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Caption: JODHPUR The Jewel Of Rajasthan
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Caption: Known as The Blue City or The Sun City, Jodhpur sits right in the heart of Rajasthan,
A few days work trip gave me a glimpse of its glorious history, rich culture and vibrant street life.
And here are some impressions...
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Caption: It all started here.. At Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Situated on top of the Chittar Hill, this palace was amongst the last ones to be built in India.
Construction works started in 1928 in order to provide employment to thousand of people during the period of drought and famine. Sixteen years later, in 1943, the palace was finally completed.
Today it still remains a home place to the Royal family, part of the palace is managed by Taj Hotel and it also houses a museum.
Couple of days spent there made me feel like a princess myself.
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Caption: H V Lanchester was the architect of the palace and he designed it as per Beaux Arts style also known as Indo-Art-Deco.
Interior decorations were taken care by Stefan Norblin.
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Caption: C e n t r a l D o m e
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Caption: M a r w a r H a l l
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Caption: Breakfast on the Pillar Terrace in peacock's company :)
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Caption: Coming up higher to see..
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Caption: The Presidential suite of His Hihgness Maharaja Umaid Singhji who died 4 years later the Palace was constructed.
Today it's headed by the grandson, His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh II.
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Caption: Inauguration Day for young Gaj Singh II who became a prince at the age of only 4 years old.
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Caption: One of the best views on the town from the Sunset Pavilion rooftop terrace.
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Caption: As we say goodbye to this one of a kind place, let's walk Jodhpur streets and see what's happening there
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Caption: Blue is Blue! It's impossible to imagine India without colors and, certainly, Jodhpur is not an exception.
Have a look at moments I captured from the streets of the old city.
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Caption: As you can see, old town streets can be very busy but also very quiet and peaceful.
There, you are walking through crowded markets with donkeys, cows and sheeps on your way, but if you just turn around the corner, you realize there is almost nobody..maybe some children playing, women sitting outside their houses, welcoming you with Hindi "Namaste!".
Such a contrast, in a way, is very typical for India, nothing is ever the same.
And then you take the next turn..
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Caption: Jodhpur's Stepwell.
Built in 1748 during the reign of Maharaja Abhaya Singh of Marwar.
Worth to see in the evening with candle lights
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Caption: Can't miss telling you about Yogi's guest house. Situated in the center of the blue city, nearby the main landmarks , this family place is an absolute delight. I stayed here for the last two nights in Jodhpur and will definitely recommend to those who is looking for an authentic place to experience.
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Caption: As you enter the house
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Caption: Chai is coming! Laura is happy.
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Caption: The view from the rooftop terrace over the symbol of Jodhpur - Meharangh Fort, - my next destination!
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Caption: It was built in 1458 on a rocky cliff of the mountain of bird by the founder of Jodhpur, Rao Jodhaji. The name Mehrangarh means "fort of the sun".
One of the largest forts in Rajasthan, it contains some of the finest palaces and preserves in its museum many priceless relics on Indian county life.
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Caption: Palaces have such an intricate carving that it appears as poetry in stone.
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Caption: P h o o l M a h a l
( F l o w e r P a l a c e )
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Caption: M o t i M a h a l
( P e a r l P a l a c e)
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Caption: Spaces and palaces in the fort are interconnected through courtyards and corridors, typical for Rajput architecture .
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Caption: And this way is leading to Chamunda Mataji Temple. She was the favorite goddess of Rao Jodha. He brought her idol from the old capital of Mandore in 1460 and installed her in Meharangh. She remains adopted goddess of the royal family and worshiped by most of Jodhpur's citizens as well.
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Caption: Beautiful panorama is waiting for you as you reach the temple.
Here, through the windows in the fortress wall, you can overview different parts of the town: old city, blue city (behind me) and new city.
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Caption: Meharangh Fort is standing on a perpendicular cliff , 400 feet above the skyline of Jodhpur, much has been written about the Citadel of the Sun. Truly, it is one of the most Impressive in all Rajasthan, and today it's acknowledged as one of the best preserved forts in India.
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Caption: A Palace that
might have been built by Titans and colored by the morning sun" Rudyard Kipling
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Caption: Leaving this place with a feeling I saw a wonder and touched the history.
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Caption: My last morning in the Sun city and visiting another architectural marvel is the plan.
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Caption: SMILE! because it's one of the best things in life you can do for free:)
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Caption: Walking upstairs...
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Caption: through the rocky passage..
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Caption: getting closer..
(And, you know, this view is already taking my breath away)
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Caption: Entering the main gate
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Caption: And here it is, Jaswant Thada in its full splendor.
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Caption: Famed as one of the most beautiful white marble cenotaphs, it was built in 1899 by Maharaja Sardar Singh in commemoration of his father Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
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Caption: This is a domed hall of the main memorial which is built like a temple.
Inside there are beautiful sculptures and portraits of the various rulers of Jodhpur.
I was told, the marble used for its construction is the same one as was used to build The Great Taj Mahal in Agra. It's six-inches thick, so the sunlight is coming through the walls which makes such a beautiful effect. You can see it on the video as well.
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Caption: It is believed , if you tie something on this rope and make a wish it will come true. I tied:)..
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Caption: Quiet surroundings make this place very peaceful and after walking around the monument, it is so nice to relax under the tree in the garden and just do nothing..
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Caption: I wish I could stay longer and discover more places but it's time to leave and I'm heading to the airport on this high-speed rickshaw :) The driver was very proud of his auto , making me understand that I was having a superior service. How sweet is this!
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Caption: The End.
Thank you for reading my story!
Hope you enjoyed.
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