Family Adventure in Jaipur: Exploring the Pink City

Roar, Trunk, and Dine: Jaipur's Wild Side & High Views

Today was a whirlwind of incredible experiences that truly captured the essence of Jaipur. From the thrill of spotting leopards to the gentle touch of elephants and the breathtaking views from a rooftop restaurant, it was a day filled with adventure and unforgettable moments. Greta, Lila, and I dove headfirst into the wild and wonderful heart of Rajasthan.

Our day began with an early start at the Jhalana Leopard Safari Park. As an English teacher from Berlin, I never imagined I’d be tracking leopards in India, but here I was, ready for the adventure. We chose the early morning safari hoping to catch the big cats during their active hours, and the gamble paid off. The park itself is a mix of rugged terrain and dry deciduous forest, quite different from the lush landscapes of my native Thailand, but beautiful in its own right. As we bumped along in the jeep, our guide, a local expert, shared fascinating insights about the park's ecosystem and the leopards' behavior. It's incredible to think that this area, so close to the city, is home to such a thriving population of these elusive creatures. We learned that Jhalana is actually India's first Leopard Reserve, boasting a healthy population of over 35 leopards. It's also known for diurnal leopard sightings, meaning visitors have a good chance of spotting them during the day.


Explore the pristine beauty of Jhalana Leopard Safari Park, a wildlife haven in Jaipur, where adventure and nature intertwine beautifully.

It wasn't long before we spotted our first leopard, a magnificent female lounging on a rocky outcrop. Lila was absolutely thrilled, her eyes wide with wonder. Greta, ever the photographer, snapped away, trying to capture the perfect shot. I was simply mesmerized, watching this apex predator in its natural habitat. We saw another leopard later, this one a young male prowling through the underbrush. The experience was both exhilarating and humbling, a reminder of the raw beauty and power of nature.

After the safari, we headed to the Revolving Restaurant for breakfast. The reviews of Hotel Om Tower & Revolving Restaurant highlight its excellent location, conveniently situated close to major attractions, shopping areas, and transport links. Many reviews highlight the ease of access to key sites like the railway and bus stations, making it ideal for exploring Jaipur. The positive aspects include spacious rooms, convenient location, and good room service. The revolving aspect of the restaurant was a hit with Lila, who enjoyed watching the city slowly rotate around us as we ate. The food was decent, but the view was the real star. We could see the entire city spread out before us, from the Amber Fort in the distance to the bustling markets below. It gave us a great sense of the city's layout and helped us appreciate its unique blend of old and new.


Experience Jaipur like never before at the Revolving Restaurant—where exquisite Rajasthani cuisine meets breathtaking panoramic views.

“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”

Next on the agenda was EleSafari, an experience that Greta and Lila had been particularly looking forward to. I admit, I was a bit skeptical at first. I've always been wary of animal tourism, but EleSafari seemed to have a good reputation for ethical treatment of their elephants. And I must say, it was an incredibly moving experience. We got to interact with these gentle giants up close, feeding them, bathing them, and learning about their individual stories. The caretakers were passionate about their work and clearly cared deeply for the elephants. Lila was in heaven, giggling as she scrubbed one of the elephants with a brush. Greta, too, seemed to connect with these animals on a deep level. I was touched by their gentle nature and the obvious bond they shared with their caretakers.


Explore EleSafari in Jaipur, where unforgettable elephant encounters and wildlife conservation come together for a remarkable adventure.

While researching EleSafari, I came across mixed reviews. Some visitors raved about the caring staff and the opportunity to spend quality time with the elephants, feeding, bathing, and even painting them. Others found it extremely expensive for a short ride, with concerns about the location being in a less-than-ideal area with ruins and garbage. However, our experience was overwhelmingly positive, and we appreciated the efforts to promote the welfare of these animals.

Following our time with the elephants, we were ready for some retail therapy, so we headed to Tripolia Bazar. This bustling market is known for its textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts. It was a sensory overload, with vibrant colors, exotic scents, and the constant hum of bartering. Lila was fascinated by the bangles and trinkets, while Greta haggled for a beautiful silk scarf. I enjoyed simply soaking in the atmosphere, watching the locals go about their daily lives. It was a far cry from the orderly streets of Berlin, but I found it invigorating.


Experience the vibrant culture of Jaipur at Tripolia Bazar, where traditional crafts and local flavors come alive in the heart of the Pink City.

For lunch, we decided to try The Royal Root, a restaurant known for its Awadhi cuisine. The restaurant is located in the InterContinental Hotel & Resort, and the ambiance was elegant and refined. We started with some flavorful kebabs, followed by a rich and creamy biryani. The food was excellent, but the service was even better. Our waiter was attentive and knowledgeable, guiding us through the menu and making recommendations based on our preferences. The Royal Root has received positive feedback for its great ambiance, friendly staff, and delicious food. Some reviewers mentioned that the prices were a bit high, but the overall experience was worth it.


Experience authentic North Indian cuisine at The Royal Root in Jaipur – where tradition meets elegance for an unforgettable dining adventure.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to SKY BEACH for dinner. This rooftop restaurant offers stunning views of the city, and the beach-themed decor was a fun and unexpected touch. We relaxed on comfortable seating arrangements, enjoying the cool evening breeze. The menu offered a diverse range of cuisines, and we opted for a mix of Indian and international dishes. The food was good, but the real highlight was the view. We watched as the city lights twinkled on, creating a magical atmosphere. SKY BEACH has received mixed reviews, with some praising the amazing experience, breathtaking views, and delicious food, while others mentioned issues with the service and average food quality. However, we found the experience to be enjoyable, and the rooftop setting was a perfect way to end our day.


Experience the vibrant flavors and stunning views at Sky Beach – Jaipur's premier rooftop restaurant offering global cuisines and live music.

One funny moment occurred when Lila, after a day of Indian food, declared she missed German Brotchen. It was a sweet reminder of home and a testament to how travel broadens our horizons, making us appreciate both the new and the familiar. As we enjoyed our dinner, I couldn't help but reflect on the incredible day we had. From the thrill of the leopard safari to the gentle touch of the elephants and the stunning views from the rooftop restaurant, it was a day filled with adventure and unforgettable moments.

Tomorrow, we are planning to explore the heritage of Jaipur with a walk led by a local expert, B.k. We'll also visit the Albert Hall Museum, which I'm particularly excited about. In the evening, we plan to unwind at Bar Palladio Jaipur, a spot I've heard great things about. It's hard to believe we only have a few days left in this amazing city. I'm determined to make the most of every moment, soaking in the culture, the sights, and the flavors of Jaipur. I’m already looking forward to sharing more stories from our journey. The blend of wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and culinary delights has created a tapestry of memories that we will cherish forever. I am so grateful for these experiences with my family.

The evening reminded me of a quote I once read:

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.

And today, we certainly turned a few more pages in our own travel story.

Until tomorrow!