The Desert Escapade

Tripoto
2nd Oct 2015
Photo of The Desert Escapade 1/28 by Jay De'
Photo of The Desert Escapade 2/28 by Jay De'
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Photo of The Desert Escapade 5/28 by Jay De'
The Antiques
Photo of The Desert Escapade 6/28 by Jay De'
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Photo of The Desert Escapade 8/28 by Jay De'
Photo of The Desert Escapade 9/28 by Jay De'
Photo of The Desert Escapade 10/28 by Jay De'
Desert
Photo of The Desert Escapade 11/28 by Jay De'
Photo of The Desert Escapade 12/28 by Jay De'
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Photo of The Desert Escapade 14/28 by Jay De'
Photo of The Desert Escapade 15/28 by Jay De'
Photo of The Desert Escapade 16/28 by Jay De'
Photo of The Desert Escapade 17/28 by Jay De'
Photo of The Desert Escapade 18/28 by Jay De'
Photo of The Desert Escapade 19/28 by Jay De'
Photo of The Desert Escapade 20/28 by Jay De'
Photo of The Desert Escapade 21/28 by Jay De'
Photo of The Desert Escapade 22/28 by Jay De'
Photo of The Desert Escapade 23/28 by Jay De'
Photo of The Desert Escapade 24/28 by Jay De'
Photo of The Desert Escapade 25/28 by Jay De'
Photo of The Desert Escapade 26/28 by Jay De'
Photo of The Desert Escapade 27/28 by Jay De'
Photo of The Desert Escapade 28/28 by Jay De'

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!!

The Blue city
A small desert Village 80 kms away from Jodhpur