TripFiles

tripFiles Highlight: Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi in Jodhpur, 🇮🇳✨

In Jodhpur, step back in time and marvel at the architectural splendor of Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi, a majestic stepwell built in 1740 by the Maharana herself.

Traditionally, the wife of a Maharaja, called a Maharana, would build a stepwell for the local people to swim and draw water.

Its design is based on Maharana Raani Tawarji’s home in Gujarat, and it’s one of my FAVORITE stepwells in India! 🇮🇳❤️
 
📸: Visit this stepwell after sunrise on a weekday for the best chance to photograph it without the crowds.

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tripFiles Highlight: Amer Stepwell, Jaipur 🇮🇳💕

In Jaipur, step back in time at Amer Stepwell, an ancient water reservoir dating back to the 16th century. ✨🇮🇳

This is my FAVORITE stepwell in India! And it’s easy to see why.

Carved out of sandstone, this stepwell served as a vital source of water for the surrounding community during the hottest months of Rajasthan.

(This stunning beauty is a WELL, which is just further proof that India does Everything better!)

🚫 Stepping down into the stepwell is not allowed, but the guards might ask for a bribe do it. Although it’s tempting, paying a bribe only enforces corruption.

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tripFiles Highlight: Jaipur! 🇮🇳 Painted pink in 1827, Rajasthan’s dreamy capital, Jaipur, rolls out like a vibrant tapestry onto pink streets. 🩷

Here, you’ll find scenes straight out of a dream. ✨

Against the backdrop of a dazzling blue sky, the iconic Hawa Mahal and City Palace add to the city’s dreamy allure, making Jaipur the embodiment of the India you’ve always imagined—a city of royalty.

These are the BEST things to do in Jaipur! 🇮🇳🩷

1. Visit Jaipur City Palace
2. See Hawa Mahal, “Palace of the Winds”
3. Visit Patrika Gate - “the most colorful door in India” 🎨
4. Sunset at Nahargarh Fort, “Abode of Tigers” 🐅
5. Amber Palace
6. Early morning bike tour of Jaipur 🚲
7. Learn how to make Blue Pottery at Kripal Kumbh 💙🏺

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tripFiles Highlight: These are the BEST things to do in Chennai! 🇮🇳
 
1. 1 Kapaleeshwarar Temple - While non-Hindus are usually not allowed inside, the flower-lined streets outside the temple are more than worth visiting.

2. Santhome Cathedral Basilica - Believed to be the tomb of St. Thomas, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples.

3. Try fresh-caught seafood on Marina Beach at Meenavan Unavagam, or “Fisherman’s Restaurant.” 🎣🐟

4. Visit Higginbottoms, the oldest bookshop in India 📚

5. Try the “world’s biggest thali” at Ponnusamy Hotel – 45 dishes!!

6. Try famous South Indian foods like dosas, idli, sambar, vada, and uttapam. (We ate at Eating Circles in Chennai just like Virat Kohli! 🏏)

7. Take a home cooking class

8. Visit the “Parrot Man of Chennai,” 🦜

9. St. Mary’s Church - Legend has it that a secret tunnel beneath the pulpit leads all the way to Delhi, the Indian capital of the British colonial empire. 😮
 
Have you been to India yet, or is it still on your list?!

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