Tuesday, June 14, 2016

TRAVEL SPECIAL...... CITY OF SIGHTS

 CITY OF SIGHTS
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From an imposing fort to a sprawling palacep residence, Rajasthan’sR Blue City,C Jodhpur, is home to iconic buildings brimming with history

The man knew how to pose. He was seated at a strategic location, cross-legged next to a hookah, at one of the many courtyards inside Jodhpur’s 557-year-old Mehrangarh Fort. Tourists milled about him, clicking photographs. As soon as a camera was aimed at him, he quickly, and nonchalantly, put the hookah’s pipe in his mouth. His long white beard and moustache, yellow turban, white kurta, dhoti and angrakha made for the perfect picture. Jodhpur is Rajasthan’s second-largest city, founded by Rao Jodha in 1459. It is popularly known as the Blue City, and the reason is rather obvious. Earlier, Brahmin houses close to the fort were painted light blue. But to this day, should you check out the view from Mehrangarh Fort, blue houses continue to dot the landscape.
It is obvious that the locals are used to tourists. But what greatly surprises us about this city is the fact that its crowning glory, the fort, is probably one of the best-kept in India. Dominating the city’s skyline, the sandstone structure, with its intimidating ramparts and intricate stone carvings, is looked after by the Jodhpur royal family.

Mehrangarh Fort houses an exceptional museum, spread out over multiple floors, and comprising miniature paintings, costumes, weapons and palanquins, among other fascinating items. One such stunning gallery is the Daulat Khana, which has a beautiful 12-carrier gold leaf palanquin as its central attraction. Other must-visit areas include the Moti Mahal, Takhat Mahal and Phool Mahal. These have been maintained in their original states to let visitors experience the bygone eras. The fort also has a lift and a staircase that takes visitors to the different museum floors in an organised manner. A kilometre away, just before the fort’s entrance, stands the Jaswant Thada, a more-thana-century-old memorial to the former kings of Jodhpur. The snow-white marble structure, originally a shrine to Jaswant Singh II, an erstwhile ruler of the city, became the home to the cenotaphs of subsequent rulers. The memorial is situated next to a small lake. Step outside on the lawns, and you are treated to a stunning view of the Blue City below as well as the fort. In the centre of the old city of Jodhpur, lies a cornucopia of souvenirs and locally made products — tie-dye fabrics, lacquer bangles, silver jewellery, etc. Among these stalls, you can also find vendors selling sweets and spices. This is Sardar Bazaar, a market that is flanked by the Clock Tower on one side. Night-time lends a princely flavour to Jodhpur. The ‘royal’ experience, which most tourists visiting the city come looking for, duly materialises. And a wintry evening in Jodhpur is best experienced at a restaurant that has a 360-degree view of the city, especially that of the lit-up fort. One such venue is Pal Haveli, a popular residence-turned-hotel. From the restaurant terrace, not only can you see the fort, but also the illuminated Clock Tower, the empty market and, in the distance, the Umaid Bhawan Palace and a glittering city.
·         Sapna Mathur

HT31JAN16

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