A Colorful Journey: Jaipur During Holi Celebrations – Part 2

 After an unforgettable Holi in Agra, we departed for Jaipur at 9 AM in a pre-booked taxi. The Dhulandi celebrations were in full swing, with people playing with colors and dancing to lively music on the streets. The 4.5-hour road trip was smooth, filled with music, laughter, and scenic views.

By 1:30 PM, we reached Chitra Katha Homestay, near Jaipur Railway Station. Since most markets and shops were closed due to the Dhulandi celebrations, we ordered a delicious Punjabi lunch at the homestay—kaju kari, dal makhani, tandoori roti, and refreshing chaas. After lunch, we rested until 5 PM before heading out to explore Jaipur.

Our evening was spent admiring the stunning Mauj Mahal and Jal Mahal before exploring Jaipur’s vibrant markets. We enjoyed a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, then returned to the homestay for a terrace gathering, where the kids played indoor games and we chatted late into the night until 11:30 PM.

The next morning, Saturday, we set off to explore Jaipur’s rich heritage. Our first stop was Amer Fort, followed by Panna Meena ka Kund and the Meera Krishna Temple. We indulged in some shopping for traditional Jaipuri handwork clothes before stopping for an authentic Rajasthani lunch at a local restaurant, savoring dal bati churma, sabji, and buttermilk.

In the afternoon, we visited the Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and City Palace, followed by shopping at Badi Chaupad. A visit to the famous Laxmi Misthan Bhandar for their crispy aloo tikki was the perfect end to our day.

In the evening, we returned to Chitra Katha Homestay, ordered La Pino’z Pizza for the kids, and spent our final night on the terrace reminiscing about our Jaipur adventures.

The next morning, we departed for Surat, carrying with us beautiful memories of Jaipur’s royal charm, cultural heritage, and festive spirit.

A Colorful Journey: Agra during Holi Celebrations Part 1

Our adventure began on March 12 at 8:10 PM when we boarded the August Kranti Rajdhani Express with three delightful families—Dr. Manoj’s, Dr. Kshayp’s, and Dr. Nitin’s—each excited for the memories ahead. The train ride was filled with an indulgent dinner featuring ice cream and lively conversations that stretched until 11:30 PM, setting a joyful tone for the journey.

At 6:30 AM, we awoke to a delicious breakfast of kathlesh, upma, and bread with butter before arriving at Mathura station at 7:40 AM. A pre-booked taxi then whisked us away on an 80 km road trip to Agra. Along the scenic highway, we made a refreshing stop for tea and snacks, ensuring the kids had plenty of energy for the adventure.

 
Midday found us at Coral House Homestay, a charming retreat boasting traditional décor and a warm, homely ambiance despite its modest size. After a relaxing lunch, our excitement grew as we headed out to explore Agra’s timeless treasures. We marveled at the grandeur of Agra Fort and the iconic Taj Mahal, immersing ourselves in their historical beauty. The festive spirit of Holi added extra magic to our visit—with vibrant street decorations, energetic music, and joyful dance performances that filled every corner of the city. We savored local treats like pani puri and bhel, and later indulged in an authentic South Indian dinner at Dasaprakash, rounding off a day brimming with sensory delights.

 The following morning, we enjoyed a homemade breakfast featuring fruits, bread, and bhaji puri before departing for Jaipur at 9 AM, our hearts full of unforgettable memories from a journey steeped in cultural vibrancy and family togetherness.