This post is part of a series called Rajasthan - Kutch Nov 2018
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After the wedding in Bikaner, we left early the next morning to drive to Jodhpur. While I had been to Rajasthan before, I had never been to Jodhpur, and Dilshad had been impressed with Jodhpur from an earlier visit, so we decided to visit Jodhpur, and stay in the old city.

The drive from Bikaner was back along highway 62, stopping once again in Nagaur for the famous Kesar chai. The drive was uneventful, and we arrived in the old city of Jodhpur in the afternoon. We had to get off at the Sardar Market Ghanta Ghar (clock tower), since cars were not allowed inside the narrow gully’s of the old city, and walk the rest of the way (quarter mile), with our luggage, to the Kings Retreat Jodhpur, our B&B. This place was in the heart of the old town, in a former haveli. The place was basic, but did have AC, private bath, and a rooftop. We paid $25 for a “deluxe” room, with breakfast for both of us.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan The King’s Retreat was the first blue colored building on the right in this narrow gulley, in the heart of old Jodhpur.
The King’s Retreat was the first blue colored building on the right in this narrow gulley, in the heart of old Jodhpur.

After settling in, we walked back to the Sardar Market, as it was quite a lively place.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan Cloth bag workshop in the old city
Cloth bag workshop in the old city

Sardar Market area was very busy in the evening

By this time, it was getting sundown, so we made our way back to the King’s Retreat to freshen up, and then went to look for the Blue Bird Café and restaurant rooftop.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan Interesting entrance to a home, complete with diva’s (candles). Note the structure of the steps inside and outside the entrance
Interesting entrance to a home, complete with diva’s (candles). Note the structure of the steps inside and outside the entrance

The Blue Bird Café turned out to be close to our B&B, and it did indeed have a great rooftop view of the Mehranghar Fort, that Jodhpur is famous for. The food was very good, and tasty, and the bill with drinks came to $20; tourist pricing.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan Magnificent view of the Mehranghar Fort from the rootop café.
Magnificent view of the Mehranghar Fort from the rootop café.
Jodhpur, Rajasthan Equally magnificent view of the Umaid Bhavan Palace in the distance. This is where Priyanka Chopra (famous Indian actress) got married a week later.
Equally magnificent view of the Umaid Bhavan Palace in the distance. This is where Priyanka Chopra (famous Indian actress) got married a week later.

Our timing was great, because at 9:00PM, the floodlights lighting the Mehranghar Fort were turned off. Rooftop café’s are very popular to feed/entertain the tourists in the old town, and many of the tourists appeared to be backpacker-type tourists; at least in the old city. We went back to our B&B for a (hopefully) good night’s sleep. We did get a decent night’s sleep, thought he AC was a little noisy. Fortunately, we got an inner room, so we were sheltered from the street noises, including stray dogs.

Next morning, we got up and went to the rooftop of our B&B for breakfast. Once again, magnificent views

Jodhpur, Rajasthan View of Mehranghar Fort from our B&B rooftop at breakfast. Note the multiple “blue” colored buildings. Jodhpur is known as the Blue City
View of Mehranghar Fort from our B&B rooftop at breakfast. Note the multiple “blue” colored buildings. Jodhpur is known as the Blue City

Some views from the rooftop below

Jodhpur, Rajasthan Blue house near the Fort
Blue house near the Fort
Jodhpur, Rajasthan View of the busy old city
View of the busy old city

After breakfast, we checked out as the plan was to stay at a more comfortable place the 2nd day. Since there was a slight mess-up by the cook for our breakfast, the staff were very apologetic, and reduced our bill from $25 to $20 for the night including breakfast. Nice service. And cheap 🙂 . We then rolled our luggage back to Sardar Market, where our driver met us and off we went to check out Mehranghar Fort.

Some scenes below

Jodhpur, Rajasthan Morning chill time
Morning chill time
Jodhpur, Rajasthan One part of the huge Meharanghar fort/palace; towering over the old blue city of Jodhpur
One part of the huge Meharanghar fort/palace; towering over the old blue city of Jodhpur
Jodhpur, Rajasthan One interior courtyard of the Mehranghar Fort/Palace
One interior courtyard of the Mehranghar Fort/Palace
Jodhpur, Rajasthan One splendid darbar (meeting) room of the Maharaja
One splendid darbar (meeting) room of the Maharaja

Pagree tying demo for tourists at the fort; note the length of the cloth and the mesmerized tourists

Jodhpur, Rajasthan Good view of the Old Blue City of Jodhpur from the Fort, and a view of the newer city of Jodhpur in the background
Good view of the Old Blue City of Jodhpur from the Fort, and a view of the newer city of Jodhpur in the background
Jodhpur, Rajasthan Local tourists taking a breather from checking out the Fort; note the clothing and jewelry
Local tourists taking a breather from checking out the Fort; note the clothing and jewelry
Jodhpur, Rajasthan Impressive view of part of the fort
Impressive view of part of the fort
Jodhpur, Rajasthan Traditional jewelry, rings, and fading henna
Traditional jewellery, rings, and fading mehandi

