I don't know what's the connection between me and Rajasthan but there is something which allures me to the core, maybe the culture, sweetness in the language, colors in their traditional clothes or it's just my roots which pulls me to Rajasthan whenever I think about vacation!!
So, here I am going to give you a glimpse of JODHPUR: THE BLUE CITY.
Air had some mystical power or it's just my Rajasthan love (or maybe because of less pollution) which made me happy instantly as I landed my feet in Jodhpur after an overnight journey via bus. If you are a traveler or new to the city just like me then the best way to stray around the city is via ola auto or cab as the local auto drivers charges triple (trust me!)
My first destination was Mehrangarh Fort, which stands high on the hill above the city. I will suggest you to get an auto instead of cab so that you intake the beauty of Jodhpur and some fresh Rajasthan air. On the way to the fort, when I asked the auto driver that who build this fort, very seriously and innocently he said "madam humko nahi pata, hum us time paida nahi hue the na islie" (Madam, I don't know as I was not born at that time), I liked him instantly (really!!). The entry fee For Indians is Rupees 150. Inside the fort, you will find restaurants too like The Palki café.
The gates are too big as well as the modern day locks are shame in front of the giant locks which we will later see in the museum.
Now, let's go inside and find out the treasure.
The antiques which you will come across are of varied shapes and sizes of palanquins (palki in Hindi), hookahs, swords, watches, locks, knives, cannonballs etc.
Apart from museum, the Fort uncovers palaces depicting Marwar ruler's splendid past.
Apart from museum, the Fort uncovers palaces depicting Marwar ruler's splendid past.
Inside Mehrangarh Fort, you will come across Sheesh Mahal (palace of mirrors), Phool Mahal (palace of flowers) where dancers used to perform for kings and Moti Mahal (pearl palace) which has five balconies for five queens of the king. As the ladies of the royal family were not allowed to attend the court proceedings, balconies were a way they could at least hear them.
There is a Lord Krishna Temple inside the fort and Chamunda Devi temple far across from the fort.
When you come outside of the fort there is a way down to the famous Clock tower (Ghantaghar) which is famous for its local market. Dont forget to click some pictures
I bought these ballerinas for just 100 bucks (bliss) from the clocktower local market.
To quench your thirst, you will find Mishrilal Hotel just near the clocktower, which allows you to sit inside only if you order Lassi. If you just want to eat Mirchi vada you will have to stand outside (I know it is weird).
I went to Food Adda fine dining restaurant in Ratanda for dinner where I found world map on the wall, travelers will understand what feeling it gives when you look at it.
Next morning started with a fresh cup of tea. All set to hit the town again.
I went to Umaid Bhawan Palace, also known as Taj Mahal of Marwar, named after the owner Maharaja Umaid Singh, 37th Rathore ruler of Marwar.
It's divided into three parts. The first part being the museum is open for visitors where you will see pictures of royal family, their triumphs, various shapes and sizes of clocks, cutlery, crockery, paintings etc.
There is a shop inside the museum from where you can buy stoles (dupattas), handbags, jewelry etc. There is a court inside the museum which shows parts of Ramayana in the form of wall paintings.
The second part is run by Taj Hotel group is also known as Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace which has a separate entrance.
The last is the residence of the royal family run by Maharaja Gaj Singh. This palace is entirely made of sandstone and pink marble. There is a vintage car gallery showcasing Rolls Royce, Mercedes, Cadillac etc.
The garden has a refreshment café serving cold drinks and ice-creams.
The view from the parking is breathtaking as you will see the entire city and the airport base too. The bungalows nearby are also externally built of pink stone and have prices above hundred million, owned by the king of Jodhpur.
In the end of this amazing trip, I ate dal bati at Bhavani Dal Bati centre near sardarpura bus stand. They serve ghee separately and charge extra if you want to sit in the A.C room. The scrumptious dal bati makes you sloshed instantly and you will need time to gather yourself up.
You should also visit rock gardens, ISKON temple, Jaswant Thada etc
I wanted to eat the regional dish "ker sangri sabji" and visit "Toorji's Step Well" shown in many of the Bollywood movies.