Destined to reach Jodhpur the next morning, I started off with a light breakfast. Drove off and soon I reached Jodhpur. The sync here was so unlike other Rajasthan cities. I saw several hotels. None could beat the charm offered by the Umaid Bhawan Palace, one which had recently hit the news when Liz Hurley and Arun Nayar decided to put up their wedding celebrations here.
Known amongst one of the largest residences world-wide, the structure is a dream carved out in yellow sandstone. I received a warm welcome from the royal family of Jodhpur. Fashionable exteriors and intricate interiors were equally stunning. Stepping in the room was like entering the royal world. Peerless paintings enabled me peep into the traditional bygone lifestyle.
After every single corner of the palace mesmerized me, I moved on to step out to experience more colour and life scattered in Jodhpur. Amazing! How many shades of blue, I remarked. Almost all the houses in the city were painted in blue. This not only added beauty but provided protection against insects as well. I chose to sit and notice the impressions of the people passing by. Half grown boys running after one another, young girls performing household chores and women drying brilliantly-hued saris. All this made me realize how innocent and simple Rajasthanis are even in today's fast paced life. I smiled and moved on...
Shopping in Jodhpur was truly a rewarding experience. The markets of Jodhpur display an array of beautiful and antique buys. I picked up a beautiful scarf in tie and dye. Thereafter, I headed towards Sarafa Bazaar and laid hands on some exquisite jewellery in silver. And how could I forget to grab a pair of those famous handcrafted 'Jodhpuri jooties' (footwear) without whose mention the catalogue of Indian footwear remains incomplete. The range available at Mochi Bazaar was fascinating.
The best part about this vacation in Jodhpur was my indulgence in flavourful snacks and cuisine. The famous 'Shahi samosas' followed by a glass of 'makhana lassi' were perfect starters. Moving on, I halted on the airport road to dine at 'Chimney' known for its beautiful village-like ambiance. I am actually short of words that can describe the flawless decor of the restaurant. Thatched huts, floor paved in mud, open-air sitting area and indulgence in great tandoori delicacies made my evening.
And this was not all! The appetizing colours of 'laddoos' mounted over one another aroused hunger pangs in my stomach. I gobbled about half a dozen of these melt-in-the-mouth magic balls within no time at all. Sleep was all that I could now think off. Completely worn-out, I crashed for the night with thoughts of my next destination – Mount Abu lingering on and on...
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