Discovering Rajasthan

Written by '74Escape

Traveler: Laila Hida – Photographer & Founder

What is your most unforgettable escape? This time it is about Rajasthan.

What was the purpose of your travel? Discovering Rajasthan and working on a photoshoot with my friend designer ArtC.

With how many people did you travel? Many people.

Where did you stay? Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Udaipur, Varanasi…

What did (do) you most like about the trip? It wasn’t an easy trip. It was intense and overwhelming and like nothing I could imagine before I arrived. I enjoyed very much the food. I was happy every time when it was time for lunch or dinner. A kind of break in the busy, crazy days.

Could you share an unforgettable memory about the trip? We were going to visit the Taj Mahal and that was India’s Independance day. Unfortunatly we chose the same day as Obama to go there, so it was closed to the public, this is the only regret I have from this trip – not seeing the Taj Mahal.

Your most surprising find during the trip? That women seem to be working more than men. Cleaning the streets, building, selling, cooking… And they do all of this with a certain grace in their traditional saris.

Favorite restaurant(s) or food you have tried during your trip? Traditional Tali in a Gypsy restaurant in Jodhpur and the restaurant of the Rass Hotel is just great!

What are the must tries of the city? In Jodhpur, watching the clock tower from a rooftop during the sunset… It is just like a painting. Surrealistic!

Would you go back? I think I was very much touched by the country and the people and I don’t think I would try this experience again when talking about Rajasthan. I would love to go to South India though maybe in few years.

Could you list a few of your favorite finds you came back with? Saris, camel bone boxes, miniatures (drawings), spices – Massala, bed covers (a lot)!