Readme before you journey
India's Fatigue: To Be Determined
Many people have read about the harshness of India. This trip to India was a decision that required considerable courage. It was a brave decision to face the various rumors, such as the dirtiness, the intimidating people, and the food that is full of spices.
However, deep down, we believe that it is not as brutal as what we have read. There must be some good aspects, just like our own country, which does not always have beautiful aspects. It depends on how we perceive what is good and bad.
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Travel
Outbound Donmuang >> Jaipur
Return Flight: Jaipur to Donmuang
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Travel Schedule
Our intercity travel consisted of renting a car and taking one train journey. Within cities, we found Uber to be a convenient and affordable option.
Our journey will take us to Rajasthan, visiting its three main cities: Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer. We will also explore Agra in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Entering India requires a tourist visa for Thai nationals. Obtaining the visa is a straightforward process, available through two channels: online and at the Indian embassy. Online applications are highly recommended due to their lower cost.
Day 10: Bangkok - Jaipur
Day 11-12: Jaipur - Udaipur
Day 13-14: Udaipur to Jaisalmer
Day 15: Jaisalmer to Jaipur
Day 16: Jaipur to Agra
Day 17: Jaipur to Bangkok
Day 1: Jaipur - Udaipur
The sound of cars and the chatter of people exercising in the early morning woke me up. I groggily glanced at my phone clock, which read 5:00 AM, still very early. This was the local time in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, also known as the Pink City. I had arrived at the airport the previous night after a four-hour flight from Thailand. We would only be in this city for one night, as our first destination was Udaipur, the city nicknamed the Venice of India.
At 6:35 AM, we met with Mahabir, our driver, to continue our journey. We had to leave early because the distance from here to Udaipur was quite far. As the wheels rolled out of Jaipur, the conversation in the car flowed naturally. We asked Mahabir about various aspects of Indian life. The local music playing on the car speakers, combined with the scenery outside, allowed us to immerse ourselves more deeply in the Indian atmosphere.
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Udaipur: The Venice of India
Udaipur, also known as the "Venice of India", is a city in the state of Rajasthan, India.
We arrived in Udaipur around 2 pm after a nearly seven-hour journey in the car. After checking in at the DEVRAS NIWAS hotel, which is located next to Pichola Lake, we had time to relax before the sunset. The rooftop view of the hotel offered a 360-degree view of the palace in the middle of the lake. We decided to visit Jagmadir Palace, a hotel and cafe located on the lake.
One of the highlights of Udaipur is a boat ride to watch the sunset over Lake Pichola. However, on the day we arrived, the sun was playing hide-and-seek, and we had to wait with bated breath to see if it would make an appearance. Finally, the moment arrived when the sun's rays pierced through the clouds, illuminating the City Palace with a golden glow that shimmered on the lake's surface. The sight was truly breathtaking.
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Day 2: Udaipur, City Palace and Pichola Lake
The first morning in Udaipur, I was determined to wake up early to catch the first light of day on the rooftop of the hotel. However, I was disappointed because the sky was cloudy and gloomy, and I couldn't see the sunlight at all. So, I could only capture the atmosphere of Pichola Lake instead. I changed my mind and invited my friend Afaf to take a walk around the hotel.
The morning atmosphere in Udaipur, near the lakeside close to my accommodation, is filled with numerous small alleys and lanes. The houses on both sides of the road are densely packed together in a row, resembling the crowdedness of many big cities. However, what sets this place apart from others is the street art that can be found on almost every house front. Some depict Hindu gods and goddesses, while others showcase Indian-style artwork.
As I walked along, a cheerful "Hello" greeted me from the doorway of a nearby row house. An elderly gentleman, beaming with good humor, waved and introduced himself, mentioning his name and occupation before I even had a chance to speak. He then peppered me with questions, his jovial mood infectious. As I prepared to leave, he insisted on taking my picture, expertly posing me before flashing a wide grin. After capturing his own portrait, he kindly called out to his wife on the second floor, prompting her to appear, and then shouted to a neighbor passing by, asking them to turn and smile for the camera. He then proceeded to take another picture, capturing the impromptu gathering.
This experience has fostered a growing sense of positivity towards the Indian people. It has shifted my perspective, allowing me to see them in a more amicable light. As a result, I feel emboldened to continue my travels throughout India in the days ahead.
