Jodhpur - The Blue 'Quilt' 

2. We reached Jodhpur in the morning at around 8. As soon as we started walking over the bridge, the blue-city started giving us the rustic feel of Marwari architecture, with almost every building built carved out from a stone. The pleasant vibe combined with cold winter breeze was enough for us to get excited for what's upcoming in our Rajasthani platter.

3. We left for the sight seeing at 11 by local auto and started with Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum. We were not allowed to go to the Umaid Bhawan and restaurant because of the presence of some deligate ministry. We visited the fort and vintage museum and managed to wrap them up in 30-45 minutes. Though it was pretty crowded, we did not take photographs of all the artifacts displayed over there and saved our time there.

4. We left for Mehrangarh Fort after that and stopped at the Kalpvriksh restaurant for brunch. This place had an amazing fine-dining vibe and the staff was also hostile. There are many mouthwatering and simple vegetarian options available here at affordable prices.

5. We didn't go to Rao Jodha Desert Park and covered Mehrangarh fort in 2 hours. One of the largest forts in India, Mehrangarh is a majestic example of rustic Rajput architecture amalgamated with the perfect geometry one could see in the elaborate designs. Rising perpendicular and impregnable from a rocky hill that makes the Jodhpur's skyline more mesmerizing, the fort is embellished with awe-inspiring symmetricity. The museum owns magnificent collections of rare antique collection of carved ivory and weapons inlaid with gold and jewels. However, the world’s finest miniature paintings depicting Ramayana and other mythological stories surprised me the most. My most favorite place is the circular staircase that go to other floors of the museum. Photography enthusiasts will find this place a charmer. You can also shop diaries and handicraft front the fort shops. They are little expensive but nice souvenirs to bring.

6. From the fort, we walked to Pachetia hills through tiny streets where a taxi/cab can't go. One of the ways to reach there is from the fort itself and you can also go there after visiting Jaswant Thada. Pachetia hills is famous for beautiful sunset which happens at around 5.45-6 in Winters. So make sure you reach there timely. You can have a picturesque view of the entire blue city. . We didn't get to see the sunset because we were misinformed, but the cool breeze was enough to excite our nerves with adrenaline.

7. After Pachetia, we went to Jaswant Thada which got a Taj-Mahal-vibe attached to it. This cenotaph serves as the cremation ground for the royal family of Marwar and is intricately carved out of marble. There is a lake view also where you can sit and eat something from the cafeteria present there. I got my favorite Nestea there which blessed my soul.

8. It was already evening now and we went to Toorji ka Jhalra from there. Toorji is a step well with myriad number of steps that are symmetric to each other.

9. Nearby, you will find Zostel (my favorite place) and a rooftop cafe (The Curry's). We ordered some snacks and beverages and it was a beautiful sunset to watch from there. The lighted Mehrangarh fort in the evening looks beautiful from there.

10. We walked to the Clock tower market famous for rajasthani earings, spices and lac bangles. Do bargain while purchasing stuff here. You can also try some local snacks here - palak ki chaat, khaja ki chaat.

11. Outside the tower market, we walked down to B Road famous for handloom. We purchased bandhej sarees, rajasthani footwear and pallazos and some keyrings. Stop at the Shahi Samosa, Janta Sweets, Rawat Kachori to try their popular food.

P.s. Places mentioned in 4-11 are very near to each other and hence can be covered easily in 1 day.

Day 2 :

1. We started at 10 for the Machia Biodiversity Park. It's 3-4 kms far from the city so there are no food options nearby. You can have breakfast at the Shree Gopiya restaurant which is inside the Zoo. Do try gatte ki sabzi+ bajre ki roti combo there. And if you are lucky, you might also get to eat double ice cream with mango ice candy. Unfortunately, we weren't! :(

Try to cover the lush green sprawling zoo by foot, it will be more fun to walk and dance down the curvy lanes of the zoo. The zoo provides a treat for wildlife photographers and common people at the same time with animals like Tiger, Lion, Chinkara, Crocodile, Monitor Lizard and a landscape view from the hilly terrain. Other mammal species to be found are Jackal, Striped hyena, Desert Fox, Jungle Cat,Hedgehog, Porcupine, Sloth Bear, Indian Wolf. On another side of the park, you can see the Kaylana lake distinctly.

2. We went to the Kaylana Lake after that which is near the Zoo. You can do boating and spot alligators if you want. Prefer to walk to the Kaylana lake one hour before the sunset so that you can enjoy the boating along with the serenity the sunset provides over the lake.

3. After taking a local auto from Kaylana, we moved towards the Mandore Gardens where you can find beautiful architecture and lawns to just walk around and chill. This place is filled with playful Langoors everywhere. They won't harm you, until of course, you harm them. You will also find peppy bollywood songs being played at loudspeaker at a few corners. Taking advantage of the backdrop (and the songs), we made an impromptu choreography and shot a dance video there :D It's a perfect place for pre-wedding photoshoots at low budgets.

5. We moved to the Masuriya hills to watch the sunset there is a park and a statue on left and right side of the entry, so make sure you cover both of them till the end. The sight of entire Jodhpur, especially the sight of Barkatullah Stadium is mesmerizing.

6. We went to Tripolia market and other local markets after that for some window shopping ;)

Few points to keep in mind:

1. If you are on a budget trip, you can choose local autos over a cab for the entire day. You will end up saving upto 50-60%.

2. There are Olas available but the options for Uber were meagre.

3. The locals are helpful but at the end are part of the money-minting commercialisation. Bargain wherever possible.

4. If you are interested in Indian History and want to know about fascinating facts of the forts, do hire guides/audio guides.

5. If you are carrying a DSLR, you will have to pay its charge at Mehrangarh fort and Zoo.

6. 2 days are sufficient to spend in Jodhpur, if you are on a family trip. You can visit Jaisalmer too if you are on a 4 day vacation.

7. The forts and museums close at 5, so make sure you start your day early. Also, do check the timings of every place you visit before making the final itinerary.

8. Pachetia hills is not that easily accessible for older people, especially who have knee problems. It has a little uphill walking involved, so please avoid this place with grandparents/parents.

9. I might have missed some particulars of the place, but I tried to cover them all.

Happy Journey and enjoy to the fullest :)