14 Oct Arrival to Jodhpur, India – From my travel journal during our our 16 flight, 5 week journey throughout Asia, Capturing Grace.

Flying over India, en-route to Jodhpur, our hearts were still with people and places that now lie 20,000 feet below. Still processing the experiences and memories from Varanasi, our plane took us to Delhi and then on to Jodhpur, just shy of the border of Pakistan.

No state in India is as rich in magnificent palaces and forts, colorful festivals and bazaars, as Rajasthan. Stretching over 132,124 Square miles, the state is bisected by the Aravalli range, which runs diagonally from the Northeast to the southwest. It’s main river is the Chambal. The Thar Desert, which covers western Rajasthan, was once ruled by three great kingdoms, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bikaner. Shekhawati, with it’s painted havelis (mansions), is in the semi-arid north, while the eastern plains have the bustling state capital, Jaipur, and the Ranthambore National Park, famous for its Tigers. In the hilly, wooded south are the fairytale palaces, lakes and fourths of Udaipur, and the spectacular Jain temples at Ranakpur, and Dilwara in Mount Abu.

Rising out of a sheer 410 foot high rock, Mahrangarh Fort is perhaps the most majestic of Rajasthan forts. Described by and awestruck Rudy Kipling as “the creation of angels, Terry’s and Giants”, Mahrangarh forbidding ram parts are in sharp contrast to the flamboyantly decorated palaces within. Founded by Rao Jodha in 1459, the sandstone port was added to buy later rulers, mostly between the mid-17th and mid 19th century’s. The royal apartments within the fort now form part of it outstanding museum.

Jodhpur is know for it’s colors, the city itself is known as the “blue city” and it’s colorful style spills over to the clothing that is worn here. With Pramod’s help, I donned a Pagadi (colorful turbin) and a Kurta (shirt), it did not not take us long to adapt. ☺️

We loved our accommodations at Shahi guest house, located at the foot of Mahrangarh Fort, watching the sunrise from the roof will remain unforgettable.
I look forward to taking you to an ancient Osian village tomorrow… by camel ?