Day 1: Departure and Discoveries in Jodhpur
Our adventure began right at the stroke of midnight when we left for Jodhpur from my grandparents’ residence in Ahmedabad. A large van with a hired driver made the journey smooth and enjoyable. We took a delightful early morning break in a quaint little town famous for its kachori and chai, a perfect start to our trip.
Arriving in Jodhpur, our first stop was the magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace. The grandeur of this beautiful palace was breath-taking, with its stunning architecture and rich tapestry of history that unveils the royal era of India. Post the palace visit, we checked into our quaint AirBnB, themed after Jodhpur’s renowned Blue City.
We spent the late afternoon exploring the enchanting streets of the Blue City, visiting several serene mandirs, and concluded our day with a fabulous dinner at Khaas Bagh, where we relished dishes like malai kofta and paneer tikka masala.
Day 2: Stories of Stone and Splendor
Our second day began with a journey steeped in history at Mehrangarh Fort, one of India’s largest forts. Perched on a rocky cliff, the fort overlooks the blue cityscape of Jodhpur. Intricately laced with anecdotes of bravery, this fort houses several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards.
A meal savored at a restaurant inside the fort offered breathtaking views and delicious local cuisine, harmoniously blending flavors with history. We then visited Jaswant Thada, a beautiful cenotaph made of pure white marble. The evening was well spent at Sardar Market, tight with vibrant stalls where I picked up two tote bags as souvenirs. We dined at Janta Restaurant, enjoying a mix of Indian and Western cuisines—a truly cosmopolitan end to the day.
Day 3: Tranquil Beauty and Desert Drives
On the third day, we visited the serene Mandore Gardens, an enchanting collection of temples and memorials surrounded by lush greenery. The thousand-plus-year-old artifacts offered a glimpse into the past, making time stand still.
We then headed to Jaisalmer, exploring the vibrant local market at night, an experience brightened by my sister trying bhang for the first time. We rested that night at the charming Hotel Mantra.
Day 4: Golden Narratives of Jaisalmer
Starting our day at the Jaisalmer Fort, often known as “Sonar Qila” due to its intense golden hue, was like walking through pages of history. This living fort accommodates shops, hotels, and ancient residential quarters. We picked beautiful shawls and scarves from a quaint shop tucked away in its lanes.
Next was the visit to Patwa Ki Haveli, a cluster of five grandiose havelis, standing as a testament to the wealthy merchant class of the 19th century. The intricacies of its architecture, with jharokhas and murals, was an artist’s paradise.
The day ended with a serene boat ride on Gadi Sagar Lake, watching the sunset create a myriad of colors in the sky, followed by a hearty meal back at our hotel.
Day 5: Discoveries in the Desert
Our visit to Bada Bagh was enlightening, admiring the series of royal cenotaphs each narrating stories of Jaisalmer’s former rulers. The tranquility of Tanot Mata Mandir and the heroic Longewala Memorial provided contrasting experiences of peace and valor respectively.
The evening brought the most awaited part of our trip - a venture into the Rajasthan desert. A camel and a jeep ride across the undulating sand dunes was exhilarating. Our night at a tent city was filled with the enchanting sounds of Rajasthani folk music and dance, wrapping our travels with the true essence of Rajasthan.
This unforgettable journey through the royal vistas of Rajasthan not only added a suite of memories but also an appreciation for its rich culture, architectural marvels, and vibrant spirit. As we packed our bags for home, we were not just carrying souvenirs, but stories to cherish and share for a lifetime.