Around eight o'clock in the morning, people gradually came out of their houses. The streets in front of houses and shops became increasingly lively. The people of Udaipur went about their daily lives as usual. Afifah and I took advantage of this time to walk around and take pictures, making it feel like another morning that was not boring or monotonous. Life had more flavor.
Our morning walk ended at a pier on Lake Pichola, a popular spot for locals to relax and enjoy the scenery. Some were there for pre-wedding photoshoots, while others were feeding pigeons.
Udaipur City Palace
The City Palace is a former royal palace that has been converted into a hotel and museum showcasing the history of the Indian royal family. We only had the morning to visit the palace, as we had to move to another city in the afternoon. The palace was not far from our hotel, just a short walk away. Moreover, the entire walk was lined with souvenir shops catering to tourists, offering a wide selection of souvenirs to choose from.
Within the palace, only the museum section is open to the public. The interior features numerous rooms adorned with a dazzling array of decorative styles. From the upper floor of the palace, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Udaipur city, while the other side offers a breathtaking vista of the lake and the palace's水上位置.
The most stunning chamber in the palace is the Blue Room, where every surface is adorned in azure hues. The interior design meticulously recreates the ambiance of a bygone era. However, entry is restricted, and vigilant guards maintain a constant presence. Visitors can capture photographs from designated external vantage points.
At 1:00 PM, we are scheduled to meet with Mahabir to travel to Jaisalmer, a desert city in India.
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Day 3: Jaisalmer, Jaisalmer Fort, and Thar Desert (Jaisalmer, the Golden City of India)
After leaving Udaipur in the early afternoon, we dozed on and off in the car all the way. We started our journey when the sun was high in the sky, and now, as we look out the window of the moving car, the sun is setting and it is almost completely dark. We can see shadows on both sides of the road, but we still haven't reached our destination.
At 10:31 PM, after nearly 10 hours of travel, our car finally pulled up to the Tokyo Palace Hotel (a name that even confuses some Japanese people). As we stepped out of the car, the hot desert air hit our faces, welcoming us to this coastal city. Exhausted and sleepy after a long day, we quickly gathered our luggage and headed inside the hotel.
Jaisalmer: The Golden City
Jaisalmer, pronounced "Jaisalmer," is aptly nicknamed the "Golden City." Situated amidst the Thar Desert, the city's buildings are predominantly constructed from sandstone, a material readily available due to the underlying sandstone bedrock. This unique architectural feature, combined with the desert landscape, creates a mesmerizing spectacle as the setting sun bathes the city in a golden glow.
Initially, we were hesitant to choose this city as our destination in India. It is located far from Jaipur, in the westernmost part of Rajasthan. Moreover, the weather is extremely hot (escaping the heat for even hotter weather), as our trip was in April when the average temperature is 40-42 degrees Celsius. However, the city's unique charm, unlike any other in India, drew us in. Despite the long distance and scorching heat, we chose this city as one of our four must-visit destinations.
The next morning, as the sun rose above the horizon, the cityscape of Jaisalmer became clearer than the previous day. It was a strange sight for those of us who lived in the river lowlands. The houses were built from bricks cut from sandstone, giving all the houses the same color tone. Most of the houses were rectangular in shape, and the roofs were not tiled or covered with any other material, but were left as flat terraces. From a horizontal perspective, there were no buildings higher than five stories.
Towering like a colossal wall in the heart of the city, Jaisalmer Fort was once a formidable stronghold. Today, it houses hundreds of families, making it the city's most elevated residential structure.
Today, we decided to walk to Ford to experience the atmosphere of the desert city.
Inside Ford, there are many small alleys that can be walked through to almost all of them. Along the way, there are many souvenir shops located next to each other, especially small galleries that we found the most.
The walls of houses built close together form a long, orange-brick wall that runs along both sides of the road. On these walls, we can find artwork created by local Ford artists. These include images of Hindu deities like Ganesha and paintings depicting the traditional life of Indians in the past.
The Jain Temple: A Place of Exquisite Carvings and Religious Significance
The Jain temple, also known as "Wat Chen," stands as a testament to the intricate artistry and religious devotion of the Jain community in Ford. Constructed from meticulously carved stone, the temple offers a captivating sight for visitors. Its interior serves as a sacred space for prayer and blessings for those who follow the Jain faith. Tourists are welcome to enter the temple to admire its beauty and seek blessings.
