Jodhpur-Jaisalmer NY Trip - DAY 2

Greetings once again! As we stepped into DAY 2 of the trip, the excitement was still very much alive, if anything, it had only grown stronger overnight.

For me, the true enjoyment begins on DAY 2 with one particular ritual that I look forward to on every trip, and continue religiously until I (somehow) get bored of it. No, it’s not exploring or traveling around… it’s the hotel breakfast. I genuinely can’t explain the obsession. Maybe it’s the break from the usual, repetitive breakfast at home, or maybe it’s just the irresistible variety and taste, it doesn’t even matter. There’s just something about walking into a buffet, plate in hand, ready to try a bit of everything, that feels like pure happiness.

After an absolutely blissful start to Day 2, we were all set to dive into the day’s exploration of the vibrant and bustling town of Jodhpur. Our driver arrived right on time, and soon we were on our way to the magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace.

As we reached, we hired a guide, and the moment we stepped ahead, the sight of the grand ivory-colored palace left us in awe. It stood tall with a quiet elegance . Our guide shared that it is India’s youngest palace, built by Raja Umaid Singh. Construction began in 1928 and took nearly 15 years to complete.

What made the story even more fascinating was the intention behind it. Unlike many royal structures built to showcase wealth and power, this palace was created as a relief project during a severe drought that had struck the region. It provided employment to thousands of people and helped uplift the local economy during the time.

Despite its humble purpose, the palace is nothing short of extraordinary in its grandeur. Even today, it serves as a venue for high-profile weddings and celebrity events. A part of the palace is still home to the royal family of Jodhpur.

After exploring the museum, admiring the vintage car collection (where I happened to run into a senior from my school), and, of course, capturing countless photos,

Soon after, we coordinated with my uncle to decide on a meeting point. We made our way back to the Clock Tower and finally met my uncle and aunt, along with my cousin brother and sister. Since it was already lunchtime and they had just arrived after a long journey, we decided to head to a nearby restaurant to relax and enjoy a hearty meal together. 

On our way, we also made a stop at the beautiful Toorji Ka Jhalra (Toorji’ s Stepwell). This historic marvel holds a special place in the city’s story, as it is one of the few structures commissioned by a queen. Built not just for beauty but for purpose, it once served as a vital water source, offering relief to the people during harsh droughts. Today, its intricate steps and symmetrical design make it a visual treat, and honestly, it felt like every corner was made for photographs. Unsurprisingly, none of the members could resist clicking endless pictures!

Soon after, we headed for lunch at a rooftop restaurant that offered a stunning view of the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. With delicious food on our plates and the grand fort standing tall in the backdrop, it was one of those moments where everything just felt perfect, good vibes, great food, and an even better view.

Post lunch, we decided to tweak our itinerary a little and explore the old part of Jodhpur, famously known as the Blue City. True to its name, the area is a mesmerizing maze of houses painted in shades of blue. This wasn’t just for aesthetics, the color helps keep the homes cooler in the scorching desert heat. Walking these narrow lanes, absorbing the cool blue, felt almost surreal. And what luck, we had stumbled into yet another place that felt like a paradise for photography lovers!

As the day came to an end, we returned to our resort, where a cozy bonfire awaited us, sitting under the open sky ,we chilled out the evening near a bonfire and wrapped up our exhilarating DAY 2, already excited and curious for what Day 3 had in store.