JAISALMER- THE DESERT EXPERIENCE

In my teenage, my science books were flooded with the topics like mirage, sand dunes, easterly winds, and like every other child, I just used to learn it thinking that at some point of my life I could feel the logic for real. No sooner than that, I've finished my school days, my college days, but the day did not come.Yearning a lot for that, once I thought that I could not end up my life the way it was taking me to, I decided to make my own plan. I ended up my thoughts just sitting on the desert sand dunes and childishly for me, its like a dream come true...!!

I planned for a royal heaven in Rajasthan and its a golden city "Jaisalmer" located just in the middle of desert, my wish came true or I may say that I had been grown older to grant its wings for an incredible and unforgettable experience in the dunes of Khuri desert. There are two desert sand  dunes that one can experience in Jaisalmer, one is in Sam sand Dunes(the most popular) or another in the isolated, uncrowded, untouched Khuri dunes. I chose the later one as I just wanted  an out of box experience in the desert.

Continued after my visit to Jaisalmer city:

The DESERT EXPERIENCE

It was late afternoon, but the sun was still shining high and it was really hot, I reached my camp (Gangaour Desert Resort) after enjoying views from my jeep ride for almost an hour, talking to my desert safari planner "Mr. Harmeet Singh" about the changes in weather, lakes and yes the small villages which passed on the way. Like we always used to think, Rajasthan is used to be troubled with water shortage. Indeed  it is, but the point till the government did not provide the facilities of tubewell. Each and every village in Jaisalmer is well equipped with its own well, a small lake and when these natural resources get exhausted, here comes the government provided tubewell to rescue, so no shortage but yes more resourceful savings..!! Talking about the electricity, the Indian Engineers are quite working high on that too, there's a proper usage of westerly winds to contribute to the electric power by windmills. So no fear of power and water in Rajasthan, go safe without a thought...!!

Lake in the middle of desert

The camp was just in the middle of desert, far from any life except some dunes and desert grass and yes of course, the pre fabricated swiss tents which was going to be my pleasing stay for the night. Dont worry, its not going to be the army base camp tent as of you are imagining, its a well furnished tent with a bed equipped with blanket, pillows, and yes a furnished washroom, the most important...!! So, I relaxed for a while there, welcomed with a drink. Quite after while, I was called for my Camel safari, exciting to sit on a "a 7 feet desert ship". Though thats not my first time to sit on a camel, but its quite ecstatic when it comes of doing a safari on desert. I got "Babloo", the 5 yrs old hat trick winner of camel race in well known Pushkar Mela, he dropped me to the sunset point of Khuri dunes, which is considered to be the largest dunes as Sam sand dunes are said to be exploited now(as I've told by localites on Khuri, didn't experience it myself).

wow..!! its gonna to be my first camel ride

Khuri dunes

It was placid out there, within my infinite reach my eyes reach only to dunes, the isolated desert and extremely intensified reddish orange glow of setting sun. All of these just made it so relaxing, watching the sun as an reddish orange ball dissolving or hiding itself in the dunes slowly n slowly, making the environment so serene and calm. Nothing could be more beautiful than watching the sun hiding amidst desert in front of your eyes. Its surreal..!! Clicking some pictures could not enrapture that beauty, it is engraved in my heart forever as somethings are just meant to be a part of memory.

Amazing view of sunset hiding in dunes

Suddenly, my reddish orange glow turned to dark indicating it was my time to go back to the camp, and my camels were brought again to take me back.  As I sat on its hump again, it started walking, I showed my curiosity to feel what rushing speed it can take and as soon as the thought stroked my mind, here I was offered for learning a camel race by my camel rider. Lovely it is, and quite oblivion, I took it with full gratitude. So here comes 14 yr old Pratap Singh (nephew of Harmeet), as my trainer for racing. We went again alone in the dunes, it was much more exciting than it could be before as now I was sitting on it like rider holding its lagaam in my hands, amazing it is, It raced though with a controlled speed for a dilettante rider like me that I could handle, we stayed on the dunes with a sparkling moon above my head. I came excitedly back to the camp when Harmeet approached me saying that I was quite a lucky girl. Not understanding what he meant to say, I simply ignored his words.

