Jodhpur: The Royal blue Suncity

For 16 years I woke up looking at the panoramic blue hues of Suncity. This place has always pervaded a sense of warmth in me. Well, Jodhpur, the most quintessential town of Rajasthan, is my native place, where I’ve been brought up for 16years. Now, it has been exactly 16 years that I have moved out of Jodhpur, initially for higher studies and now for a better future.

What amuses me is the fact that I have a Love-Hate relationship with this place. Its warmth and sensitiveness have always pulled me while the weariness it has, blows me out completely. While Delhi has a lot of things on the move, Jodhpur looks quite a laid-back and calm place to be at. At times, its sluggishness kills, but at the same time, I see myself drowning in the chaos of Delhi too. Jodhpur has got all the fame this year due to Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas wedding ceremony here.

As I walk through the memory lanes, those childish laughs, teenage attentions, star gazing nights, not-so-bragging life, rips my heart. Rubbing off the dust from my lens, I still yearn for those innocent days.

Those days, when we used to climb the hillocks of Jaswanthada for hours, with sheer pleasure.

I feel for those hours when even pulling out water from the well, felt like an adventure.

I miss those lanes, which used to get flooded and merrily we used to sail our paper boats.

Those shops, where the aroma of Kachori, used to pull us every now and then.

If I get a chance, I would like to live back those past days, under the same royal blue hues, but with no eyes there to judge me!

Jodhpur has its own Royal vibrancy in the form of rich heritage, forts, and culture. But my memories are attached to a few places, which as a tourist, you must visit.

Must visit places of Jodhpur :

1. Jaswant Thada :

Built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, this marble architecture has quite intricate carvings. This white adorable piece has a lovely garden as well, to relax and admire the intricacy. The view of Umaid Palace from Jaswant Thada is a must watch. Well, I remember, during our vacations and on Sunday’s, I used to go with my grandpa, from the back of the route which had so many hillocks and was free of any crowd. Calm, peaceful, full of fresh air, those morning walks were fun to me as a child. It’s a perfect Instagram site, next time, It’ll be on my grid too:). You can follow me on Instagram here.

Jaswant Thada is open for visitors from 9 am – 5 pm, during weekdays.

2.  Mehrangarh Fort :

Rudyard Kipling rightly said, ”A Palace that might have been built by Titans and colored by the morning sun”

No place can describe the blue hues of this Suncity better than the top of Mehrangarh Fort. This red sandstone fort, rising from a rocky hill, is one of the largest and best-preserved Forts in India. One of the exits of this Fort (Fateh Pol) leads to the lane, where we used to stay 20 years ago.

When we were small, this fort just seemed as a fun place to us. Now what gets enchanting is the rich history, beautiful palaces, vivid historical collection in the Museum, beautiful Chokelao Bagh.

Must Do: Stand over the rock to gauge the panoramic view of Jodhpur, which looks like a blue carpet (I wonder at times Jodhpur should be called “Blue City”). How about having a Royal dinner at this fort as the city glitters up in the night? Try out Chokelao Restaurant, Mehran Terrace, if you’re there for the day.

Mehrangarh Fort is open all days a week to embrace visitors. 

3. Umaid Bhawan Palace :

One of the most popular attractions, this palace is located on the highest point of Jodhpur. What makes it unique is, It is one of the world’s largest private residence, which houses 347 rooms. A brilliant work of architecture, it encompasses a museum, hotel, and a billiards room too. The lush green outdoors will keep you spellbound at the beauty for sure.

4. Balsamand Lake :

We used to visit Balsamand for our religious reasons, but over time, the beauty of the place left me astounded. 5kms away from the city of Jodhpur, amidst the nature with complete ignorance towards the city crowds, the entry itself will lure you. During the rainy season, you could spot dancing peacocks as well. Housed with ample Mango, pomegranate, guava trees, the complete walkway has lush green gardens. This lake is around 1km long and acts as a water reservoir for Jodhpur.

The Balsamand Lake Palace is an architectural marvel, and the surrounding gardens, add to the magic of this place. You can also engage in horse riding here (which I’ve always cherished).

The rich heritage of Jodhpur attracts people across the world and to me, the childhood days spent here fascinate me! Visit this marvel during winters (December – January) and live a calm, peaceful life, simply gazing and reading!

Have you ever visited Jodhpur? Share what did you love there (Eating Kachori can also be highlighted)!

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