The Ghulatis On The Go family embarked on the second leg of their electric vehicle (EV) road trip, exploring the vibrant city of Jaipur. This journey, documented as 'Jaipur Diaries,' highlighted their experiences with sustainable travel, local culture, and the practicalities of EV charging in a bustling Indian city. Their choice of an MG Windsor EV for this adventure underscored a commitment to eco-friendly exploration, offering insights into the performance of electric vehicles in diverse urban and highway conditions.
Their trip began with a stay at Anandmai Sustainable Home, an eco-friendly Airbnb property in Jaipur. The property itself reflected a conscious effort towards sustainability, featuring extensive plant life and a serene outdoor sitting area. The interior design of the homestay showcased a blend of traditional Rajasthani aesthetics with modern comforts, including a well-appointed reception area, communal dining spaces, and thoughtful amenities like foot massagers and a green tea station. This initial stop provided a tranquil base before diving into the city's energetic atmosphere.
Arrival at Anandmai Sustainable Home
Upon arrival in Jaipur, the family checked into Anandmai Sustainable Home, a property booked through Airbnb. The homestay immediately impressed with its eco-friendly design and abundant greenery. The outdoor area featured multiple potted plants, creating a refreshing ambiance, complemented by white tables and chairs for relaxation or reading. The main entrance to the homestay was a vibrant yellow, leading to a porch adorned with more plants and a charming white bicycle planter.
Inside, the reception area exuded a warm and inviting atmosphere with its traditional Rajasthani-style green doors and windows, accented by intricate brass details. A whiteboard displayed essential information for guests, including check-in/check-out times, contact details for assistance, and house rules such as no smoking and pet charges. Thoughtful touches like foot massagers under a wooden chair demonstrated the homestay's dedication to guest comfort. The common areas included an open sitting space with a round table and chairs, a television area with money plants in glass bottles, and a dining space featuring a large wooden table and benches. A crockery section offered various utensils, and a water dispenser with refillable bottles emphasized the property's sustainable ethos.
Exploring Jaipur's Landmarks and Markets
The next day, the family set out to explore Jaipur. Their first destination was the Hawa Mahal, a prominent landmark in the city. As they drove through the city, they observed the bustling streets, vibrant local markets, and the distinctive architecture that gives Jaipur its 'Pink City' moniker. The local markets, particularly known for their lac bangles, caught their attention. The family noted the beauty and intricate designs of these traditional Rajasthani bangles, recalling a previous visit where they had purchased some. They emphasized the importance of experiencing the unique culture and local crafts of each place visited.
Despite the warm weather, tourists were visible around the Hawa Mahal, which was undergoing renovation work. This observation highlighted Jaipur's enduring appeal as a major tourist destination in India. The family also shared a humorous anecdote about receiving a traffic fine for not wearing a seatbelt, underscoring the strict enforcement of traffic rules by the Rajasthan police. They advised fellow travelers to ensure all vehicle documents are in order and to always wear seatbelts when driving in Rajasthan.
Evening Visit to ISKCON Temple
As evening approached, the family decided to visit the ISKCON Temple in Jaipur. The drive to the temple was lengthy, but they hoped to arrive before the 8:30 PM closing time. Upon arrival, the temple's illuminated architecture created a serene and beautiful sight against the night sky. They were fortunate to witness the evening aarti, a spiritual experience that brought them a sense of peace and positive energy. The temple's interior was adorned with beautifully decorated deities, and the atmosphere was filled with devotional chants and the sounds of worship.
The visit to the ISKCON Temple provided a spiritual interlude to their sightseeing, offering a glimpse into the religious and cultural fabric of Jaipur. The family expressed the profound sense of calm and positive energy they felt at the temple, recommending it as a must-visit for anyone seeking spiritual solace or a deeper cultural experience in Jaipur.
EV Charging Experience at Hilton Jaipur
After their temple visit, the family headed to the Hilton Jaipur to charge their MG Windsor EV. The Statio DC charger, rated at 60 kW, was available at the hotel. Upon connecting the vehicle, the charging station's screen displayed real-time charging information, including the initial state of charge (SOC) at 77%, the current SOC at 93%, and the energy consumed. The charging process took approximately 14 minutes to reach 93% SOC. The charging station also featured indicator lights: green for charging, blue for operational, and red for a fault, along with an emergency stop button for safety.
The family used the Statio app to initiate and monitor the charging session. The app displayed the car's battery percentage, estimated remaining range (266 km), and the time remaining for charging (11 minutes). It also showed the current price per unit, units consumed, output power (29.84 kW), and environmental benefits like CO2 saved. The family noted that while the charger was rated at 60 kW, the actual output power was around 29.84 kW, which they found to be a common fluctuation. They successfully charged their vehicle to 99% for 225 rupees, achieving a range of 316 km. This charging stop was crucial for their next leg of the journey from Jaipur to Mandsaur.
Practical Takeaways for EV Travelers
- Plan Charging Stops: Always plan your charging stops in advance, especially for longer journeys, as charger availability and speed can vary.
- Utilize Charging Apps: Apps like Statio provide essential real-time information on charger status, pricing, and vehicle charging progress, enhancing the overall EV travel experience.
- Adhere to Traffic Rules: Be mindful of local traffic regulations, such as wearing seatbelts, as enforcement can be strict, leading to unexpected fines.
- Embrace Local Culture: Take time to explore local markets and cultural sites, as they offer unique experiences and insights into the region.
- Consider Sustainable Accommodation: Opting for eco-friendly homestays can enhance the sustainable travel experience and provide a comfortable, unique lodging option.
- Monitor Vehicle Range: Keep a close eye on your EV's range and battery percentage, especially when navigating city traffic or planning for the next leg of your journey.
Watch the Original Journey
This article is connected to the original Ghulatis On The Go video below. Watch it for the complete visual experience and conversations from the road.