The atmosphere in the camp was really relishing, my fellows were gathered at a centre point to enjoy the folklore and drinks. It was quite dark there and the musicians, folk dancers all beating up high to stand on my feet and have some moves. It was awesome to listen their music on their indigenous instruments, their folk songs, performing Ghoomar (Rajasthani folk dance form) and the embellishing girls taking your heart away. Its the point where I first interacted with my fellow mates, the ones from, Gujarat, Hyderabad and Australia, all at one point. So, inspite of just an entertainment stage, its quite a cultural inheritance stage too, meet new people, share your views and enjoy with them, no one would make you feel that you were alone. How great is that...!! After enjoying folklore and drinks for almost upto two hrs, we were served with delicious Rajasthani dinner. All the time, Harmeet was  great host caring to the every attribute the tourist needs. 

After the dinner, I and Harmeet went for a chit chat interaction about the cultural attributes of Rajasthan, especially Jaisalmer. it was really exciting to share and listen views about the culture. Meanwhile, I got to know about the fact why I was considered to be lucky by him, when I straightly settled myself on the camel hump holding the saddle, with Harmeet on my back, and my camel racing like a tiger's speed. For once, I got to know that camel could rush to such a high speed, its racing high on the desert sand with my heart beating so high that it could be either do or die situation for me, with Harmeet at back to relax  and stick to camel's hump. But, it could be a high deal for the first time runners like me,  the point at which Harmeet slowed down the camel, I opened my eyes to witness the extreme beautiful view of desert, the one that I only imagined in my dreams was just in front of my eyes, the shining desert. With a full moon sparkling high above my head, the desert sand was shining like a queen, its like pearls sparkling all over and I was at the middle of this vast desert ocean. It was perfect for a romantic dream date, wish I would get there with my soulmate.....;) Though I did not that time but that is something I will strongly recommend for ideal romantic date, a scenario, I will never forget in my life forever. I was really fortunate to experience the spectacular beauty of desert with open eyes.

Coming back after Moonlight Camel Night Safari, I settled myself on the beds outside my tent, it was cold now, the chilling breeze was palpable. The open skies, the stars, the moon, It was the night I would never forget in my life. Amazing to watch the stars just above your head, walking on the cold sand, its an unending journey of worthwhile experiences. The desert is a place to sweat in noon and feel cold at night.

Perhaps, I was not able to feel the logic of mirage, but it is the experience when I felt that spectacular beauty of the desert which remained hidden for the full moon to show up. 

A special thanks to Harmeet for taking me there, yes, I can really say that now, I am a lucky child...!!

Information source Courtesy:

Mr. Harmeet Singh(Gangour Desert Resort Khuri) 

  

A TOUR TO GOLDEN FORT

I follow simple rule in my life 

"Do whatever your heart says, follow it and ignore everything else." 

Continuing my journey to Rajasthan, I did what only few used to plan, taking the straight tour instead of reverse, tavelling to Jodhpur first and then to the Golden City "Jaisalmer" and it was quite enjoyable though that's the truth as well, I never regret for any of the decision I made in my life...;)

Straight from my steps fall on the Railway station, there was a big smile on my face seeing the gorgeous golden all over, the antique, the carving, the beautiful sitting chairs all take my heart away and ponder me over to realise I am quite in a royal heaven, the pillars, the dombs giving the royal though modern look to the station. Impetuously leading me to a thought if only railway station can be that amazing, how much the city could be. So quite excitedly, I stepped out of the station, and here's another surprise following me up, the jeep to take me up to my next destination which was specially brought by the person (Mr. Harmeet from Gangour Desert Resort, khuri) for me whom I had hired for my stay. Its gonna to be my first ride on jeep....hurrah...!! And Harmeet is quite friendly person to share views with about golden Jaisalmer.

