Words & Photography: Prem Ghai // Additional Photography: Immerse India
It was a little past 7 in the morning, and Jaipur was slowly stirring to life. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of marigolds drifting from temple courtyards. I pedalled through the quiet lanes of the Pink City, its sandstone facades glowing softly in the morning light. Known for its vibrant energy and bustling bazaars, Jaipur felt calm and unhurried at this hour—the perfect time to explore on two wheels.
We started from the old walled city, where the markets were just waking up. Tea vendors set up their stalls, filling the air with the aroma of chai and fried snacks. At Raj’s suggestion, we stopped at a bustling tea shop. “This is where the city begins its day,” he said, handing me a glass of steaming masala chai. I watched the vendor pour the tea from a height, the liquid frothing as it met the glass, rich and fragrant.
From there, we cycled past the iconic Hawa Mahal, its intricate lattice windows catching the first rays of sunlight. The city’s grid layout, designed by Maharaja Jai Singh II, made for a smooth and leisurely ride through its historic quarters. Soon, we reached the royal lanes of the City Palace and Jantar Mantar, where the grandeur of Jaipur’s past stood tall against the sky.
I was reminded of Maharani Gayatri Devi, Jaipur’s legendary queen. Her words echoed in my mind: “The past is never dead; it lives with us.” Her graceful legacy still felt present, woven into the city’s fabric where history and modern life flow together effortlessly.
Raj suggested a detour, promising a glimpse beyond Jaipur’s historical heart. We cycled toward Amer, passing the ethereal Jal Mahal, which seemed to float on the still waters of Man Sagar Lake.
By 10 AM, it was time for breakfast. We made our way to Hot Pink, a chic boutique café tucked inside the Narain Niwas Palace complex. The atmosphere was as refined as the menu—flaky croissants, saffron-infused tea, and traditional Rajasthani sweets. As I admired the thoughtful décor, Raj remarked, “Style has always been part of Jaipur’s DNA. Even Maharani Gayatri Devi was a fashion icon in her time.”
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