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.

---

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.

---

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.

• 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.

---

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.

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.

Local Rajasthani Cuisine at Zeeman Restaurant

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

• 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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

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

---

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.

Govind Dev Ji Mandir – The Royal Deity’s Abode

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.

---

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.

---

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 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.

---

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.

---

 

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

---

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.

 

---

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.

Rock Garden & Sukhna Lake, Sector 1, Chandigarh — Moments from July 3, 2018

Hi

Chandigarh is a city made for wandering, whether it's a sunny day or a crisp winter afternoon. The tree-lined roads and pedestrian pathways offer shade so generous that even during the rain, the dense canopy gives you some cover. That’s the beauty of this well-planned, green city.

After a couple of bike and cycle rides along the grid-patterned arterial roads, I decided it was time to visit some of the city’s most famous spots.

Rock Garden

This place was once said to be nothing more than a wild patch of land. But that changed when the late Shri Nek Chand began his incredible project — transforming waste material collected from across the city into fascinating sculptures and installations.

From dolls to animal figures, all crafted from discarded items, cement mortar, and steel fibres — his creations turned this hidden jungle into what we now know as the Rock Garden.

Located in Sector 1, very close to Sukhna Lake, the Rock Garden is truly a symbol of creativity and vision.

Here are a few photos I clicked with my cellphone during my visit back in 2018...

The water channel, at the Rock Garden, Chandigarh

        Careful now! The pathways at the Rock Garden have narrow, low entrances and exits

Come here in July — that's when the water takes on the perfect Masala Chai shade.

Dolls showcasing village life, inside the Dolls' Museum at the Rock Garden, Chandigarh.

A tree-like structure — possibly a cactus — crafted from concrete and steel, inside the Dolls' Museum.

Late Shri Nek Chand, the genius who transformed discarded waste into timeless art.

A flock of peacocks, created entirely from recycled waste — Rock Garden, Chandigarh.

A peacock sculpture of broken glass bangles — an artistic gem at Chandigarh's Rock Garden.

The entry ticket to the Rock Garden was priced INR 30 per person.

Before I show you photos of Sukhna Lake, here are a couple of video clips I captured — one from the Dolls' Museum and the other from the Swing Garden, at the Rock Garden, Chandigarh.

Sukhna Lake

If the weather isn’t too hot and your legs are up for it, you can easily walk the short distance — about one to two kilometers — from the Rock Garden to Sukhna Lake. Both are located in Sector 1 of Chandigarh.

The weather that day was pleasant. People were out and about, strolling along the beautiful paved path, enjoying the peaceful view of the lake. A few were out on the water, pedaling their boats at their own pace. I took a short stroll myself and then sat down for a while, watching their cheerful faces as their boats gently floated along, moving with the rhythm of their pedaling.

The Shivalik hills of Himachal frame the backdrop of Sukhna Lake’s waters.

The pedal boats are all set, waiting to take you on a floating trip at Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh. Are you coming? 

Thanks!

Best of Kinnaur and Spiti Travels- part 9 - Chandertaal to Manali via Rohtang Pass - a Bike Ride

Hello again,

In this post, I'm excited to recount my adventure riding my 100cc motorcycle on one of the wildest and most challenging roads in India—from Chandertaal lake to Manali. If you haven't been following the journey from its origin at the Shrikhand Mahadev trek, I recommend checking out the preceding eight parts of this travel series. These earlier segments delve into my explorations in Sangla, Chhitkul, Tabo, Kaza, Kibber, Komik, and the most recent one focused on the mesmerizing Chander-Taal lake. 

Chander-taal to Batal - 11 kms 

Eleven kilometers from Chander-Taal to Batal, the journey continued. As mentioned in the previous post, our day began early, a decision explained in detail earlier. The 11 km stretch of the connecting road posed its challenges, with its terrain proving a bit hazardous for our ride.

Negotiating this path, we encountered a significant water stream where our attempts to keep our legs dry proved futile. Fortunately, having companions like Naren and Rahul proved invaluable in such treacherous terrains. Riding alone in such places can be risky, and their company provided an added layer of safety. Remember, in such circumstances, it's always advisable not to travel alone as you never know when assistance might be crucial. 

