Sleep deprived, feverish and holding my mask on my nose so that it does not slip for any reason whatsoever, I got off the bus near the clocktower. After the usual, finding an auto, finding the address, stay etc, I reached the hostel a had booked a bed in. It was 5.45 in the morning. I knocked a few times, called etc but could not get anyone to open the main door for me. Dissappointed and tired, I made my way to the next option I had on my list. With a heavy heart I decided to lighten my pockets by choosing to stay in this pricey homestay. The problem with a lot of properties is that the pictures can be misleading. Most of the times the pictures dont match the description or the actual place/room is not as per your expectations which is why I'm always skeptical of good places to stay. So how would this one turn out to be? I walked towards this place called Dev Kothi boutique hotel.
Here is how it looked. I'll let you decide.
Now that I had a comfortable room with a balcony to myself, I decided to stay in and get some rest with the fever, sore throat etc, not to mention the risk of going out and catching or spreading my infection. By evening I felt better but also sorry for myself(so me!) So I stepped out to shop a little. Look what I bought!
Okay so I got royally fooled, very touristy!
I paid twice the price(which I got to know later). These jootis will cost you between 200 to 600. Anything more, please walk away.
Anyway, after shopping, time for some nice dinner. Old City Jodhpur has some beautiful heritage properties, small and big alike, to stay and eat in. I went to Jhankar Haveli for dinner. Another beautiful cozy heritage property. The food was not up to the mark but I am glad I went there.
Still learning how to click better pictures. But yea thats how my day ended. Back to my room with some medicines.
Thanks to the medicines, warm bed, and a whole nights sleep, I was feeling much better once I woke up. Soaking in the sunrise from the rooftop lifted up my mood a little extra.
Morning meetings ended, happy long weekend wished by colleagues and then it was time for me to get out there. I dressed up and started thinking about the places I wanted to visit. After contemplating for a while if I should go to the fort in the morning or evening, I just decided to go and not wait for the evening. Most places in Jodhpur are open between 9 am to 5 pm. Without wanting to waste a minute of it I left and walked towards Mehrangarh fort.
What a steep climb that was, especially because I took the back route from the old city. Most people take the drive way which is a much easier slope to climb up. I was panting and puffing(barely 10 minutes of the walk) reminding me how terrible my stamina is. Anyway, I bought a ticket for myself with a guide (just to make sure someone knows if at all I faint and someone who could click my pictures with me being the awkward self that I am). The fort is beautiful. So much history, such rich art and craftsmanship, it was mind-blowing.
After the fort, I bid goodbye to Mr. Lalji, the guide and headed towards Jaswant Thada. So much beauty in these monuments, they tell multiple stories, each one more invigorating than the previous.
The fort walk can be tiring especially if you're immune system does not take too well to weather changes like mine. Lots of water, sunglasses, hat and avoiding cold beverages can help. I had lunch at this place called 'The spice route'. They did not have thali or dalbati available so this is what I settled for:
I know, my photography skills need some work, a lot of work. I'll get there.. I'll get there..
The kair sangri kaju sabji was so good. But because it was 3.30 pm already and I was running out if time to go to Umaid bhawan, I had to rush. Umaid bhawan is an example of the epitome of opulence and luxury of the royal families in India. From the wall murals, upholstery, kitchenware, clothing, jewellery of the recent generation of royal family has been displayed. It is quite something.
This followed by a quick ride back to my hotel where I rested for a bit and dressed up to go on a dinner date.. with myself.
I went to Indique restaurant in Pal Haveli with a stunning view of the clock tower.
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