My soul
was again obstinate for a”Ghummi” (Travelling).This time we decided to live
in lap of desert close to nature.
The Blue City Jodhpur.
After our
dinner, three wheeler left us on railway station, the place of our stay.After a
shower, in retiring room, we went to dinning hall and refreshed us with a cup
of Coffee.The first day of our journey in Jodhpur was over.
The
palace boasts of a combination of Indian and European style of architecture. A
part of the palace still serves as a residence to the former royal family,
while other two parts of the palace are converted into Taj Palace Hotel and
museum.
Our first
destination was Royal Jodhpur, the second largest city of Rajasthan, the
Gateway to the mighty Thar Dessert! Once the capital of the erstwhile princely
state of Marwar.
The
Marwar region includes the present-day districts of Barmer, Jalore, Jodhpur,
Nagaur, and Pali. The people of this region are commonly known as Marwaris, as
also the rare breed of horses which are only found in Jodhpur.
The
trains to Jodhpur originate from Old Delhi Railway station.Distance between
Delhi and Jodhpur is 619 Km. So we hired a taxi from Aligarh to Delhi.
Train
arrived on platform in time as it originates from here, we kept our luggage on
our reserved births.It was Mandaur express is a super Fast Express Train; it
takes about 7 hours night journey upto Jodhpur.
I wake up
early in the morning, the train was passing through barren land, without any
green. On the name of green there were dry thorny shrubs.Sun was rising in East,
it was morning but sun rays were were turning wild.
My camera
was in thirst to click the scenes.I could n’t wait more .The train entered in
railway station of Jodhpur. I always prefer to stay in retiring rooms of Indian
Railway. I feel here more comfortable than any commercial hotel.We have already
got reserves a deluxe retiring
room.
It was
the day of Holi, so we decided to stay in room till evening. After a shower
bath and rest, went to canteen for breakfast .We were surprised to see the well
managed, clean and a peacefull atmosphere of canteen hall. Tea and Coffee
@Rs.10/= King size bread, Omelette @Rs 30/=and simple lucnch thali @Rs 6o/=
Kaylana Lake
In
evening we hired a three wheeler @Rs 500/=to visit the city.Our firsr
destination was Kailana Lake.When we reached lake, the angry sun was cool, a
soft breeze welcomed us. The
lake is spread over an area of 84 sq.km.
Kaylana
Lake lies west of Jodhpur at a distance of around 8 km from the city.The
artificial lake was constructed in 1872 on the site of two former palaces and
gardens. Built by Pratap Singh, the then Prime Minister of Jodhpur.
The area
around this lake was once full of wild bears. Owing to this, the area once
served as a secured hunting place for the royal members. Here I clicked some
good shots.
Masuriya Garden
The most
striking feature of this garden is that it is situated at a height from where
one can get a breathtaking view of Jodhpur from different corners.
There is
a big statue of Veer Durgadas Rathore in Masuriya Garden.He is a famous folk
hero of Marwar. Over the hills with the air breezy was awesome to hangout with
family friends and kids.The top view of blue city was amazing and the garden
too was beautiful !!Sun set is amazing from here.
Here I
clicked some beautiful landscape of garden, a part of aerial view of Jodhpur
city in lap of silence of sun set.After staying here about one hour we left to next
destination in hired three wheeler.
Shastri Circle
He drove
us to Shastri circle. It is beautiful local posh market, has many road side food
stalls. This place is similar to Center point of our Aligarh as related
to street food stalls.Many roads pass through here,in the mid of area,there was
a large circular garden with fountains and colorful magical
light with beautiful land escape and garden.
Second Day in Jodhpur.
After
refreshing us, and breakfast in dining hall of railway station, we hired an auto
rickshaw for Rs.500/= to see places of for tourists attraction. Our first place
of visit was Umaid Bhavan.
Umaid Bhawan Palace.
It is
located on top of of a high hill .One of the world's largest private residences.
A part of the palace is managed by Taj Hotels. Named after Maharaja Umaid
Singh.Construction was started in the year 1929 and it was completed in 1943.
The 347-roomed massive palace is named one of the largest private residences in
the world.
The
Palace was originally envisaged as a drought relief measure and the intention
was to provide employment to over 3000 people afflicted by consecutive years of
drought.
Mehrangarh Fort.
Beyond
question, Mehrangarh Fort tops the list of ‘must visit’ places in Jodhpur. It
is one among the largest Indian forts. This invincible fort stands
magnificently 400 feet above the city.
Rao Jodha
constructed the fort in 1459 AD. Though the attempt to construct the fort was
started in 1459, the fort had seen many centuries before it was completed.
Hence, you could find that the style of architecture represents various
periods.
The
grandeur in architecture is awe-inspiring. It offers stunning views of the
city. The fort stands as a symbol of power.
Mehrangarh
Fort is photographer’s heaven .My camera was hungry for beautiful clicks.I
came back with my camera full of memories.
Jaswant Thada Overvie
The
Jaswant Thada is an architectural marvel with intricate carvings. Famed as one
of the most beautiful white marble cenotaphs, it was built in 1899 by Maharaja
Sardar Singh in commemoration of his father Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
This
white marble wonder of Rajasthan is often called the Taj Mahal of Marwar. The
splendid edifice is a perfect example of Rajputana style of architecture. Its
impeccable design and architecture is symbolic of the fine craftsmanship of the
bygone era.
The main
memorial is built like a temple, with beautiful domes and finely carved
sculptures. Visitors can see here beautiful portraits of the various rulers of
Jodhpur. The complex also features a memorial of a peacock that flew into a
funeral pyre. Magnificently carved gazebos, an exquisite multi-tiered garden
and a small lake surround the cremation ground.
Now it
was around 2.00P.M. We were hungry and tired. Asked driver to drop, us for
lunch in a good hotel near railway station.We paid his rent and let him free to
go.Ordered vegetarian thali meal.
One more
Woow to see thali, roti (bread) well socked in pure desi ghee, fry daal, two
dry vegetables, shahi paneer, curd, salad, pickles and one sweet. This
rajasthani flavored meal thali costed only Rs.100/=.
After
lunch we came back in our retiring room for rest.In evening I decided to visit
local market.
Walk Around Sardar Bazaar at Ghanta Ghar
Even if
you are not into shopping, this place is ideal to soak in the vibrant
atmosphere and the rich colors on display.
Clock
Tower is a famous landmark in the Old City. It was constructed by Maharaja
Sardar Singh during his tenure between 1880 and 1911. The clock tower offers a
good view of the fort.
Sardar
Market is adjacent to Clock Tower. You can find handicrafts, saris, spices,
vegetables and a lot more. There are over 7000 shops and you can have a great
shopping experience here.
I was
amazed to see that a number of foreigners were walking here with their cameras
busy in clicking the vibrant colored local people, road side shops and food
vendors.
A walk around Sardar Bazar was really a life time memory for me.I photographed
here and captured technicolor atmosphere here.
The End
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