Jaisalmer Railway Station

My excitement knew no bounds when the jeep was driving high on the streets of Jaisalmer, everywhere I looked, it was all golden, the bright, the shining Yellow Sandstone giving it like royal appearance all over with the street lamps being antiquated carved out of sandstone, its all just so beautiful. So, I was dropped to Hotel Mehrangarh, near to the city fort, the best thing about the hotels in Jaisalmer is their well architectured structure and their vibrant and colorful rooftops to feel the central attraction of the city "The Golden Fort" from all the corners. It was really awesome place to relax and experience the city view sipping tea amidst so many colors that I could never forget.

Vibrant and colorful rooftops

After having my breakfast on the rooftops, I was all set to bathe in the sunlight for the closest view of City fort, though I wanted desperately to relax on the rooftop, but my mind pressurized me to get up and felt the city closely. And apparently, it was right. So, I was all set with my camera to go on a city and here I met my immense resourceful tour guide Mr. Prem Joshi who agreed to get me best out of the city. 

We entered the magnificient city fort or I can say it as a "Golden fort", "Living Fort", "Sonar Quila", more the marvellous structure it is, the more names it has. I was quite hilarious standing in front of the fort which I had only gazed at my history books. Just the short history, I was being told by my tourguide, The fort is built by Maharawal Jaisal, Bhatti ruler, the lineage follower of Lord Krishna in 1156 A.D. on Trikut Hill and its a world's largest living fort, there are over 4000 people of caste Brahmins and Soldiers living inside the fort which was given by the then rulers to the descendants of the soldiers in their armies. The fort hosted cafes and the hotels at very inexpensive price for the tourists to stay and feel the cultural heritage. The word 11th century itself made me feel so good that I was witnessing the beauty still in its a par excellence in 20th century. Woaa...!!

View of Golden Fort from my roofttop 

The more I boasted about fort, the more I got short of words as there were so many things I could point out, be it the carvings of the sand stone that is done so intricately and delicately, be it the interlocking system that is used to build the entire fort appreciating the intelligence of centuries old architects still making it withstand earthquakes and a critical temperature like a strong foundation till centuries, be it the thick walls of circumference of about 5 km, the narrow entrances with sharp turns with a spectacular view  that the elephants would turn easily, all of these indicate the sharpness of the foresight our ancestors had.

For reaching inside the main area, one had to cross four massive entrances- Suraj Pol, Ganesh pol and Hawa Pol(coolest place inside the fort, the oldies gather here to relax in hot summers), Akshya Pol but all of them have their ünique blend of style and design of Islamic and Rajput Architecture that makes them distinguished from one another as the fort was seized by many dyansties like Rajputs, Mughals, etc.

Suraj Pol, Ganesh Pol, Hawa Pol in clockwise direction from top left

Did I forget to mention about the bats, every majestic fort in India is a place of holding many hidden stories and ofcourse, the bats and crows....how one can neglect them!! Leave about the hidden stories for a second, lets focus about the thing which is visible and they are my nightmares, "bats". Each of the entrance, especially Hawa Pol is hostage of innumerable bats but dunno worry, they are not going to harm you by any means, they stay in their sleeping mode always. But no matter, how much my tour guide convinced me about them, my heart was just pounding high when I was crossing the Pol as one thing I feared of is "bats".

The first thing that I had noticed after reaching inside the courtyard is the pious imprints of hands of  Rajputani queens before going for Jauhar Prtaha (the tradition where the women empowerment can be felt when they used to burn themselves alive to prevent being molested by the other rulers), still imbibed on the walls of the fort, but the entry inside that sacred place is only limited to their descendants. Hats off to such powerful ladies...!!

imprints of hands of queens before performing Jauhar

views of the Queen's Palace inside the Fort

The Rani Mahal holds a well stocked museum of the possession hold by their ancestors, especially when it is of 11th century, it itself generated excitement in my mind, what they must be look like. The palace consists of seven floors, each floor is dedicated for things like swords, weapons, dresses, but that dosen't interest me much as these were the things I was getting in each of the fort I was visiting in magnificent and vibrant Rajasthan, so get quite bored of it. with the top floor having sun dials, and that is awesome for me, also because the entire view of the city can be observed, especially the largest lake ever in Jaisalmer Gadisar lake. It was a feeling like I have conquered the world, amazing it was...!!

