Jodhpur-Jaisalmer NY Trip - DAY 3

As we stepped into Day 3, New Year was around the corner. The thought of ending the year at such a high octane put us all into high spirits. With Jaisalmer still left to experience, we were ready to make the most of every moment this day had to offer.

Y’all must be thinking, it’s our final day in the vibrant city of Jodhpur, and we still haven’t visited the awe-inspiring Mehrangarh Fort. But hey, we saved the very best for last. We enjoyed a relaxed breakfast at the hotel (and I still wasn’t bored of it), went through our daily fit check (still don’t get the point of it), and then made our way toward the city’s most iconic attraction, the grand, historic, centuries old — Mehrangarh Fort.

Perched atop a hill, the majestic fort not only provided a strategic advantage against enemies and asserted dominance, but also served as a lookout over the Blue City. Today, it stands as a major tourist attraction, generating significant revenue each day while also supporting traditional artisans and helping preserve their craft. Without a guide, one could easily get lost in that age-old maze. Thankfully, we had a guide and learnt a lot regarding their culture. We were told that the kings had a royal arsenal and at the same time they had an opulent taste in art, jewelry and clothing. The museums contained a wide range of artefacts from cumbersome, gold-plated weapons and armor to intricately detailed miniature paintings. At the end of the tour, we stopped at a merchandise shop and a traditional Rajasthani market that offered a wide variety of goods, ranging from shoes and clothing to carved ivory jewelry. After a brief shopping spree, we split into groups: my uncle, aunt, and cousins went on to visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace, while the rest of us headed for lunch.

Our chauffeur recommended a café where we once again indulged in some finger-licking Rajasthani cuisine. On our first day at the hotel, I had noticed a sign at the reception that read, “Free Go-Karting for Hotel Guests!!” After a long day of sightseeing, and knowing it was our last day in Jodhpur, my excitement turned into impatience. After countless requests, my parents finally agreed, and we made our way to the track.

We booked three karts and began racing. For ten thrilling minutes, we raced against the wind, it was an absolutely exhilarating first experience. I would gladly do it again whenever I get the chance. When we returned to our resort and shared our experience with my uncle and father, they were intrigued and decided to give it a try themselves. They too thoroughly enjoyed the excitement and thrill of go-karting. 

Finally, the moment arrived, we were stepping into a brand new year. To celebrate, we headed to a restaurant, where we ate to our hearts’ content while some of us happily captured countless photos.  After a delightful evening, we returned to the resort, filled with excitement. As the clock struck midnight, we welcomed the first moments of the new year by dancing energetically to Punjabi music, surrounded by sparkling firecrackers lighting up the night sky. It was a truly magical, unforgettable and  electrifying experience.

It was the perfect ending to our time in Jodhpur, a city that had given us experience, adventure, and memories, but the journey was far from over. We knew that Day 4 held another adventure, our much-awaited trip to Jaisalmer, the Golden City, where new sights waited to be seen and moments waited to be experienced.