GODS AND FORTS

TRAVEL • DEC 2015 • RAJASTHAN (JAIPUR, JAISALMER, JODHPUR, UDAIPUR)

It was the promise of mystical palaces and majestic forts and colorful cities that lured us here, and the beautiful state of Rajasthan certainly did not disappoint. With Jaipur, the Pink city as our starting point, we ventured deeper into Jaisalmer, the Golden City, and then Jodhpur, the Blue city, and finally Udaipur, the Lake city, each one of them unique in their own ways. As we bumped into other fellow travellers throughout our journey, we discovered new places to explore and actually ended up with a to-do list for a return trip already.

FULL ITINERARY:

• New Delhi > Jaipur > Jaisalmer > Jodhpur > Udaipur > New Delhi

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

Among the few things that stood out for us during the 12-day trip was:

• Having a little tomb raider moment when we finally locate the Monkey Temple of Jaipur. 

• The nightmare that was the frantic search for the correct train to board on our ride from Jaipur to Jaisalmer, and the ensuing, thankfully, lovely night ride onboard.

• Camwhoring with college students on a road trip to Jaipur at the charming old neighbourhood.

• Indulging ourselves in a gorgeous English breakfast spread while sitted at the balcony of our Udaipur Hotel, Jagat Niwas Palace, overlooking the serene Pichola lake.

• Shopping for rather affordable leather products including notebooks and bags at Udaipur.

PLACES TO COVER WHEN WE'RE BACK:

• Bikaner

• Mandawa

• Pushkar

The magnificent golden arches of Amer Fort, also known as Amber Palace, in Jaipur, one of the top five sights of our trip.

City Palace, Udaipur.

Hawa Mahal and one of its many insta-friendly installations.

Jal Mahal, Jaipur.

The dizzying array of low-rise houses bathed in golden sunlight, taken during an uphill climb towards Monkey Temple, Jaipur.

Nothing better to sooth the tummy than a piping hot potent cup of Masala chai, something we most probably drank more than plain water during the trip.

A furry resident retreating for the day. Monkey Temple, Jaipur.

The sight of Mehrangarh Fort and the surrounding houses painted in indigo blue, top five of our trip. Taken from the rooftop of the Castle View Homestay, Jodhpur.

City Palace, Udaipur.

Jodhpur. Apparently the bicycle is quite frequently parked outside in the exact same position, as I have seen an earlier shot done by another photography with the same
set up, and yet another photographer after me who got the same shot too. :)

Patvon Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer. Top five sights of our trip.

Monkey Temple, Jaipur.

Another shot of the city below taken during the uphill climb towards Monkey Temple, Jaipur.

Jaisalmer.

Monkey Temple, Jaipur.

Taking time to enjoy a heart-warming Indian breakfast spread (with omelette too, as a backup plan), at the rooftop restaurant of the Pearl Palace Hotel that we stayed in Jaipur.

The fantabulous Masala butter cheese omelette from the Omlette Shop in Jodhpur turned out to be best f&b highlight of the trip! We visited this place based on the
recommendation of an eager friend, and I must say that it passed our test with flying colors despite the high expectations.
Definitely a must-try when you're in Jodhpur.

Patvon Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer.

Patvon Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer.

Jantar Mantar, Jaipur.

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur. Best time to shoot this is during late morning.

A camel seemingly in deep thought as it took time to admire the setting sun at the end of a camel safari, Jaisalmer.

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur.

Our most handsome rooftop view of the trip, courtesy of the Pleasant Haveli Hotel, Jaisalmer.

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur.

Jantar Mantar, Jaipur.

Another shot of the fabtabulous omelette from Jaipur.

Patvon Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer.

Jantar Mantar, Jaipur.

Amer Fort, Jaipur.

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur.

A closer look at the neighbourhood along the gentle slopes towards Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur.

Breakfast with a view. Taken from the rooftop restaurant of the Castle View Homestay in Jodhpur where we stayed.

Waiting for sunset on the rooftop of Patvon Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer.

We always find time for some splurging at the end of every trip. For Rajasthan, it would be in the company of the fabulous Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel, Udaipur.
This view is taken from one of its many cosy balconies.

Jaisalmer.

Our last brunch of the trip was an apt departure from Indian food, from the Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel.

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur.

Room with a view. Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel, Udaipur.

Pleasant Haveli, Jaisalmer.

Amer Fort, Jaipur.

One of the many charmingly dressed-up stairways of the Pearl Palace Hote, Jaipur.

Breakfast spread at the Pearl Palace Hotel, Jaipur.

On the rooftop of Patvon Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer.

Amer Fort, Jaipur.

On the way back after a long day out, Jaipur.

Amer Fort, Jaipur.

Jaisalmer.

Monkeys are not the only animal salvaging for food here. Monkey Temple, Jaipur.

Monkey Temple, Jaipur.

While on a boat ride in Lake Pichola, Udaipur.

Lunch at the rooftop restaurant of Pleasant Haveli, Jaisalmer.

Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur.

On a camel safari in the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer.

Jal Mahal, Jaipur.

Monkey Temple, Jaipur.

Amer Fort, Jaipur.

Monkey Temple, Jaipur.

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur.

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur.

Thar Desert, Jailsalmer.

The charming leather bound note books from Udaipur, a souvenir item not to be missed when you're here.