lahori Gate as a married man, the experience felt new and significant in an unfamiliar way.

By the time we reached the entrance, the sun was already blazing overhead, making the heat nearly unbearable. A long queue had formed at the ticket counter. I asked Nisha to wait under the shade while I stood in line. The situation there was far from orderly—some people were ignoring the queue altogether, trying to squeeze in from the sides. The counters were close together, and a few men from the adjacent line began pushing forward into mine.

I wasn’t comfortable confronting strangers, but I couldn’t just let it slide. I spoke up firmly, asking them to respect the line, and even called over the security personnel to restore order. It was an awkward moment—but doing the right thing often is.

With tickets finally in hand, we entered through the iconic Lahori Gate. Just beyond lay the Meena Bazaar, followed by the Diwan-e-Aam and the Diwan-e-Khaas—each a striking reminder of the fort’s Mughal grandeur. As we walked through, I found myself slipping into imagination, visualizing the splendor of Shah Jahan’s era. I pictured the emperor addressing the grievances of commoners in the Diwan-e-Aam, while the elite were received with great ceremony in the Diwan-e-Khaas.

I couldn’t help but wonder what it would’ve been like to sit on the famed Peacock Throne—crafted in gold, studded with precious stones, and graced by the legendary Kohinoor diamond. With every step through those grand halls, it felt less like a sightseeing tour and more like a journey through time. These forts have that effect on me—they stir up vivid, self-created scenes from history, pulling me momentarily into a world long gone.

Taking a short break — exploring every corner of the Red Fort can be quite overwhelming

One of the six palaces, on the eastern side, facing the Yamuna River, inside the Red Fort, 2024.

The ponds and water channels inside the Red Fort held muddy water — a quiet contrast to the grandeur around. 2024.

Piyush was already tired from walking through the vast green gardens of the Red Fort. Clicked as we exited through the Meena Bazaar, Red Fort, 2024.

Exiting Meena Bazaar & Changing Plans

It was already 1:35 PM by the time we exited Meena Bazaar—the historic marketplace once meant to serve the elite women of the Mughal court residing within the Red Fort. We strolled past the shops without much interest; most seemed to be selling souvenirs, and the heat had drained any shopping enthusiasm we might’ve had.

With the afternoon sun growing harsher, I reconsidered our plan to explore more of Delhi. Instead, we decided to head straight to Agra. If we left now, we could reach by evening or night, rest well, and then visit the Taj Mahal early the next morning—before the next day’s heat took over.

The Drive from Delhi to Agra

That drive turned out to be one of the smoothest and most relaxing journeys I’ve ever had. 

The Yamuna Expressway Experience

The Yamuna Expressway, stretching from Noida to the outskirts of Agra—specifically, Kuberpur, as marked on Google Maps—was in excellent condition. It ran almost perfectly straight, with six wide lanes on either side, making the drive feel effortless, almost like slicing through butter. The smooth transition from the chaos and congestion of Delhi to the calm openness of the highway felt almost therapeutic—a rare kind of peace for anyone used to city traffic.

Hotel Booking

As we left the Delhi and Noida traffic behind, and entered the Yamuna expressway, I think it was already about 3 PM. In the evenings, sometimes the hotels' rooms become expensive and unavailable. Somewhere in the middle of the Yamuna expressway, we took an eating break, and I utilized the time to book a hotel. 

Arrival at the Hotel Taj Resorts

I generally book the hotel only after checking the Google reviews and other reviews, whichever are available. I found the reviews of this Tata company's hotel, named 'Hotel Taj Resorts', to be very good. 

I had booked the room for one night at a total price of ₹3,283, which included breakfast the next morning.

We arrived at the hotel just before nightfall and took some time to relax. The room was well beyond what I had expected—clean, spacious, and thoughtfully furnished. One of the highlights was the large bathtub in the bathroom. It wasn’t a jacuzzi, but it had a shower overhead, a separate tap for filling it, and a pluggable drain at the base—ideal for a long, relaxing soak. It was still a first for us to use a proper bathtub like that in a hotel.

There was a rooftop swimming pool, which came as a complete surprise—I hadn’t expected that at all. However, when we visited the rooftop around 8:30 PM, the pool was completely empty; no one was using it at the time. We weren’t bold enough to take a dip ourselves, especially with Piyush still being a toddler. It felt too risky, so we decided to give it a pass.

