Rajasthan

One last stop before Rajasthan—the palace of Fatepur Sikri. This magnificent fortified ghost city was the short-lived capital of the Mughal empire between 1575 and 1585.

Tim gets creative with the camera and his favourite subject, Sandi. An example of the intricate marble carving inside the Jama Masjid mosque.

Rajasthan, land of princes, is the very essence of India with crenelated forts and impregnable palaces that rise like giant fairytale sets above dusty, sun scorched plains and shimmering lakes. This in India's largest state, similar in size to France. We begin our tour in Jaipur, chaotic and congested, though it still has a way of tickling travellers pink. Stunning hilltop forts and glorious palaces fit like footprints from a rich royal past, candyfloss-bright turbans blaze a trail through brilliant bargain-filled bazaars, and fluttering saris catch the eye like butterflies. Amber Fort in the photo below—a beautiful, wraith-like fort-palace illustrating Rajput artistry in faded shades of reddish pink.

The massive fort walls extend over several hilltops,

with a series of small watchtowers at strategic locations.

The Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) is covered in mirror mosaics and coloured glass and was the private quarters of the Maharaja and his Maharani. It literally transforms into a glittering jewel-box in flickering candlelight.

We spend one night in Jaipur and head to Pushkar located on the eastern end of the Thar Desert. Pushkar is one of the most sacred and atmospheric towns in all of India. Legend has it that the holy lake at its center was created when Brahma dropped a lotus flower from his hand. The tiny temple town that has sprung up from the lakeshore remains an important pilgrimage sight for Hindus. Its population has swollen dramatically in recent years by the hippies who came for a few days and never left. Their presence has transformed the sleepy desert town into a semi-permanent trance party. Bhang (marijuana) lassis (yogurt smoothies) and falafels are on every menu.

Some of the many faces of the colourful people of Rajasthan in the street bazaar that runs along the edge of the lake—the center of all activity in Pushkar and one of the best shopping experiences in Rajasthan where you can pick up some of most gorgeous throw-away gear at bargain basement prices and lots of other treasures (see "Fashion Find" below).

Fashion Find Sweet Tim treats Sandi to a pair of $10-but-only-worth-$5 Indian sandals (he didn't bargain hard enough). He thought they were a step up from her beloved dusty, rubber Havaiana flip flops. What do you think girlfriends...besides the fact that Sandi desperately need a pedicure?!