For the avid traveler, India presents an eclectic mix of cultures and topographies. The imperial state of Rajasthan is an epitome of the diversity India stands for. The arid Thar Desert, the Ranthambore and the Bharatpur National Parks, picturesque lakes, vibrant culture steeped in festivities, palatial forts at every bend of the street, scrumptious cuisine—Rajasthan is a veritable explorer’s delight!
In October 2009, I visited Jodhpur and Jaisalmer with my family. On family trips, I usually prefer travelling by train and buy those extra hours to unwind by playing games and cracking jokes. If you are travelling from Hyderabad, you need to board the Secunderabad Bikaner Express, a direct train from Secunderabad to Jodhpur that leaves every Tuesday. But since we wanted to commence our journey on a weekend, I opted for another route. We boarded the Simhapuri Express on Saturday, from Secunderabad (Departure time: 10 pm) to Warangal (Arrival time: 12:20 am). From Warangal we embarked on our onward journey to Jodhpur aboard the Chennai Jodhpur Express which departs from Warangal at 1 am. We reached Jodhpur at 11 am on a sunny Monday morning.
Founded in 1459 by the Rathore chieftain Rao Jodha, Jodhpur is located at the edge of the Thar Desert and dotted with magnificent forts, palaces, cenotaphs, temples, museums, gardens and colorful bazaars. The city is known as the Sun City for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys round the year. It is also referred to as the ‘Blue City’ due to the indigo tinge of the whitewashed houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. The best time to visit Jodhpur is between November and February.
Must-visit sites
A visit to Jodhpur is incomplete without a tour of the Mehrangarh Fort. Located atop a lofty sandstone hillock 400 feet (122 meters) above the city, the Mehrangarh Fort with its imposing turrets and battlements offers a breathtaking panorama. Its imposing walls house several palaces acclaimed for their intricate carvings and sprawling courtyards. The entrance fee for adults is Rs 30. You have to pay an extra Rs 70 for the camera. If you wish to hire a guide, the charge is an additional Rs 200. An escalator will take you to the top of the fort from where you can get a bird’s eye view of the city, including its indigo bleached buildings. It is a sight to behold!
While returning from the fort, consider stopping by Jaswant Thada, a white-marbled cenotaph built in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The stones are extremely thin and polished, and emit a warm glow when the sun's rays sweep across their surface.
The Umaid Bhawan Palace is not only one of India's most opulent palaces but also among its most recent. This lavish art deco monument had an improbable conception: it was built as a public relief and employment project during a long period of drought. It took 15 years to complete the construction. In 1977, the palace was segmented into the royal residence, the Heritage Hotel and a museum. Visitors have limited access to the property—the museum is all you can explore. But for Rs 30, 000, you can gift yourself a night at the grand Heritage Hotel, now a Taj property. Needless to add, waking up in a palatial bedroom will be an experience you will cherish for a lifetime.
Shopping
Loosen your purse strings and surrender to the call of Jodhpur’s vibrant shops. The Clock Tower is the best place to buy spices, Rajasthani handicrafts and garments. Walk five minutes, and you reach the Tripoliya Market where you can bag the best deals on traditional Bandhani and Lahariya fabrics and garments.
Cuisine
Keep your hygiene consciousness at bay and sample the delectable street food around the Clock Tower. The Makhaniya Lassi—a saffron-flavored refreshing drink—along with Pyaaz ki Kachori and Mawa Kachori will satiate your hunger, but whet your appetite for more.
The Gypsy Restaurant in Sardarpura became our favorite haunt for finger-licking Daal-Baati-Choorma-Gatte-Chaas and the unlimited lunch platter. The
Kalinga Restaurant opposite the Railway Station is another haven for local cuisine.
Getaways
If you have the time to rummage through Jodhpur’s neighborhood, earmark Osiyan for a quick tour. Located about 65 km north of Jodhpur, this town is an oasis in the Thar Desert known for its ancient Brahminical and Jain temples and Rajasthan’s much celebrated sand dunes.
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