Curious about the in-house dining options at Hotel Taj Resorts, I headed up to the rooftop restaurant. The open-air seating offered a striking view of the Taj Mahal, which appeared as a dark, majestic silhouette in the distance. I had heard that it glows white under the moonlight, but tonight there was no moon—only the massive shadow of the monument looming quietly about 500 meters away. Even in near darkness, its presence was commanding.

Since we were staying only one night, I also wanted to explore food options outside the hotel. Plus, we needed to buy fresh milk packets for Piyush. So I decided to step out, find a nearby shop to get the milk, store it in the room’s mini-fridge, and then head out again for dinner.

Dinner at Hotel Taj Plaza

Just 30 to 40 meters down the Taj Mahal Road from Hotel Taj Resorts, we found ourselves at Hotel Taj Plaza for dinner. The indoor dining area was decent, but we decided to head to the rooftop instead.

To my surprise, the rooftop view of the Taj Mahal was even better from here—closer, clearer, and more dramatic. However, being an open space, it also came with some drawbacks. Mosquitoes were quite a nuisance, and the heat—especially while eating hot food—was made worse despite the roof fans doing their best.

Still, the setting was memorable. Let me share some photos I clicked from the rooftop—the silhouette of the Taj Mahal under the night sky was truly something to see. While Taj Plaza also seemed to offer rooms, we weren’t staying there.

We returned to our own hotel, Hotel Taj Resorts, and had a restful night’s sleep. 

I couldn't stop myself from clicking this beautiful swimming pool area on the rooftop, in the early morning, at 08:05 AM.

Hotel Taj Resorts’ rooftop pool — Agra, near the Taj Mahal, Sept 29, 2024

A Breakfast Beyond Expectations at Hotel Taj Resorts

The next morning surprised us more than anything else—the breakfast was far better than we had imagined.

Given the modest price of our stay, I hadn’t expected much. But the buffet spread truly exceeded expectations: generous in variety, impressive in quality, and the perfect start to our day at the Taj Mahal. From milk, tea, and fresh fruits to salads, boiled eggs, omelets, poha, bread slices, dhokla, idli-dosa, and parathas—what more could one ask for?

The dining area had a nice blend of Indian and foreign guests, all enjoying the hearty meal. Nisha even struck up a conversation with a Punjabi lady, who kindly offered us tips on how best to explore the Taj Mahal—our main mission for the day.

As we wrapped up breakfast and headed toward the exit, a few people near the Taj Gallery—an in-house shop within Hotel Taj Resorts—invited us to browse through their marble handicrafts. The collection included miniature replicas of the Taj Mahal in various sizes, from palm-sized pieces to larger showpieces for home decor. We picked up a small one as a keepsake—a simple souvenir to remember our visit.

The Taj Gallery was a unique feature I hadn’t seen in a hotel before, adding a thoughtful cultural touch to the overall experience.

..to be continued

A Winter Sojourn to Jaipur – Exploring Rajasthan's Pink City from Chandigarh

Traveling with a toddler transforms every trip into a fascinating mix of wonder and responsibility. Amidst Jaipur’s rose-hued facades, ancient forts perched atop the rugged Aravalli hills, and palaces echoing tales of Rajput valor, our eyes constantly alternated between historic marvels and tiny feet eager to explore.

Our journey to Jaipur in the final week of 2024 was not merely a getaway—it was a deep dive into history, chaos, calm, and cultural richness. Here's a complete chronicle of our two-day visit to the Pink City.

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The Road to Jaipur – Planning and Preparations

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and fondly known as the Pink City, sits around 500 km from Chandigarh. While flights and trains are available, for us, driving was the only practical option. A private vehicle offers flexibility and peace of mind—essential when traveling with a small child.

Our little explorer, Piyush, loves car rides—except, of course, when he's made to sit down! He prefers standing on the backseat (with my wife’s constant support) to get uninterrupted views of the road, turning our car into his personal observation deck.

Packing for the trip included the essentials and toddler-specific items—most importantly, a pack of MamyPoko pads and ensuring easy access to fresh milk, a top priority at every new stop.

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Timeline of Our Jaipur Adventure

Day 1: 26th December 2024 – The Journey Begins

• Departure: We started from Panchkula around 8:00 AM on a chilly, misty morning.
• En Route: Passed Ambala around 9:30 AM, the drive offered a mix of highway comfort and stretches demanding caution. The Ambala-Narnaul Expressway had the initial portion from Ambala to Pehowa under construction. 
• Arrival: Reached Hotel Ginger, Jaipur (next to Hilton Hotel) by 6:00 PM after a long but manageable drive.

