Journey to Jodhpur : The Blue City.

Hi friends,

Hope y'all are doing well.

Being the last exam of the annual cycle, I was really looking up to finally get some much needed respite from studies. As an icing on the cake, I got Jodhpur as my interview venue. I was on cloud nine as this translated into another trip to the land of Maharajas and that too to the world famous 'Blue City'. I hopped onto the Mandore Express from New Delhi at 9 pm and by 8 am next day, I was in Jodhpur.

I headed to Cosmpolitan hotel, where my friend was staying as it was also the interview venue. We chatted for a while, had breakfast and got dressed up for the interview by 12 noon. Then, we headed to the assembly hall, completed the formalities and waited for our turn. I got lucky as I was ahead in line. So I got free by 3 pm. Then, the real fun part began.

The time was finite and the itinerary, infinite. I planned to visit as many local attractions as possible by 9pm. So, I didn't even change my formal attire, had some light refreshment and booked a rapido bike taxi towards the first destination : Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi. It is a restored 18th-century stepwell featuring sandstone carvings. I roamed around the area for some time, and also climbed down the well steps which were stone carved and really worn out. Then I clicked some pictures and sat there for a while.

As I wanted an authentic experience of the city, I started to walk through the narrow lanes to soak in the ambience of the city, Though old and unplanned, the city offers a unique experience of carefully preserved culture all while embracing modernism. Walking through dim streets cluttered with traditional art shops, I reached the Ghanta Ghar i.e. the clock tower. I was really flabbergasted to see the sheer amount of people, vehicles and street vendors buzzing around like bees. The tower sits in the middle of busy town square with cloth shops all around. The scene could be described as only one thing : Hoch Poch.

After nearly getting hit by zooming scooters, I walked towards the Gulab Sagar Lake. On the way I spotted Pal Haveli. Its architecture was intriguing. As I trotted towards the lake, I was surprised to see it completely empty. There was no visitor there. Despite the fact that the site was poorly managed and the lake water was really dirty, the view of the Mehrangarh fort in the backdrop with sun rushing to the west compensated for the effort.

As no rapido rider was picking up the request, I got an auto rickshaw. The auto uncle was really kind and as we chatted for a while, he suggested me that the Mehrangarh fort will get closed by the time I reach there. He told me to walk the road uphill instead if I wanted the experience to be worth the dime. I obliged and there I was walking uphill road dodging curious local eyes who couldn't fathom why a man in formals was walking all alone. The walk was strenuous in those shoes. I stopped midway to click some pictures and to have light refreshment.

Then I reached the fort entry point and as expected the fort was closed. The guards there suggested me to walk towards another hill nearby, which housed a temple atop and a sunset viewing point. There, the serpentine ancient stone staircases tested my patience and curiosity. I also went off route to get some nice shots of the Mehrangarh Fort with the sun setting beside it. The view was spectacular to say the least.

As the sun was setting fast, I rushed towards the temple. There were no visitors there. I bowed before the deity there and prayed for a while. Then, the priest told me about another temple inside a big rock nearby. The entry point to this temple was so small that only a single person could crouch through the narrow door and get inside it. I couldn't click a picture as it was not allowed. However, as I chatted with the priests there, they agreed to click some pictures of me with the sunset view. They suggested me to do visit the hill backside as the best sunset view is visible from there. I happily obliged.

As I reached the spot, I couldn't stop thanking them in my mind. I would have missed on such a marvellous view. The sky was abreast with hues of red, orange and yellow and the city lights from below made it appear as if I was staring at a canvas. Although, I clicked some pictures, they can never do justice to the true experience in person. Then I met a group of college students and we talked on a wide range of topics. They were really curious about Punjabi music and Chandigarh. We clicked some pictures and started our walk downhill. They suggested me other famous attractions and eateries, booked me a rapido ride to a restaurant near railway station and even paid for it despite my profuse refusals. I was really amazed by their hospitable nature and promised to host them when they visit my city.

Then I tried some local delicacies at the restaurant and rushed towards the railway station as it was 8pm already and my friend was waiting for me. Then we had dinner and waited for his train which was at 9:30 pm. Mine was another hour after. We boarded our respective trains and headed to our destinations.

All in all, it was an amazing work cum leisure trip. It was fun to travel alone and make some new friends. I really enjoyed my time there and hope u could too through the pics and experience I shared.

Until next time...

Thanks for your valuable time. It's all for now. Signing off.

May the gods watch over you !