Breakfast at Batal

Dhaba of Chacha-Chachi at Batal

At Batal, you have the opportunity to savor local delicacies such as Paranthas and daal chawal. Notably, the place is renowned for Chacha-Chachi, an elderly couple who gained widespread acclaim for their heroic efforts in rescuing a stranded group from Mumbai back in June 2010. Despite the passage of time, Chacha-Chachi, now likely in their 60s with well-earned wrinkles on their faces, continue to embody a generous spirit. Their large-heartedness extends to helping those in need, with no concern for financial gain.

At Batal, Chandra river in the back - clicked by Rahul

Unfortunately, we couldn't request a photo opportunity with them as they were engrossed in preparing food, and I hesitated to disturb their work. Nevertheless, we relished the Paranthas, biscuits, and tea they graciously offered, all at the most reasonable prices considering the remote location.

Batal to Gramphu:

Navigating this stretch proved to be the most challenging part of the journey. The primary obstacle was the numerous crossings of both small and large wild water streams along the road, requiring riders to wade through them. Among the infamous ones, Paagal Nala and Chota Dara stand out in discussions. We managed to capture a video of the crossing, although I cannot definitively identify whether it's Paagal Nala or Chota Darah. I invite you to watch the video and share your insights if you can help identify the specific stream.

This particular nalah was the only spot where we decided to take a brief break. We also seized the opportunity to capture a few photographs.

See the happines on Batal Gramphu road at Pagal Nalah (or Chota Dara?)

After navigating through several challenging nalahs and a dusty, pebbled road, we finally arrived at Gramphu, where our route converged with the well-maintained Rohtang-Kelang road.

Gramphu to Manali via Rohtang Pass

Kaaza road meeting at Gramphu

After an arduous ride that left us with some discomfort, the transition to the metalled highway felt like gliding on butter. The road, adorned with numerous hairpin bends, ascends sharply from Gramphu to Rohtang. In just half or one hour, you find yourself at the pass. Unfortunately, the foggy conditions limited my ability to capture clearer photos.

Rohtang Pass in my front.

view on my back.

Father of Manali Leh Highway

The descent from Rohtang to Madhi (Marhi) matches the steepness of the ascent from Gramphu to Rohtang. Subsequently, the journey features a somewhat gentle descent until reaching Manali. While the road conditions are excellent, caution is advised, especially around the sharp blind curves.

Thank you for reading thus far. Stay tuned for the next post!

Best of Kinnaur and Spiti Travels- part 8 - Yoga at Chander-Taal (Moonlake) in Spiti

Hi dear friend,

(For the details of this photo, you have to read till the end)

Story has reached almost at its end. If you are new to my blog, let me give you a quick recap of this adventure. Himalayan hinterlands are a major tourist attraction, but because of the required permit and limited access period, not many are able to have this once in lifetime adventure, which I recently had. Therefore I started to share my story and experience with you here, so that it is beneficial for you and me and the community as a whole.

As told in my earliest post, my journey starts at ShriKhand Kailash Peak Trek, where I met 2 brothers Naren and Rahul, who later became friends from this trip. On our first day we visited Sangla and visited Chhitkul, the last Indian village.
On second day we took a long bike ride back from Sangla to Nako lake.

3rd Day was spent on reaching Tabo, and further visits to Dhankar monastery, Kaza, Kee, Kibber village and Langza Village. On 4th day early morning we visited Komik village- the highest motorable village in the whole world, and crossed the Kunzum Pass near to the evening. This is where our story was ended in the last part.

Reaching the Chandra-Taal

We were not sure, if the Batal would come first, or the diversion to the lake. Descending down from Kunzum Top was easy and costed us nothing but the free gravity. The road is wide, but dusty, and with curves and curves after each 50 metre. Have a look.

(zig-zag descent from Kunzum Top)

(Rahul and Naren on their Pulsar, Kunzum temple on left in the backsight)

I had heard about the crazy streams that we had to cross on the road leading to Chandra-Taal lake, but we wouldn't know how much crazy they were until we really cross them. We rested for few clicks at the diversion point. This is the point where road again comes close to a river, not Spiti, but Chenab river. Spiti river runs on the other side of the Kunzum pass, and we had left her behind.

