Vintage Voyage to the Blue City - Jodhpur

Located inside the bustling blue lanes of the Old City, Mr. Joshi’s Juna Mahal Homestay offers the picturesque view of the Mehrengarh Fort. The suites of the Haveli are inspired by the Hindu deities and we were lucky enough to have Lord Ganesha room that gave a perfect view of the fort from our bed especially at night when it is illuminated.Our stay at Juna Mahal was the best decision. Ganesh our bell boy at the homestay was like a new friend before we left and he gave us excellent service.Mr. Joshi’s family was friendly and approachable and made sure to make us feel at home.

Meet the Bishnois (You got to see it, to believe it) Rinku told us about this small hamlet – Bishnoi situated just at a distance of 22 km from Jodhpur city. Rinku introduced us to Kishanlal, our village safari guide. So, we mounted on his jeep and headed for our safari. He enlightened us about the tales of the Bishnoi Tribe. Bishnoi is a place untouched of consumerism. History of Bishnoi The villagers of Bishnoi are basically the first environmentalists of India, hardcore worshippers of nature. Bishnoi means 29 (Bish means 20 and noi means 9) Bishnoi village sect was established by Guru Jambheshwar and his followers has to abide 29 rules, regulations and principles that were given by Guru Jambheshwar. The primary law was to conserve animals and trees to completely abolish the practice of hurting environment. Culture of Bishnois The Bishnoi tribe cultivates opium for religious purpose and some consume it too claiming that opium triggers appetite and helps fight insomnia. Millet is major crop of this village. The Rajasthani costumes speak about the rich traditions and culture. The men traditionally wear white dhoti, shirt and colorful turbans. Unmarried girls generally wear pada, pothdi, puthia and odhna. The costume of a married woman constitutes of bright colored odhna, ghaghra, kanchli, kurti and dhabla. Large circular Nose-rings is a common feature which can be seen on married women. Wildlife Herds of deer, black-buck, chinkara and neel gai (antelope) can be seen in Bishnoi villages roaming without fear. Peacocks can be seen frolicking in the courtyards of the villagers.

A trip to Rajasthan is incomplete without camel rides and sunset over the sand dunes. The ride towards Osian from Jodhpur is very arid and dry. You realize that you are in the dersert state – the Great Thaar Desert. We travelled to Osian in Rinku’s tuk-tuk. It is located 85kms away from the main city. Osian boasts of old jain temples, camel safaris. We glided and ran like kids on the sand dunes. The scenic view of the setting sun from the sand dunes was a priceless moment. Prakash and Vimlesh 8 year old kids were too cute and kept us company. The ancient Thar Desert town of Osian, 65km north of Jodhpur, was an important trading centre between the 8th and 12th centuries. Known as Upkeshpur, it was dominated by the Jains, whose wealth left a legacy of exquisitely sculpted, well-preserved temples.

Located 55kms away from the Blue City, in the small village of Chotila is a Bullet Baba Shrine. If you own a Royal Enfield Bike and cruising across the country is your sole passion then bullet Baba tops the list. It's a Tiny shrine right next to the NH 62, on Jodhpur - Pali highway. Dedicated to Om Banna (for the locals) and Bullet baba to the rest of the world. The deity of the temple is a motorcycle. No wonder India is a land of strange places. The devotees or the motorcyclist offer helmet and liquor at this shrine. The idea is to spread the message of “Don’t Drink & Ride” and to follow road safety measures.

Shopping has always been a necessary component of a city tour. And especially if you are touring the heritage city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, it’s a no way back home without it. Shopping in this famed city is as eventful and rewarding as its monuments and forts. Home to numerous skilled craftsmen, the markets in Jodhpur are a rich source of authentic Rajasthani antiques that cannot be found anywhere in the world. Besides buying those traditional pieces of cloth, one can look for Bandhini, Antiques, Footwear and in the markets of Jodhpur. We ended up buying 11 pairs of jootis, silver earings, leather bags, embroidered cloth wallets and souvenirs for the friends.