A must-do activity is to walk up to the viewpoint on the Ford ramparts, where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city of Jaisalmer.
Thar Desert, the Jaisalmer Desert
The scorching desert air at 3:00 PM felt even hotter than Thailand's summer. Our Jeep, a mix of old and new, awaited us at the hotel, ready to transport us and other tourists to the camel pick-up point. With no air conditioning to offer respite from the heat, we set off with five people in the vehicle: our driver, Boom in the front passenger seat, and the three of us crammed together in the back.
As the car accelerated, the weather worsened. The lack of air conditioning forced us to open the windows, allowing the hot wind to whip through the car, stinging our faces and drying our lips despite the lip balm.
The driver stopped along the way to let us see the goat village. There were only a few houses here, along with the goats that were being raised. The environment seemed more arid and barren than in the city. Each house was simply built, resembling sandstone construction with a layer of mud plastered on top to provide additional insulation. We didn't spend much time walking around because we couldn't stand the excessive heat.
After a 45-minute journey, we arrived at the camel pick-up point for our overnight stay in the Thar Desert. The location was an open area with only a small shed for shade. This was our camel boarding point.
A camel, prepared for each tourist, waited for us calmly in the sun. When it was time, the guide distributed a bottle of water to each of us and signaled for us to get on the camels along with the other foreign tourists.
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The initial phase of the camel ride was marked by intense sunlight, necessitating the use of scarves covering the face and neck. The camels ambled in a single file, traversing a sandy plain dotted with patches of grass.
The temperature gradually decreased as the sun began to set. The hour we spent on the camel's back felt much longer than it actually was. It was not easy for someone riding a camel for the first time. We had to tense our legs every time the camel climbed down a sand dune, or even while it was walking. It was difficult to move.
As I dismounted the camel, I locked eyes with a Japanese tourist. We both burst into laughter because my legs were shaking uncontrollably, making it almost impossible to stand. It felt like my legs had been ripped apart by a ballroom dance coach during my school days. This experience was the complete opposite of what I had expected. Riding a camel is definitely not a comfortable experience. I silently concluded my journey in my mind.
Our group only stayed in the Thar Desert until dinner time. The other tourist groups are still sleeping in the desert tonight. It was a very good decision to go back to the hotel to sleep, because the desert at night is not as comfortable as we thought. In addition, there are a lot of insects at night that bother us all the time while we are sitting and having dinner.
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Day 4: Jaisalmer City Palace - Jaipur
On the second morning, we were still in Jaisalmer. We had until two o'clock in the afternoon to catch our train back to Jaipur, so we decided to walk around the city to the only lake in this desert city. The lake is called Gadisar Lake. The water level in the lake in April was very low, but you could still see the traces of the water when it was higher.
The lake offers pedal boats (without roofs) for tourists to enjoy the scenery. However, we prefer to sit indoors and appreciate the atmosphere.
At 4:00 PM, we arrived at Jaisalmer Railway Station to prepare for our onward journey. At 5:00 PM, the train began to depart from the platform. As it was still the starting point, the passenger density was not very high. We opted for sleeper class tickets with air conditioning (train bookings can be made online). The interior consisted of bunk beds, with the upper bunk only suitable for sleeping. It was not ideal for sitting and talking.
After nearly 12 hours on the train from Jaisalmer to Jaipur, the most thrilling aspect of the journey was the uncertainty surrounding the train's stops. We were forced to drift in and out of sleep, constantly checking Google Maps to determine the train's current location.
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Day 5: Jaipur, Amber Fort and Nahargarh Fort
Jaipur is considered the heart of Rajasthan, boasting numerous significant tourist attractions. Thai tourists frequently visit this city, making it a popular destination for them. As a result, a large number of Thai people can be found in Jaipur.
Today's program, we returned to use the car rental service with the same driver, Mahabir. The first destination was Amber Fort, a popular tourist attraction. The fort is located on a hilltop with a pond in front and a river flowing through it. You can walk up to the top or take a ride up on an elephant for a different experience.
The Ford entrance is a popular spot for taking photos, featuring intricate floral murals. Be prepared for a wait, as the popularity of this location attracts many visitors.
