Golden Triangle Adventures, Part 2: From Jaipur’s Palaces to Alwar’s Calm
After leaving Agra behind, our Golden Triangle journey took us deeper into Rajasthan and beyond. This part of the trip carried its fair share of beauty, chaos, disappointments, and surprises - a reminder that travel never truly goes according to plan, but that’s part of its magic.
When Plans Fall Through
We were supposed to stop at Ranthambore for a jeep safari. My mum had been really looking forward to this, but because of monsoon flooding, the safari was cancelled. We were refunded most of our ticket cost (though we lost the deposit for the accommodation). Rather than make the trip for just one night, we decided to skip Ranthambore and add an extra day in Jaipur instead. It was a small hiccup, but it set the tone for this part of our journey: plans can change, and flexibility is key.
A Disappointing Safari
Since Ranthambore hadn’t worked out, we booked a safari in Jaipur instead. We were hopeful for leopards or something rare, but instead we spent two and a half hours spotting deer, monkeys, squirrels, and peacocks. It was still peaceful to be out in nature and breathe fresh air, but it wasn’t quite the experience we had imagined.
A Rainy Night and a Bent Ring
On our first night in Jaipur, after dinner, the skies opened. Rain poured until the streets flooded. Not wanting to wade through water, we hopped into a tuk-tuk to take us just a short distance back to the hotel.
That’s when it happened. The driver hit a massive pothole. I nearly fell out, grabbed onto the pole with all my strength, and slammed my hand so hard that it bent the silver ring I’ve worn since 2016. My thumb bruised and throbbed for days, and though the hotel reception tried to help, the ring will need some love and attention to repair it properly. The driver sped off without even asking for payment, leaving me standing there sore, shaken, and disappointed. It was a small but frustrating reminder that travel comes with its bumps - literally.
Jaipur: The Pink City
Jaipur was everything I had hoped it would be - vibrant, beautiful, and rich with history. Known as the Pink City, its streets are lined with architecture that feels like stepping into a painted storybook.
We visited the Hawa Mahal, a stunning palace built so the royal women could look down on the bustling streets below without being seen. Its honeycomb of windows and intricate detail took my breath away, even though we didn’t go inside.
Nearby was the Jal Mahal, the Lake Palace. We couldn’t enter this palace either but gazing across the water at its golden reflection was magical. Camels adorned in bright colours stood along the embankment, adding to the vibrancy of the scene.
One of the highlights was the Amber Fort (often spelled Amer). This palace is extraordinary. The Sheesh Mahal, or Room of Mirrors, felt like stepping into a jewel box - every surface glittering with mosaics and mirrored designs. Wandering through its courtyards and halls was unforgettable.
But not every dream came true. I had been especially excited to see the City Palace’s Blue Room. Online, the ticket information wasn’t clear. What I thought was an all access ticket turned out to only cover museums and galleries, not the areas I longed to see. To enter the Blue Room required another, very expensive ticket. Understandably, it’s because the royal family still resides there, but it was disappointing, nonetheless.
Alwar: A Breath of Fresh Air
After Jaipur, we headed to Alwar, and it was like a deep exhale. The streets were cleaner, the people welcoming, and the pace calmer. Our highlight here was the Siliserh Lake Palace - a serene boat ride across still waters, surrounded by rolling hills and peace. It was simple but beautiful, a much-needed contrast to the chaos of bigger cities.
Back to Delhi
Our last stop was back in New Delhi for one more night before moving on. Delhi always greets us with its signature chaos, and this time was no different. The hotel room smelled a little off at first, the hot water was patchy (as it had been in a few places on the trip), and exhaustion was creeping in. But Delhi also surprised us, with a visit to Swaminarayan Akshardham - a breathtaking Hindu temple to add to your list!
Dedicated mostly to Lakshmi, but also adorned with Krishna and other deities, this masterpiece of architecture stunned us. No phones or cameras were allowed, which meant we could only soak in the intricate details with our eyes. It was, in a way, even more special - a memory that lives only in the heart.
Travel Tips from Jaipur to Alwar
-Stay flexible: Tours and safaris can be cancelled due to weather. Always have a backup plan (and patience)
-Beware tuk-tuk rides in rain: Flooded streets and potholes can make for rough journeys - hold on tight!
-Value small towns: Places like Alwar may not make every tourist itinerary, but their calm beauty can be the most refreshing
-Expect accommodation quirks: Hot water isn’t always guaranteed. A good mindset (and sometimes a cold shower) goes a long way
-Savor phone-free moments: Some temples don’t allow cameras. Use it as a chance to be fully present