(board showing the diversion from Gramphu-Batal-Kaza road to Chandra-Taal, river below is Chenab)

(Look at the glacial erodes, the road diversion to left)

The road is wide enough only for small vehicles, like cabs, moreover one can topple over if don't remain on the ruts formed with tyres. They were so deep, enough to get a jump if crossed from one to the another. The first major stream was only about a kilometer distance, made my shoes and pants wet. One has to be very much careful while crossing the streams, look for the water level, don't risk if it reaches 2 feet.

(Crossing the water stream)

Thankfully Naren took these pictures of me, and I am able to share with you. He clicked a selfie as well.

Stream flows few metres down and merges with the Chenab river. A small valley is formed due to the river, and it is very beautiful. Total peace, wow! have a look.

Booking a Tent for Night Camping at Chandra-Taal base Camp

So after this 11 kilometer stretch is covered one reaches at the base camp of the Chandra-Taal. Tents were pitched at various spots on this plane ground of not more than 150*150 square metres space. A police man was on duty, after making our entry he suggested one camp to us.

The price was 600 rupee per person, night and morning meals were included. Toilet was combined for all, and totally a temporary arrangement. There were camps who charged about 2000 rupees and had separate toilet facility inside the tent itself. Also electricity was available in those tents. We needed not to worry about that, because we had a power bank, also stars are more beautiful without electric bulb, anyway.

We booked the tent at around 4:30 PM, and we had enough time to visit the lake 2-3 kilometers further from the base camp. We put our heavy bags inside the tent, and rode above through a zig-zag dustier road. There were 10-12 vehicles at the stop. One has to walk about 300-500 metres distance from the stop to the lake. Read about the lake in the board, that I clicked at the stop.
)

At Chandra-Taal, tried Yoga, and thankfully didn't break my neck.

(First look of lake)

As you see in the picture above, there were about 20 tourists, mostly Indians. The lake water appears blue, same as the sky above.

We lied flat at the lake bank and waited for people to disperse. Then a sparrow kind of bird came near to me. He was fearless, I had never been so close to a bird in my life. I felt thankful to this bird. It graced me with its closeness and made me feel as if I was safe enough to be trusted. Feeling trusted by a strange bird was definitely a big compliment.

We observed that the number of people was not decreasing, a big group had arrived for filming some video for some song perhaps.

Yoga at Chandel-Taal

I had this idea of doing Shirsha-asanaa, and wanted to be clicked at this beautiful place. It was once in lifetime opportunity. Also Naren is near to master of the Yoga, you won't believe me, what I am going to show you here. Few clicks were clicked at the place where we were lying, but the sun was setting in the same direction, so pics were not that good, except they would make wonderful silhouettes. Please don't try it for yourself at such places, because if you break you neck or back, there is not much of help available. So, make sure that you are confident about whatever you are doing.

(thanks to Naren, for clicking my yoga poses, see his yoga poses below)

We walked to the other side of the lake, so that we could click some pictures without other people. Now sun would be in the back of the cameraman.

Resting for a while and few more clicks.

Back to Base camp and Night

As the sun was moving down towards the mountain, temperature dropped further. One can not stand outside without a jacket. We tried to soak the last rays on the way down to the base camp.

A view of the base camp from higher vantage point on the road to lake.

A biker group looked amazing on that zig-zag road leading from lake to base camp down below.

Tents at the base camp.
We were offered simple rice and daal at dinner. It felt suicidal to get out of the tent at night, cold wind was furious. Sky was overcast with the clouds so no luck with the stars. We were given Kambal and Quilt, so night was quite comfortable inside the tent.

We started early in the morning at around 5:00 AM. Reason was that our next destination was to return back to our normal life, but this last stretch of about 40 kilometers from Batal to Rohtang would be the toughest among the whole trip. There would be numerous water streams to cross, and they swell up in the noon. Let's keep that part for the story for the next post.

Thanks for visiting.