I Took a 10-Day Family Trip to Rajasthan. Here’s What It Taught Me

Living in India, I had heard about Rajasthan for as long as I can remember. It is not just a state but a place where people adore with all their hearts. The palaces, lakes, mountains, deserts, and the night sky, this place has everything you need to call a trip a holiday trip.  

But till now, everything I knew was from books or from the experiences of others. Why, may you wonder? Well, it was always a “someday” plan until last year. So, as a family, we loved to celebrate the New Year with fun. This is why we usually visited new places, but most of these were nearby locations. We used to travel for 3 days and get back home. 

This lacked us time to explore, and everything always felt rushed. I personally hated this. So, I asked myself, “What should we do this time but differently?” 

I put forward this to all and asked them if they are open for a bit longer trip of say 8-12 days. To my surprise, everyone said yes in a minute. So, I started looking seriously at destinations, routes, and travel packages. 

I looked for maybe hundreds of locations, both domestic and international, for a couple of days, but Rajasthan stayed with me. The stories and how it blends culture, history, and entertainment made it a great choice. So, the choice was clear. It was time to transform the dreamy trip to Rajasthan into reality now.  

Within minutes, we all started with booking and packages, and finally found the perfect 10-day trip to Rajasthan package with BizarExpedition. And we booked it for a lot of reasons, but before I share the same, let me share what followed over the 10-day trip with us.  

The moment we reached Rajasthan, I actually paused and thought, how can one place feel so different and still so familiar at the same time? It was not just the architecture or the colours. It was a vibe. There was tradition everywhere, but it did not feel outdated. It felt proud, comfortable, and alive.  

And the colours, oh my God. 

I thought people exaggerated when they spoke about the pink of Jaipur or the gold of Jaisalmer. But I was surely wrong to think that. The sunlight hits these cities differently. Even ordinary buildings seem to glow a little. 

Even ordinary buildings seem to glow a little. Maybe this is because of the intricate details of the designs, but there is a unique attraction that actually can be felt here. It softens everything. Even the busiest streets look warm instead of chaotic. 

What stayed with me was how effortlessly history and daily life exist together. A centuries-old fort stands tall, and just below it, someone is selling tea, someone is laughing with friends, heading home after work, and everything was so real. 

And honestly, the food caught me off guard. 

I thought I knew Rajasthani cuisine. I had tried it in restaurants before. But eating it on my Rajasthan trip felt completely different. We were served sitting down on a cushioned chair with a big plate and multiple bowls in front of us. Literally, I could see the size and think, can I actually eat an entire plate they serve here? 

Then, the dal baati churma arrived first, and not in a small portion. The baatis were cracked open in front of us and soaked generously in ghee. The dal was thick and comforting, not overly spicy, just balanced. Then came gatte ki sabzi. It was rich and slightly tangy. Around it were so many chutneys that I lost count: green, garlic, something sweet, something sharp. Sliced onions, fresh and crisp, and a tall glass of chaach that somehow tied everything together. And that’s not it, we had some snacks like bhajiyas, papad, then khichdi and so on. 

It was definitely a meal that could drown you in deep sleep. 

At that point, I honestly thought, okay, this is the food culture everyone talks about. But no, I was so wrong. Our driver laughed at this response and said, “No, no. Morning kachoris are different. You have to eat them fresh, straight from the shop when they open.” 

That caught my attention immediately. 

So the next day, instead of heading straight to our usual plan, we stopped at a small local shop early in the morning. It was nothing fancy, but a simple counter around the corner.  

We took our first bite standing there itself. And he was right. 

The outer layer was crisp but lighter than the ones we had tried before. The filling was bold, slightly spicy, and paired with a thin aloo sabzi that was poured generously on top. It was just perfect and yes, hot. 

In that moment, I realised something. Rajasthan is not just about what is served on a grand plate in a traditional setting. But is about these small places as well.  

And I loved that we got to experience that side too. 

I just saw one side of Rajasthan, which was the food. But the culture and the actual experience were still waiting to unfold with the forts on our way. 

When we visited Patwon Ki Haveli, I was genuinely amazed. You see, they had so many intricate carvings and designs that it seemed impossible to have been crafted so many years back. Trust me, people held unique talent then, and we must agree. 

This was not just about one monument. 

The same sense of admiration followed us through Jaisalmer Fort, Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, the palaces of Udaipur, and even the temples we visited along the way. I must say the craftsmanship and detailing are way ahead of their time. 

Oh yes! How could I not mention Jaisalmer Fort? Do you know why it is called the living fort? You must have heard stories of kings and their forts and cities. They used to build big walls to protect their kingdom from enemies. This fort felt the same. They had houses, shops, cafes, and whatnot inside those big, powerful walls.  

And lastly, there was this big, endless desert. 

We decided to spend New Year’s Eve in the Thar Desert. The package included the trip, but they helped us with a customisation here for the day, and that was just perfect. 

The guide in the desert took us on a lifetime trip of dunes, which was no less than an adventure sport. The jeep jumped up and down on dunes at full speed. Let me confess, I was so scared when it started. But eventually, it was fun. 

The day ended with their traditional dance performance. I saw the performer juggling and balancing like 7 pots on her head and dancing, twirling, and moving so gracefully.  

If I were there, I could confirm that not a single pot would have survived the night! 

Jokes apart, but we ended up dancing to traditional Rajasthani folk songs for the first time. That was a New Year we never celebrated. Under the sky with shining stars, amazing food, cold air, and music, but away from the crowd and buzz, this was the time when my family cheered and laughed together. 

Every trip we take in our lives is always about the places we explore. But for me, this was a journey that had a deeper meaning. This 10-day trip was not just about the place anymore, but about how we can give time to ourselves.  

In our daily lives, we are always rushing. Work, responsibilities, goals, and deadlines are important, but in between all these, we are left with no time for ourselves and family.  

Rajasthan, a state that beautifully balances growth with heritage, showed me something important. You can move forward and still stay connected to your roots. You can build modern cities and still protect centuries-old forts. 

This trip reminded me that sometimes the most meaningful journeys are not about distance, but about slowing down together. And for this experience, we truly thank BizarExpedition, who guided us on every point and ensured the trip was planned as we needed. It was not just like any other trip for us, but one that has taught us to be there in the moment rather than pushing through deadlines always.