Rajasthan: Reading India Between Desert and Palace

Rajasthan is India's most vivid and colorful chapter. Eight days and seven nights, from the pink city of Jaipur to the golden city of Jaisalmer, read a colorful book of India among castles, lakes, and deserts.

First stop is Jaipur, known as the Pink City. The Palace of the Winds has hundreds of windows like a honeycomb, once the boudoir for princesses to enjoy the street views; Amber Fort is built against the mountain, and the glass of the Mirror Palace shines brilliantly under candlelight. Riding an elephant up the mountain is an authentic Rajasthani experience.

Heading west to Jodhpur, Blue City. The entire old city is painted in varying shades of blue, said to be used to ward off the heat and mark Brahmin status. Climb Melangar Fort, an unconquered fortress overlooking the entire city, with walls so thick it is astonishing.

Heading south to Udaipur, White City is also the most romantic. The city palace is built by Lake Pichula, and the palace in the center of the lake resembles floating crystal. In the evening, boating on the lake, where storks glide over the water, is a rare tranquility in India.

Venture deep into the desert to Jaisermer and the Golden City. The entire golden fort is built of yellow sandstone and glows at sunrise. Riding a camel into the Sam Dunes to watch the desert sunset and folk songs and dances is the highlight of Rajasthan.

Rajasthan is a shock drowned in color. From pink to blue to gold, every city has its own color, and India is vividly alive amid these colors and noise, leaving a lasting impression.