Pushkar to Mehrangarh Fort : Jodhpur

Pushkar

Our aim for the day was to hit Jodhpur by tonight so after having in-bed breakfast, we started our day. A beautiful bright sunny day awaited us. Our first destination in Pushkar was Bramha temple. The only Bramha temple in the world. Like many other temples, this temple was less crowded, then expected. Camera’s and bags are prohibited inside temple. So please keep all your belongings in safe lockers or hand over to local shopkeepers at your own risk.

Once we came out we walked towards the pushkar lake. If you are interested in taking bath in lake first and then move for temple, its absolutely no problem. They have changing rooms for ladies near ghats. It has various ghats so you can enter from any side. Pushkar market also have few good house furnishing shops. I have already appraised you about your bargaining skills while shopping in Jaipur. Here the competition between shopkeepers favours you. Pushkar is a small market with lot many shopkeepers selling same products.

We moved towards lake and entered the old market. Did I mentioned about the ‘Maalpuye’? Pushkar’s maalpuye are quite famous in Rajasthan. You should try them from any local sweet shop here and then enter the ghats. Here you can also enjoy the camel safari. After visiting lake and local market we came back to our tent. We packed our luggage and moved for our next destination i.e Jodhpur.

We hit the road around 1100h. Its almost 0430h drive from Pushkar to Jodhpur. Enroute you will find a place with lots of temples on hilltop. It’s a nice place for nature photography.

Mehrangarh Fort : Jodhpur

We reached Jodhpur around 1600h and went straight to Mehrangarh fort. The entry to fort closes at 1700h. There is ample of space for parking near fort. The moment you enter the main gate, the magnificent view amazes you. The fort been filmed in many Bollywood movies. Prominently in ‘Sudh desi romance’ and ‘Thugs of Hindostan’. The unique huge entrance gates with smaller and steep roads was to defend the fort in case of any attack mounted on elephants. A word of advice, please wear flats, as on steep stone built roads, it will be painful to walk with high heels. While the return journey will be even more painful. For adventure lover looking for adrenaline rush flying fox has six zipline here. You will get entry from security check post without buying any ticket.

The fort recently been converted into a museum. It also has a goddess Durga temple and three courtyards, all different from each other carving and color of stones. The restoration work done inside has devoured the authenticity and history of the fort. Few locations untouched including the ‘Royal Darbar’ (royal court). We left from fort around 1800h and reached the old market or called as Ghantaghar market. The market at night becomes lively. Its main attraction is the ‘stone carved’ clock tower in center of market. You will find many shops for cloths and handicraft. There are two outlets of ‘Rajsthali’ as well. But if you are not desperate and Jaipur is on your list of destination, then do buy stuffs from Jaipur or Pushkar.

At 2130h we headed towards our guestroom which was arranged by one of our friends. Dinner was planned at room only. Tomorrow we are heading to Udaipur.