Entertainment was also available

Late lunch was at the On the Rocks restaurant, which was quite a unique place, It is situated in a strip shopping center but this narrow entrance leads to a large garden restaurant behind the strip, where it is very serene (with small stream and waterfalls that drown out the sounds of the street). The food is good local Rajasthani food, with good service. Prices were reasonable, with lunch costing us about $20 for 2 of us; in a decently upscale restaurant.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan Lunch at On the Rocks was soup, vegetable curry, salad, papad, Baajra roti and nimbu pani :)
Lunch at On the Rocks was soup, vegetable curry, salad, papad, Baajra roti and nimbu pani 🙂

We then drove to the Almond Tree B&B and checked in. This place is basically a modern large home set up as a B&B; in an exclusive gated residential neighborhood behind the Umaid Bhavan Palace, with many imposing large and expensive homes. The owners have done a good job keeping the place clean, friendly and very comfortable, with 8 luxurious suites. Price per night was about $55, which is very decent. The owner, Chetan Bakshi, is a young man who runs a tight ship, and ensures all guests are happy and very comfortable. The only issue I found is that you cannot just walk out of this B&B and find a place to eat at round the corner, or 3 wheeler taxi’s. Since this area is exclusive/gated and secluded, you have to take a vehicle to get to the eating/shopping areas. Otherwise, it was a great comfortable place to stay at, and reasonably priced.

In the evening, we headed back to the old town, to check out a little more of the old city. After getting dropped off at the Sardar market, we walked to towards the Toorji Ka Jhalra

Jodhpur, Rajasthan Art Form in the Sardar Market
Art Form in the Sardar Market

The Toorji Stepwell was close to the Kings Retreat B&B where we had stayed the previous night; so we had good bearings. We had never checked out a step well, so we were looking forward to seeing it. From the street level, you cannot see anything, but it is quite a sight when you are over it; the inscription gives a good description

Jodhpur, Rajasthan Toorji Ka Jhalra (Step well) description
Toorji Ka Jhalra (Step well) description
Jodhpur, Rajasthan Toorji stepwell
Toorji stepwell

The stepwell starts at ground level, and is dug into the ground; with steps on 3 sides in this case, and the Persian waterwheel on the “building” to the left in the picture, where the water gets raised to higher levels. There are symmetrical steps on all 3 sides leading down to the water to allow manual collection of water. In this case, the stepwell is not in use, and the water was dark and brackish.

We found a rooftop bar overlooking this stepwell, so went there for sundowner drinks

Jodhpur, Rajasthan Rooftop sundowner
Rooftop sundowner

While enjoying the sundowners, we hear some singing coming from the step well, and we saw a man there singing Rahat Fateh Ali Khan qawali’s (songs) at the step well; a very nice touch for us as we like these songs, and with the setting sun and sundowners, this was icing on the cake.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan The man on the left half way down, was singing classical qawali’s for the late evening audience
The man on the left half way down, was singing classical qawali’s for the late evening audience. Note the pink sandstone color of the local stone; the color becomes enhanced at dusk

We then made our way back to the entrance of the still busy Sardar market

Jodhpur, Rajasthan Night scene at Sardar market
Night scene at Sardar market

And made our way to the famous Shahi Samosa shop, where we had our dinner; by the time you down a couple of these big, delicious samosa’s and a faluda, you are full. Dinner cost us all of $3.00

Jodhpur, Rajasthan Dinner time
Dinner time

We then headed back to the Almond Tree, for a relaxing evening drink on their rooftop, and a wonderful nights sleep.

Next day, plan was to head off to Bera.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan Our drive so far
Our drive so far
This entry was posted in Asia, India, Rajasthan - Kutch Nov 2018

39 thoughts on “Jodhpur, Rajasthan

  • Pingback: Leopards, Bera, Rajasthan - Ali Karim Travelog Asia

  • Nellie Ahmed April 6, 2019 at 9:46 pm Reply

    Thouroughly enjoyed your blog
    Thanks for sharing your experiences ,brought back lot of memories

    • Ali Karim April 7, 2019 at 10:04 am Reply

      Hi Nellie, thanks for reading my blog; so glad you enjoyed the memories.

  • Abdulmajid Morani April 6, 2019 at 10:01 am Reply

    I was feeling , as if I am travelling with tour guide Karim

    • Ali Karim April 6, 2019 at 10:49 am Reply

      Thanks Abdul; for the kind feedback. Glad you enjoyed the travels with me 🙂

  • Nazneen Adatia April 5, 2019 at 1:49 pm Reply

    Hello Ali, beautiful pictures, I like the way they do the turban, interesting. Keep on traveling and sending us pictures. Always please to see them.

    Lots of love.

    Naz.