From the window of Hotel Ginger Jaipur, the most prominent sight is Hotel Hilton, which takes up most of the view.

• Dinner at Kanha Restaurant

  To wrap up the long day, we headed towards Sardar Patel Marg, and if my memory serves me right, the restaurant was Kanha Restaurant, located on Bhagat Singh Marg. Known for its family-friendly ambience and vegetarian cuisine, Kanha turned out to be a perfect stop to satisfy our hunger after hours on the road.

  With full stomachs and tired feet, we returned to our hotel, ready to explore Jaipur's rich heritage the next day.

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Day 2: 27th December 2024 – Exploring the Royal Heritage

Amber Fort – Where History Stands Tall

We started early, navigating the Pink City’s charming streets, passing Jal Mahal along the way. Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, awaited us—but so did the infamous Jaipur traffic.

Did You Know?
Amber Fort, constructed in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh I, blends Hindu and Mughal architecture. It served as the primary residence of the Rajput Maharajas for centuries.

Due to parking issues, we had to leave our car nearly 1 km downhill, adding an hour to our schedule. But serendipity struck—we met members of the 1996 Navodians batch, including one, Mr. Pramod, who came all the way from Chandigarh as just as we had.

Meeting the 1996 batch Navodians at Amber Fort, Jaipur, was a delight. Pramod Bhai, third from the left in the group, later became a friend on social media.

Inside the fort, we explored:

• Diwan-e-Aam (Hall of Public Audience)
• Diwan-e-Khas & Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) – immortalized in the movie Jodhaa Akbar.
• The enormous Kadahi (cooking pots)—one original, the other created for the film.
• The secret tunnel is believed to lead to Nahargarh Fort.

A light drizzle accompanied our descent, adding to the fort's dramatic aura.

The view of the garden from the Diwan-e-Aam at Amber Fort, Jaipur, where the king once attempted to grow saffron (kesar). The garden was also used to cultivate khas grass, which was placed in windows along with water to cool the air

Next to the Diwan-e-Khas (Sheesh Mahal) at Amber Fort, Jaipur, lies a beautiful garden at the center of the courtyard.

bird's-eye view of the two giant Karahis (cooking pots) at Amber Fort — one specially made for the movie Jodhaa Akbar, the other an
original piece of history.

A closer view of the two Karahis, at Amber Fort, Jaipur

The historical Tulsi pot, a sacred spot where the queens once offered water to the holy basil plant.

The courtyard

The main Gate of the Amber Fort, Jaipur

Local Rajasthani Cuisine at Zeeman Restaurant

Post fort exploration, hunger guided us to Zeeman Restaurant, offering a traditional Rajasthani Thali:

Rajasthani Thali, at Jeeman Restaurant, near to Amber Fort, Jaipur

• Dal Baati Churma
• Gatta Kadhi
• Lehsun (Garlic) Chutney
• Missi Roti
• Lassi/Chhach
• Complimentary Tea

The courteous owner added local flavor with stories about Rajasthani cuisine.

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Sisodia Rani ka Bagh – A Garden of Love

Our next stop, Sisodia Rani ka Bagh, built in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II for his beloved queen from Udaipur's Sisodia dynasty, symbolized royal romance. Despite the drizzle and inactive fountains, the lush garden impressed us.

Sisodia Rani ka Baag (Sisodia Queen Gardens), Jaipur

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Albert Hall Museum – A Colonial-Era Marvel

Established in 1887, the Albert Hall Museum, designed by Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, showcases artifacts reflecting Rajasthan's rich heritage. Although photography was restricted, its Indo-Saracenic architecture and curated exhibits were worth the visit.

As we waited for the rain to subside, Piyush drank milk at the Albert Hall Museum, Jaipur

A glimpse of Albert Hall Museum, Jaipur.

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A Rainy Evening and Central Park

With Birla Mandir overcrowded, we opted for Central Park, home to Jaipur’s tallest flagpole and serene gardens. The rain subsided momentarily, allowing us to explore the towering sculptures and peaceful grounds.

The largest flag post of Jaipur, where the National Flag of India, the Tricolor, is hoisted

The impressive monolithic figures sculpted by TAB, displayed at Jaipur's Central Park.

Dinner: 

Enjoyed a simple, delicious Masala Dosa from a street vendor—because street food is often the best food!

