Can I tell you about ... Jodhpur
Rafe Totengco
STAY
Live like Indian royalty for a few days and stay at the Umaid Bhawan. This Art Deco style golden-yellow sandstone palace is one of the most majestic and largest private residences in the world. The Maharajah and his family still reside in a section of the palace while the majority of this 26 acre property has been turned into a luxury hotel. The variety of activities range from watching a polo match on the palace grounds, taking an evening dip in the subterranean pool or having high tea by the veranda while enjoying an unobstructed view of the Mehrangarh Fort in the distance.
DO
Go shopping at the Sojati Gate Market. This bazaar is lined with shops selling everything from bright and embellished saris, mirrored jewelry, jodhpur trousers, traditional mojaris (Rajasthani footwear) and colorful tie-dyed clothing called Bandhani. Each store is packed with merchandise and the shopkeepers expect to haggle.
EAT
Have cocktails and dinner at Indique, a hot spot resto-lounge at the rooftop of the Pal Haveli hotel. The terrace boasts the best views of the blue city; the lit-up Mehrangarh Fort, the Umaid Bhawan Palace and the Clock Tower.
MUST SEE
Perched 400 feet above Jodhpur city is the Meharangah Fort, one of the best-preserved forts in Rajasthan. Once inside you can imagine a different world filled with magnificent rooms, screened balconies, colored glass windows, intricately detailed elephant howdahs (seats) and royal palanquins.
WHAT I LOVED MOST
As you drive up to the Mehrangarh Fort you'll see why Jodhpur is also called the "Blue City". The blue-painted houses all clustered together span the horizon and are a breathtaking view to behold. I found Jodhpur inspiring and magical, rich with history, tradition, craft and splendor.