    • Ali Karim April 5, 2019 at 1:58 pm Reply

      HI Naz; thanks for reading the blog, and thanks for the feedback always.

  • Sabira Sajan April 5, 2019 at 1:49 pm Reply

    I’ve shared your email with my siblings:).

    • Ali Karim April 5, 2019 at 1:58 pm Reply

      Absolutely; feel free to share with anyone who may find this blog useful

  • Sadru Walji April 5, 2019 at 1:48 pm Reply

    Very interesting.

  • Shine Bata April 5, 2019 at 1:46 pm Reply

    Ali,
    Thanks for sharing absolutely beautiful pictures.
    Love the blog

    • Ali Karim April 5, 2019 at 1:57 pm Reply

      Thanks Shine; glad you enjoyed

  • paul monany April 5, 2019 at 1:45 pm Reply

    Wow!

    • Ali Karim April 5, 2019 at 1:57 pm Reply

      Glad you enjoyed it Paul

  • Jamila Zindani April 4, 2019 at 2:28 pm Reply

    Thanks a lot for sharing.

    • Ali Karim April 4, 2019 at 2:30 pm Reply

      Most welcome Jamila. Thanks for reading my blog

  • Suly Allibhai April 2, 2019 at 8:21 pm Reply

    Very impressive
    Keep us posted on your journeys
    Thank you
    Be safe

    • Ali Karim April 2, 2019 at 8:22 pm Reply

      Thanks Suly, for the feedback.

  • Amir Rahim April 1, 2019 at 6:34 pm Reply

    Thx a lot for the blogpost.
    Enjoy ur trip.

    • Ali Karim April 1, 2019 at 6:35 pm Reply

      Thanks Amir, for the feedback. Glad you enjoyed our blogpost.

  • Mahamud Jinnah April 1, 2019 at 6:29 pm Reply

    What a beautiful Place. Loved the stepwell and how the guy started singing. Must have been magical.

    Shahi samosa made me hungry!!!

    • Ali Karim April 1, 2019 at 6:31 pm Reply

      Yes, it was a nice magical touch at sunset.
      Now that you mention it, the Shahi Samosa’s are making me hungry again 🙂

  • Jamal Premjee April 1, 2019 at 6:27 pm Reply

    Ali, absolutely, your blogs inspire. We are also currently traveling. Visited Madina, Mecca and performed Umra. Otw to Dubai and Karachi. Be back on 4/15. Have more plans for this year, inshallah.

    • Ali Karim April 1, 2019 at 6:28 pm Reply

      Thanks Jamal, glad my blogs are inspiring. Enjoy 🙂

  • NoorJehan Tejani April 1, 2019 at 6:26 pm Reply

    Thanks a lot for sharing.
    Great ! Enjoy & be Safe.

    • Ali Karim April 1, 2019 at 6:26 pm Reply

      THanks Noorjehan.

  • Muslim Harji April 1, 2019 at 6:24 pm Reply

    Thanks a lot for sharing. Lovely Images and write up…Asante..
    Love, Light & Cheers

    • Ali Karim April 1, 2019 at 6:25 pm Reply

      Thanks Muslim

  • Pingback: Karni Mata, Bikaner & wedding, Rajasthan - Ali Karim Travelog Asia

  • Zahir Dharsee March 31, 2019 at 9:00 pm Reply

    Hi Ali – thanks – enjoyed your blog – a very good description of the place. Looks like India is worth visiting. I will keep it on the bucket list.

    Zahir

    • Ali Karim April 1, 2019 at 6:13 pm Reply

      Thanks Zahir; yes, India is definitely worth visiting; so much to see, do, experience & admire. But you must be able to overcome the poverty and dirt that you may come across; its part of the package 🙂

  • Chetan Bakshi March 30, 2019 at 2:22 pm Reply

    Dear Mr. Karim,

    So nice to hear from you again, the post looks terrific and thank you for your kind words.

    Thank you and hope Ma’am is doing well, we hope to host you again soon!

    Chetan Bakshi

    • Ali Karim March 30, 2019 at 2:50 pm Reply

      Thanks Chetan,

  • Sadru Jivraj March 30, 2019 at 2:21 pm Reply

    I envy you. we can talk when you both get back. I will be in Dallas in May

    • Ali Karim March 30, 2019 at 2:49 pm Reply

      Thanks Sadru; looking forward to meeting you again in Dallas

  • Oded Sheshinski March 30, 2019 at 2:20 pm Reply

    Looks great-thanks for sharing

    • Ali Karim March 30, 2019 at 2:24 pm Reply

      Thanks Oded

  • Amir T March 26, 2019 at 11:31 pm Reply

    Ali, As usual…v.much enjoyed your blog. I am catching up from Bikenkar(?)..beautiful pictures, videos and your wonderful narrative. Thx, amir

    • Ali Karim March 27, 2019 at 6:46 pm Reply

      Thanks Amir; glad you enjoyed it.

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