Why should you? It's ok to be touristy and yet be an explorer!

Howdy! I was out and about visiting Jaipur for the "nth" time on a project and I heard this comment "So, will you be doing all those touristy attractions like Hawa Mahal, City Palace etc this time?"

I was quite amused by this term and question - "Touristy" - a definition that erupts from crowds that visit the attraction, the guides that loiter around and the fact that they are probably on every tour plan.

However, you know this place for these very "touristy spots"

It is natural curiosity to visit these places and take a picture for your keepsake. It would be weird if you are near Pisa and don't see the tower that leans or you visit Agra and avoid the Taj Mahal. They are famous for a reason and it perfectly ok to add them to your itinerary.

That said, there are ways to discover the offbeat in the touristy and with proper planning, you can beat the crowd, touts and other annoying aspects of a so called "touristy place".

Take Amer Fort for example. It is done to death but this time around, I discovered a non-touristy, part of this attraction. Amer town that surrounds the fort has some amazing heritage and cultural spots that are not crowded, stunning and have tons of stories surrounding them. More on that coming up in a blog this month. For now, you can just check my stories on Instagram (saved under the highlight Aranyavas)

Interestingly, the project in-charge who was with me (a localite) mentioned he had only seen Hawa Mahal - one of the key tourist places in Jaipur from the outside. "Too touristy" - he said. That is when I delight in sharing that the non-touristy part which people do not realize, lies inside the Hawa Mahal. People only see it for its facade but the five floors within make the place come alive with its tales.

I admit that I sometimes do get disappointed after visiting. That was the case with the Eiffel tower in Paris but at least now I am knowledgeable about why I did not like it. It is not hearsay! It is first hand experience which also satisfied my curiosity about that landmark which Paris is known for.

So, don't go with this so-called buzzword - touristy. Don't be offended by it. Remember that there is always something unique and different even in this touristy place - waiting to be discovered.

A lesson I remind myself of often as well.

For now, I am signing off. More fun stuff coming up next month. See ya then.