Famed primarily for its rich culture and imposing forts
and palaces, Rajasthan is one of the topmost tourist destinations in India,
loved by both Indians and foreigners alike.
When you decided to travel solo for the first time, you
thought of Rajasthan quite naturally because it had always fascinated. And,
when you went there, it turned out to be just as great as you imagined. It
allowed you to be happily solo, yet embraced me in its colourful atmosphere.
Rajasthan’s hospitality is its iconic trademark, but even
its friendliness is so off-the-cuff. I remember walking through the narrow
alleys of Udaipur during the festival of Diwali and it was all so fervent. I
received smiles, amiable gestures and support while I was taking pictures and
exchanging casual pleasantries with the hawkers. People’s inherent warmth
instantly melted my hesitation as a solo traveler.
Rajasthan is a land of festivals. There are so many held
annually such as the Desert Festival, Pushkar Fair, Elephant Festival, Gangaur
Festival, Marwar Festival and Nagaur Festival just to name a few. Also, the
atmosphere in general is very festive. When I was in Jodhpur there were
traditional folk dance and music performances held at the hotel every evening.
When you are traveling solo, good accommodation is a top
concern. Rajasthan has all kinds of options to choose from – luxury hotels,
guest houses, heritage resorts, budget hotels and home stays. Apart from
comfort and amenities, the hotels give you great hospitality and a true
‘Rajasthan’ experience.
Although Rajasthan is a highly conservative state, the
locals respect a visitor’s individuality. If a woman is rambling all alone in
any city of Rajasthan, she would be respected for who she is and her
background. Even if she is from a different culture or follows a totally
different way of life, she wouldn’t draw attention. The locals in general know
that they have to receive each guest with reverence.
Although people are friendly, they give you space to do
your own thing. I remember when I was in Jaisalmer; I found my own little
corner where I sat with my laptop to catch up on work. There was another
foreign girl there too, curled up with a book, while another guy was
sunbathing. Thus, the feeling of being in Rajasthan is very homey.
Every nook and cranny in the cities of Rajasthan are so
full of buzz. Some of my most memorable moments were people-watching and
strolling along Lake Pichola in Udaipur, dining at Ambrai restaurant and bar
with a view of the Lake Palace, catching a panoramic view of Udaipur, watching
the sunset at Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, and wandering the alleys of Jaisalmer
Fort.
I learned the art of slow travel in Rajasthan, as I
didn’t feel the need to do typically touristy things all the time. I chose to
skip a monument or two and happily relaxed at my hotel in Jodhpur, chatted with
the staff, explored the nearby market, observed the local life, woke up before
the hotel staff one morning to catch the first glimpse of sunrise and enjoyed a
cup of tea with my fellow travelers.
The best thing that happened to me in Rajasthan was to be
received by one of the hotel staff at the train station. Most of the hotels in
Rajasthan offer free transport from the airport/railway station to the hotel.
It puts you at ease to simply be escorted to your hotel, while you are solo.
There is free WiFi in almost all the hotels in Rajasthan.
It makes things easier, especially when you are traveling solo and you need to
keep in touch with people at home. I enjoyed updating my friends and family
with the latest pictures and happenings on my trip.
Although I don’t like to categorize places as safe or
unsafe, Rajasthan is relatively safe. I traveled to the desert all on my own
from Jaisalmer. Comprehending my anxiety, the chauffeur took good care of me,
and even the camel riders and the desert camping staff were so caring.
Rajasthan welcomes a solo traveler with open arms.
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