The Golden City, being located in middle of Thar Desert, was served as a trade route of ancient India with Persians, Egyptians and Africans till the Britishers formed East India Company and all the trade had been shifted to Calcutta. The evidence can be seen in the beautiful Jain temples and havelis built by the traders especially Jains where the land was given to them by the then rulers as a prized possession and the marvellous structures prone to their culture having extremely delicate carvings on the sandstone and the idols of various lords worshipped by them. The Jain temples existing in the city fort belongs to the Shewatamber jains. The best part about these temples are their interior arts, the pillars, the idols depicting various images of Gods and Goddesses, birds and animals of importance.There are 7 Jain temples within the walls of Jaisalmer Fort. All of these temples were built in the 15th–16th centuries, dedicated to different Tirthankaras: Parsvanath, Sambhavanath, Chandrapraphu, Rishabhadeva, Shitalnath, Shantinath and Kunthanath and can be recognised by the signing symbol on their idols.

Carving on the Pillars inside the Jain Temples

Jain temples and its inside views

It was known to me by my tour guide Prem Joshi that the fort got its name "Sonar Quila", not because it was built out of Yellow Sandstone and camouflages it color from yellow in sunlight to golden in dark, but because of the artistic ability of Bengali Director Satyajit Roy who shot a movie here by this name, so having an extreme love for the movie and the director, many Bengalis straightly head here to memorize some shots. Infact, some of them thought that this fort was built by him only, What a naive love they have....!!!

Jaisalmer is quite famous for its trade in Afeem (opium) but as it had been legally banned in India, so you did not get anyone offering you that but there is a Government registered age old Bhang shop outside the fort which offers great flavours and tastes in Bhang and yes, yummy Bhang biscuits as well. For a non alcoholic drinker like me, It was not as much exciting but it could be relishing for alcohol lovers.

It took me around 3 hours to visit the fort, I longed for looking the sunset from the fort, but as I've committed my mind to other places of interest as well, so have to bid goodbye to the fort to explore inside the city, the havelis like Pataudi ki haveli, Nathmal ki haveli, Bada Bagh, Gadisar Lake and ofcourse, if I was in a desert city, the most important to describe one of my unforgettable moment in sand dunes, all of them, I have been covering in my next blog. So stay tuned for my next blog...!!

Throughout my trip, I am really thankful to my amiable tour guide in the Jaisalmer city Mr. Prem Joshi, who is very helpful and an immense source of knowledge while travelling in the city. It was really a fun and safe walking with him into the city, knowing about the culture and tradition the city holds.  

Information Source Courtesy:
Mr. Prem Joshi(City Tour Guide) - 09460807909
Mr. Harmeet Singh (Travel agent for Camel Safari and stay)- Gangour Desert Resort Khuri

A TRIP TO REMEMBER - MANDORE GARDENS

While planning for the Jodhpur City, Mandore was never on my list as the reviews I got about it on internet was not that much good. But as the popular idiom says "The book must never be judged by its cover", same happened with me on Mandore. Travelling on the streets of Jodhpur, talking to the localites, one place that everyone mentioned is "Mandore Gardens", 30 kms ahead from Jodhpur City, so being an explorer, my impression quickly turned out to be why not give a try.

So, this became my unplanned trip now, heading out from my comfortable zone, I took a local bus from the bus stand in Jodhpur, I must praise here that Jodhpur city is quite convenient in terms of public transport, one may get buses and autorickshaws easily, though you have to bargain a lot with them.

