Drunk with the beauty of Jodhpur palaces 10/2023 (Stop 10)

10-11, October 2023, Jodhpur, India

From Udaipur, I headed north to Jodhpur, another city in the Indian state of Rajasthan.

At my guesthouse, which was at a foothill, the towering Mehrangarh Fort rose in the sky, like a monstrous structure. Sitting on a rocky hill, in the same pinkish-brown color, it looked like a seamless extension of the hill it rested on. As I climbed the slope to the fort, small windows adorned its walls at the top. Behind these walls, in the interior, was a big showoff! The unabashed display of the intricate carving of its facade was masterly. I would gaze at these and marvel – painstaking and passionate works indeed.

The blueness of Jodhpur city seen from the Mehrangarh Fort — Courtyard of Mehrangarh Fort

Hiking in the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park was a fantastic way to complete the appreciation of the fort. It took me around the bushes and ponds at the foothills. The fort always loomed large within shouting distance.

View of the Mehrangarh Fort from the foothill

In a busy intersection in the city center was Jaswant Thada, a white and beautiful cenotaph. The historic Clock Tower was directing the busy traffic that swirled around her. Also in the city center was Toorjika Jhalra, a stepwell. It was not just a hole dug in the ground. It had steps so the people could step to the water. Such a giant hole in the city center is really quite extraordinary and a curious sight.

Ghanta Ghar, the iconic clock tower of Jodhpur

Chicken tikka and warm bread for dinner in Jodhpur — Ghanta Ghar, the iconic clock tower of Jodhpur

On the second day, I took the rickshaw to go to Umaid Bhawan. Unfortunately, only a small part was accessible. The major part of it is now a hotel, only for those with money to waste. The Mandore Garden was more generous and welcoming. It featured some tomblike monuments in a garden. Some remnants of old forts remained on the low hilltops, with some poor inhabitants and a few dogs that did not bother to bark. I went to the tops and found myself alone. I enjoyed being alone.