13 March 2025
Traveling light means making do without the luxuries we often take for granted—like hairdryers, irons, and a proper wardrobe that isn’t perpetually squashed inside a backpack. But necessity is the mother of invention, and standing in my guesthouse, staring at a very crumpled kurti dress, inspiration struck. My flat iron! If it smooths out hair, surely it can do the same for fabric? A few strokes later, my dress was looking fresh, and I had stumbled upon a travel hack I would be using for a long time.
Dressed in my newly “ironed” attire, we set off to explore Ajmer. ChatGPT had suggested a walking tour, but we quickly discovered that the city was not as walkable as others. Even a short one-kilometer stretch turned into an adventure of dodging traffic in narrow, chaotic streets. Tuk-tuk drivers, emboldened by the Holi festival rush, tried their luck with steep fares, overcharging us at every turn. Still, we pressed on, determined to see the city’s treasures.
Our first stop was the revered Ajmer Sharif Dargah, a Sufi shrine that draws pilgrims from all over. Once past the bustling market, the inner sanctum offered a peaceful refuge. We received a blessing, soaked in the soulful strains of folk music, and indulged in a delicious thali brunch—simple pleasures that made the chaos outside feel distant.
Next, we visited the Nasiyan Jain Temple, a hidden gem that left me in awe. The creation story adorning the outer walls was fascinating, but the real marvel was the golden celestial city room inside. It was nothing short of magical—flying boats, golden spires, and intricate details that looked like something straight out of a fairytale. I stood there, mesmerized, soaking in its opulence.
Afterwards, we made our way to the lake, finding a quiet spot to sit and catch our breath. Later, another wander through the streets led us to a tiny coffee shop that served the richest, most decadent chocolate coffee in the cutest clay cups. It was perfection in a sip, and I wished I could bottle that moment and take it with me everywhere.
Returning to our guesthouse, we stopped at the little stall across the street, run by an elderly man who had become our go-to for essentials. We picked up water, samosas, and what Lisa hilariously dubbed “gulab-alumpas”—a mispronunciation of gulab jamun that had me laughing out loud. I’ve never been the biggest fan of these syrupy, sugar-laden treats, but even I couldn’t resist eating at least three of them.
With happy tummies and spirits high, we prepared for the festival of colors. Holi awaited, and we were ready—armed with waterproof purses, scarves, coconut oil to protect our faces, and an adventurous spirit, bracing ourselves for the vibrant chaos that was sure to unfold.
Ajmer had tested our patience, delighted our senses, and reminded us that even in the most unexpected places, there is magic to be found.