Heading to Mandore was not only a forced decision by localites, but its collabrated with some mythological fact as well. Firstly, it was the earlier capital of Marwar when Jodhpur was not founded till 14th century and secondly, it is known to be the hometown of Mandodri, wife of Ravana who build this entire town. So, all of these aroused my excitement and led my steps to the Mandore gardens.

Mandore Gardens

The first thing I was greeted with when I entered Mandore is Asian Monkeys (langurs), the herd of them, the taller, the bigger but not at all harmful or dangerous, playing with themselves only, they did not bother anyone so its quite friendly then to walk. The Mandore is used as a picnic spot by the localites nowadays, but moving towards its ancient history, it was used as a cremation ground for the Rathore dynasty before Jaswant Thada was founded, where Chattris were built by their grandsons out of sandstone, magnificent  and masterpiece of architecture after their death. The Chatris or cenotaphs there are so old almost ranging from 11th century to 16th century, so it must be understood how much important place it could be of ancient India.

Cenotaphs inside Mandore Gardens

Carving of various Gods and goddesses on the pillars of cenotaphs

Inspite of cenotaphs, it holds a well stocked museum of the things hold by the rulers, the main attractions are crocodile skin and tiger skin hunted by Rathore rulers. It also consists of a ruined Mandore fort which once used to be a marvellous structure but now only its remains are left. The museum is actually the Janana Pol built by Maharaja Ajit Singh for his queens as a summer residence.

Entrance of Janana pol serving as summer residence of queens

The other attraction is the Hall of Heroes which consists of 16 figures carved out of a single rock commemorating the popular folk heroes of the region. Indeed, it must be an unique experience to see 16 distinguishing figures out of single rock. There is a botanical garden in front as well, a captive hub of birds and flora and a unique blend of Kala Gora Bhairov Temple can be seen here.

Overall, the Mandore gardens is quite beautiful historic place but needs a lot of attention as the gardens are not maintained by the government as they meant to be. With little more attention and care, this could be one of the most amazing place to visit in Jodhpur.

Best time of the day to visit Mandore is in the evenings but before 5 pm as the museum gets closed by 5:30 pm. 

Check about the other places on Jodhpur-Sun City, for more pictures and notifications of the places I used to visit, follow me on my facebook page Apex Shine Travels or on instagram @apexshiningneha

A DAY EXCURSION TO JODHPUR CITY(Contd.)

In the earlier post, I mentioned about my day excursion to Jodhpur city , continuing my journey after visiting two of the ancient heritages, I visited Umaid Bhawan Palace where the present Maharaja Gaj Singh used to live with his family, the feeling of going there and see his residence itself made me feel Royale, who knows I might got a chance to see the Maharaja himself, staying positive always helps.

Entering with lots of hopes inside the Palace, I was able to see the lifestyle the Royal kings brought into as the part of the Palace has been turned into the museum exhibiting the heritage owned by their ancestors from 18th century till date , part of it owned by Taj hotels and is used as a hotel with an exorbitant charge 650 USD per night and rest is used by the royal family for a pleasant stay.

Umaid Bhawan Palace View from the Mehrangarh Fort

The Palace is constructed in order to provide employment to thousands of the people during the time of famine in 1929 by Maharaja Umaid Singh. It is also known as Chittar palace since the rocks used to build the entire palace has been brought from the Chittar hill. The entire palace was founded and lavishly architectured by Henry Vaughan Lanchester who build the magnificent structure on the grounds of architectural lines of  New delhi so the palace came up with the theme of domes and columns. Since the palace is brought up at the time of famine, so instead of using mortar, the palace is build by interlocking system in order to save water by the foresight of Maharaja Umaid Singh. I must say what a kind and philanthropist ruler he was...!!

