We all go by the illusion of the grass being greener on the other side; well, it’s not always true. This time, it was sandy and I found myself heading towards Jodhpur, the Blue City, a distance of approx 550kms from Delhi.
Well, technology always comes handy, the Red bus app, helped me get the desired comfort I needed to enjoy the sandy journey. The journey started through the arms of the clear night sky embracing the stars. The bus marched through the bustling city of Gurgaon (NH-8) with a speed of around 60kmph. Passing through the barren land, came the sight of twinkling light bulbs and traces of civilization every couple of miles. Nights always have a different story to narrate.
It’s dinner time:
Yes, Karnal it was-- through the ‘food joint’ was bereaved of most of the delicacies; however when hunger strikes, the preferred is compromised and with a handsome dose of carbs and some proteins I boarded the bus, after a half of 30 mins along with some emergency midnight snacks and a bottle of water.
Well, it’s time for beddy-bye now and wait for the next morning. Wish I had a pair of night vision goggles, but nevermind.
Time to wake up:
Well, my biological clock woke me up at 6.00am and there I was at Ajmer. Looking through the window, I found myself crossing the barren hills (NH14), the bus travelled through small settlements and over the Luni river. It is just 218kms more to reach my destiny. With my patience running nil and the fluctuating pace, I finally reached Jodhpur.
The Blue City:
With the Blue city opening its heart, I found myself amidst my phone fiddling with it to find a hotel. I confess, I ain't a planned traveller, nevertheless OYO helped this time and I found decent accommodation at INR 1,500 a day.
10 am, and with a healthy dose of carbs, I headed straight to Mehrangarh fort, majestic it was, the walls screamed of the craftsman’s mastery followed with it was a view to grab your breath away. The clear sky and the wide horizon will definitely make you feel like a ‘king’.
The Palace:
Similar to the fort was the Umaid Palace, the architecture showcases a blend of both eastern and western craftsmanship, the lavish interiors with gilt furniture and elegant artwork were mostly inspired by the Renaissance.
With the best antique museum in place, the palace had a section to showcase the Vintage Rolls Royce’s cars too. Ohh! The cars you would die for. This gave me food for thought on how rich India could have been.
The Sandy Sunday:
Though my intention was to go on a desert escapade, however with the time crunch I usually have and Jaisalmer being far off and not fit my schedule, I found a small desert village around 80kms away from Jodhpur named Osian, and a short journey of nearly 1 and half hour by bus, I reached the small ancient town, famous for its temple and not to forget the sand-dunes and Oasis were the major points of my attraction.
The desert stretched for miles, the sand seems to be so pale, yet had a lot of life in it. Desert I say, gives a different opinion of living and how ‘less could be more for few’. Though I didn’t stay in Osian, that evening, headed back straight to my hotel at Jodhpur, yet it added a lot of sense to my travel.
And I suggest, you should try it too!
Bon Voyage!!
' fill='%23359391'%3e %3cpath d='M46.1538462%2c43.5714286 L41.5%2c50 L36.8461538%2c43.5714286 L36.8670256%2c43.5714286 C36.3173077%2c42.7142857 36%2c41.6851429 36%2c40.5714286 C36%2c37.4854286 38.4535641%2c35 41.5%2c35 C44.5464359%2c35 47%2c37.4854286 47%2c40.5714286 C47%2c41.6851429 46.6826923%2c42.7142857 46.1329744%2c43.5714286 L46.1538462%2c43.5714286 Z M41.4294872%2c39 C40.6150641%2c39 39.9487179%2c39.675 39.9487179%2c40.5 C39.9487179%2c41.325 40.6150641%2c42 41.4294872%2c42 C42.2439103%2c42 42.9102564%2c41.325 42.9102564%2c40.5 C42.9102564%2c39.675 42.2439103%2c39 41.4294872%2c39 L41.4294872%2c39 Z' id='Location-white'%3e%3c/path%3e %3c/g%3e %3c/svg%3e)