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Day 3: 28th December 2024 – The Pink City’s Heartbeat

Determined to beat traffic, we left the hotel at 8:20 AM and smoothly reached City Palace Parking, adjacent to Jaleb Chowk, the historic royal entrance.

An early morning exit from Hotel Ginger, Jaipur. 

Govind Dev Ji Mandir – The Royal Deity’s Abode

In the early morning, people gathered in the large open hall of Thakur Govind Dev Ji Mandir, Jaipur, chanting bhajans in devotion to Govind Ji. The idol is not enclosed in a closed sanctum but remains visible from the open courtyard outside." 

The entrance path leading to Thakur Govind Dev Ji Mandir, Jaipur

Our first stop was Thakur Govind Dev Ji Mandir, built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The temple courtyard, filled with devotional songs, offered a spiritual start to our morning.

Behind the temple lies Jai Niwas Garden, once the king’s private retreat. Though not pristine, it still retains old-world charm.

Monkeys inside the Jai Niwas Garden

Jai Niwas Garden is huge.

The water channels in the Jai Niwas Garden, Jaipur. 

The street leads from Jai Niwas Garden to Jantar Mantar.

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Jantar Mantar – Where Science Meets Stone

Constructed in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jantar Mantar is one of the world's most accurate historical observatories. The giant sundials and astronomical instruments still impress with their precision, a testament to ancient India's scientific genius.

The front view of the most famous - The Sun Dial, at Jantar Mantar, Jaipur.

The Back View of the Sun Dial, at Jantar Mantar, Jaipur.

The crowd was minimal during the early morning hours in the last week of December 2024 at Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

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Hawa Mahal – The Palace of Winds

Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the Hawa Mahal allowed royal women to observe street life without being seen, thanks to its intricate lattice windows (jharokhas). With over 900 windows, it remains Jaipur's most iconic structure.

Though our time was limited (and carrying a toddler wasn’t easy), we explored its beautiful alleys, fountains, and viewpoints before heading back.

The Roadside View of the Hawa Mahar, Jaipur, December 2024.

A family photo in front of the Hawa Mahal, Jaipur. December 28, 2024.

An inner view of the Hawa Mahal, the iconic multi-storey structure. We stood in front of an inner courtyard that likely once had a water fountain, though it wasn’t functioning when we clicked the photo.

The street view from one of the 900 Jharokhas (windows) of Hawa Mahal.

A realistic statue of Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh Ji, the visionary behind Hawa Mahal, at the Pratap Mandir inside the Hawa Mahal, Jaipur. Photo was taken on December 28, 2024.

The inscription on the tablet speaks of Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh (ruling period - 1778–1803) as a poet and a devoted worshipper of Lord Shri Krishna 

On our walk from Hawa Mahal to the parking near Jaleb Chowk, we clicked a few photos of the lively streets of the Pink City.

The Jaipur North Ladies Police Station, captured on December 28, 2024.

The Journey Back and an Unpleasant Incident

By noon, we were back on NH-248, heading home. The drive was smooth until the outskirts of Ambala, where construction diversions made driving tricky. Unfortunately, a sudden encounter with two cows near a sharp turn damaged our car’s side mirror—a reminder of the unpredictability of Indian roads.

We reached Panchkula around 9:00 PM, tired but enriched by our cultural immersion in Jaipur.

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Final Thoughts – Jaipur’s Lasting Impressions

Jaipur, with its forts, palaces, temples, and bustling markets, exudes history and heritage. Despite rain, traffic, and the challenges of traveling with a toddler, the Pink City welcomed us with its timeless charm.

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Travel Budget Summary – Jaipur Road Trip (December 2024)

Expense Category	Amount (INR)
Fuel (Chandigarh–Jaipur–Chandigarh)	6,150
Hotel Accommodation (2 Nights)	8,364
Food & Beverages (Miscellaneous)	1,781
Entry Tickets (Combined Package)	840
Local Transport (Auto/Others)	50 (we mostly used our own car)
Total Estimated Cost	17,185 INR

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Note:

• The food expenses include street food, restaurant bills, and beverages throughout the trip.
• Hotel accommodation is based on a two-night stay at Hotel Ginger, Jaipur.
• Entry tickets cover major attractions, purchased through a combined online package for convenience.
• Fuel cost reflects both the onward and return journeys, including intra-city travel.
• Local transport was minimal as we used our own vehicle for most city travel.

 

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Planning Tip: Pre-booking entry tickets, traveling early, and exploring lesser-known spots helps beat Jaipur’s notorious traffic and crowds, especially when traveling with little ones.