The interior view of Umaid Palace which is turned into a hotel

The palace consist of central dome appearing to touch the sky, the Durbar hall serving as a museum, is being opened for the general public to witness the brilliance of the architecture and to recognise the history behind its construction at the nominal entry fees. Inside the palace cum museum, the paintings of the various scenarios showing the laying of foundation stone, the royal families of the Present Maharaja, the architects, model of the entire Umaid Bhawan Palace, the paintings on the walls by Spanish and Polish painters can be seen and embraced. It is just so exotic to see such an enormous structure known for the world's largest private residence. The paintings in the palace are a perfect edifice of the artists of that time letting you to think about the sharpness of the artist as some of the paintings are able to have a 3 D effect as well.

Spanish painting showing the war b/w Rajput warriors  and Mughals with Mehrangarh Fort in its background

The museum consists of a quirky collection of clocks in windmill and lighthouse shapes, must say, one of my personal favorite place in the palace, it is an antique collection of all the watches till 20th century. The classic vintage cars of the Maharajas are on the display in the garden in front of the museum and can be taken for a ride too, if your pocket is well enough to pay for the rent of the ride....!! If you are a car lover, then your visit to this part of a palace is fruitful as Rolls Royce, BMWs are shining like a beauty here.

The clock gallery

clock with Key Lock system

For an interior art deco lover, the palace holds an unusual household periphernalia that was in vogue and costly and was not available in India at that time, so it must be an unique experience to see that also..!!

Antique Glassware in the museum of Umaid Bhawan Palace

After spending quality time in Maharaja's residence, I headed to the Santoshi Mata Mandir, situated on  a hill, the superstition associated with the temple is that one should not go after eating sour, so being Indian, afraid of Goddess, I controlled my hunger whole day inspite of so many delicious chaat available roadside and especially, when knowing about the delicacies of Rajasthani food, must say, its quite a difficult task for me. Reaching to the pious place in the evening after walking for almost an hour, my myth had been changed positively after talking to the priest who beautifully explained, the sour means the mal thoughts, not the food. He clearly said the goddess itself takes so much sour food, why she would expect her children to come to meet her empty stomach. It is the people who misunderstood her value, she wanted her child to be pure hearted, to be freed from the malicious thoughts, neither she wanted them to take a vow from sour food. Giving her the heartiest prayers and thanking her for the wonderful trip, I reached to the Ganesha temple in Ratantada which is a century old temple.

Outside view of Santoshi Mata Mandir 

I am quite luckiest child of God, firstly because it was the Ganesha Visarjan day, so everywhere I look into the Jodhpur city, the people were in festive mood. Secondly, its the World Tourism day(29 September), so I had not paid for any entry fees of the monuments and camera fees so it saved money for my next trip, yipeee..!! For the first time I realised, that Ganpati Visarjan is not only meant to be celebrated with full boom in Maharashtra, the people in Jodhpur were so excited as well.

Being the true devotee of Ganesha, my happiness didn't know any limits to be a part of the eve. So, I ended my day with the blessings of Ganesha at the Ratantada temple and turned to the Ghantaghar market famous for its clocktower and popular local food and local markets ideal for the shopaholics.

Clock tower view at night

Though, I just chose a day for the city excursion, but there are so many things to explore in the city that the city needs atleast two or more days to feel its beauty.So, if you are planning for the city, spare atleast two days of yours.

Know about the Mandore, the capital of Marwar before the Jodhpur city was founded by Rao Jodha in my next blog "A Trip To Remember - Mandore Gardens".

Check the pics of the places mentioned above on my official facebook page Apex Shine Travels or follow me on instagram @apexshiningneha

JODHPUR- SUN CITY

With a prospect of finding colors and varied culture in India, I've ended in the most colorful state in India, Rajasthan. Travelling to the two most beautiful cities, Blue City and the Golden City made my journey really fruitful and enjoyable.

Since having a strong desire of searching for the colors, I boarded a direct express train to Jodhpur from Delhi, I reached Jodhpur Junction railway station at 8 in the morning.