The interior of the Ford is divided into numerous small rooms, making it easy to get lost. However, as each room offers little to see, we spent only a short time exploring before returning to our vehicle.
Panamena Step Well
The Panamena Step Well, also known as the "sacred well," is located near Amber Fort. It's a convenient stop that won't take up much of your time.
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Nahargarh Fort, an ancient fortress offering panoramic sunset views over Jaipur.
Nahargarh Fort is a popular vantage point for panoramic views of Jaipur and stunning sunsets. Located near Amber Fort, it is accessible by car via a gently sloping uphill road.
The interior of the fort not only offers opportunities to photograph the old ramparts, but also houses a building that once served as the residence of the Indian royal family, open to the public for exploration.
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Day 6 - 8: Jaipur - Agra, Taj Mahal and Baby Taj Mahal
Jaipur also boasts another beautiful attraction, Jwahar Circle, a public park where locals come to relax and exercise.
The most striking feature is the large, imposing archway at the front, which is adorned with intricate Indian-inspired patterns and vibrant colors.
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Jaipur City Palace
The City Palace is one of the most beautiful and prominent palaces in Rajasthan. Admission fees vary depending on the sections of the palace you wish to visit. The most expensive option is the Private Trip (1000 Baht/person), which grants access to all rooms in the palace. The highlight of this option is the renowned Blue Room, often seen in reviews before visiting India.
As we walk through the gate, we will notice a rectangular building in the middle of a large courtyard, surrounded by walls on all four sides. The interior of the building is covered with white lines against a pink background, with the most striking feature being the pattern painted on the ceiling.
Upon entering through the left-hand gate, we are greeted by a spacious square courtyard. This courtyard features four renowned gates, each situated on a different side. These gates are adorned with unique patterns and colors, representing the four seasons. Tourists often refer to these gates as the "Peacock Gates".
The Azure Chamber of the City Palace: A Private Sanctuary
The "Azure Chamber" of the City Palace was the primary reason we opted for the Private Trip ticket. We spent a considerable amount of time in this chamber, as its private nature meant fewer tourists compared to other areas. This allowed us to explore at our own pace without feeling rushed.
This room served as a summer retreat for the Indian royal family in the past. In addition to this room, there are other equally beautiful rooms for different seasons.
The Winter Room is a unique space where the walls are lined with specially treated glass, giving it a mirrored appearance. As you enter, the staff will close all the doors and windows, plunging the room into darkness. A single candle is lit in the center, casting a flickering glow that reflects off the countless tiny mirrors, creating a mesmerizing spectacle reminiscent of stars twinkling on a moonless night.
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Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds
The "Palace of the Wind" was built as a residence for the inner court (female attendants) in the past. The reason for the numerous small windows was to allow the female attendants to observe people outside the palace, as they were not permitted to leave. They could only look through the window openings. At the same time, to prevent outsiders from seeing the inner court, numerous small windows were installed as a deception.
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Andhra Pradesh, Taj Mahal
Uttar Pradesh is home to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Indian passport holders can enjoy a 50% discount on entry fees. This iconic landmark is a must-visit for anyone traveling to India. Be prepared for large crowds, as it is a popular tourist destination.
Another early morning, we had to wake up early to catch a car from Jaipur to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal, a monument of love built by Prince Khurram for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The car journey took 4-5 hours.
The Taj Mahal, constructed entirely of white marble, stands majestically on the banks of the Yamuna River. Its facade is adorned with a meticulously landscaped garden, featuring intricate water fountains and lush greenery. Inside, two replica tombs lie at the heart of the chamber, surrounded by exquisitely carved marble screens with floral motifs.
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Baby Taj Mahal
Located on the banks of the Yamuna River, not far from the Taj Mahal, this site offers a peaceful and uncrowded environment for leisurely strolls and photography.
Due to time constraints, we could only visit two sites. We then reluctantly took a car back to Jaipur, capturing glimpses of Indian life along the way.
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The scenery along the road while returning from Agra
In the end, India teaches us not to believe what we see, not to believe what others say, but to believe in ourselves. Dare to go out and encounter new things, to live a different life, to increase the power to continue living. #Moonlight
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Wednesday, February 26, 2025 6:50 PM