A day excursion to Jodhpur

It is believed that the first sun rays fall into the land of Jodhpur, thats why the city got its name "Sun City". It is the beautiful city built and discovered by Rao Jodha in the year 1459 A.D., hence one of the oldest fort Mehrangarh fort is located here, outside the boundary of the fort there's located the shining blue city where the Brahmins used to live and is considered as the oldest sacred part of the city. Since most of the houses are painted here with blue color, the city got its other name 'Blue City'.

Jodhpur- blue city

My first attraction point in the city is the oldest Mehrangarh Fort situated at 125 metres  on a hill above the city. It is an enormous fort with narrow courtyards which were built with a thought of not letting the rivalries easily entered into the fort. The entry to the fort started with the blessing of Ganesha and with some tiles embarking the glory of the leaders of Rathore clan. The fort consists of seven huge and ancient Pols(entrance gates) embarking the victory of warriors over the armies of other cities.

Mehrangarh Fort built by Rao Jodha in the year 1459 A.D.

It is a magnificent structure of the antiquated time built by using sandstone showcasing the valor and the enormity of ancient culture and heritage of the Rathore leaders. Inside its boundaries, there are various palaces known for their intricate carvings and expensive courtyards.The rulers in Jodhpur are known as Maharajas and thereby, the fort is a lively example, embarking the glories of their lives as it houses the well stocked museum of various antiquities hold or used by them at that time, be it the armors, warriors, the beautiful antique palanquins, hathi howdahs(elephant seats), the swords, the canons, hammocks used to keep the royal babies inside, the Marwar paintings painted with the natural colors depicting the refinement of the artist which is embraced worldwide, all of them are well enough to realise the grandiloquence of the rich heritage of the Rathore Dynasty preserved very well by its heirs. It is really splendid to see such a rich heritage of India at a single point in the various museums of Fort.

Marwar paintings painted by using natural colours with finest drawings

Armors used by the Rathore Clans at ancient times

Hathi Howdah

Daulat-e-Khana

Inside the fort, it hostages the city market where the things like Marwari suits, stalls, pagris, accessories, etc can be purchased at reasonable rates crafted from camel bone, shells and natural colors. 

Seller selling pagris insiide the fort near kuldevi temple at Mehrangarh Fort

Also, the ancient Chamunda Devi temple is located at the corner of the fort. Inside the temple, the idol of goddess is brought from the Mandore(capital of ancient Marwar before Jodhpur was founded) by Rao Jodha. The speciality about the fort is that it is a masterpiece of ages as the entire fort that stands today is contributed or constructed at some parts by the various rulers of Rathore clan till 18th century.  

Chamunda Temple

Walking through the courtyards of the fort, the glimpse of traditional culture of ancient India and a folklore can be experienced. The throngs of the traditional musical instruments, folk music all let you danced on your feet. Check the videos on my page on facebook Apex Shine Travels

After spending my most of the time in embracing the beauty of fort, I headed my journey towards Jaswant Thada, the beautiful marble architecture, carved out delicately and intricately on marble sheets. It is a place of honouring cenotaphs in order to commemorate the valor and courage shown by the various rulers of Rathore clan. It was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II in 18th century and it embarks the glory of the various rulers till date holding the portraits of various Maharajas and things of their importance. The marble sheets are so intricately carved out in its architecture that they illuminate a light when the sun rays fall on it. Earlier the cenotaphs were used to built in Mandore Gardens, but now the magnificent Jaswant Thada is served as a burial ground of the rulers of Rathore clan.

Jaswant Thada

The other places that holds importance in the Jodhpur city  is Umaid Bhawan Palace where the present Maharaja Gaj Singh is used to stay with his family, Ghantaghar Market, Santoshi Mata Mandir, Ganesha Temple at Ratantada, Mandore Gardens will be featured in my next blog "A day excursion to Jodhpur city(contd.)".

I must say, if you are a culture and heritage lover, than this is the place not to be missed out.

For more pics of the places I've mentioned above, check out my page on facebook Apex Shine Travels and also, follow me on instagram @apexshiningneha