We’d heard and read about this place, somewhere in the terraces of Meharangarh Fort, that is known for it’s
traditional Rajasthani food and the view. Of course, the man behind the counter
at our hotel tried to discourage us from going there saying there are much more
“happening” places in Jodhpur serving much more variety.
As the tuk-tuk actually started proceeding towards the fort through the pitch-dark
roads of Jodhpur, with the Fort now looking dark and forbidding, the streets
started deserting and the city’s blue hue started shimmering in the amber
of the setting sun. As we saw the city lights come on, we reached the gates of
the Fort…by now we were the only tourists around. Dropping us at the gate, the
tuk-tuk driver left with the promise to return in a couple of hours to pick us
up.
The contrast in the mindset and the buildup of suspense, followed by
this amazing site was absolutely amazing! The walls of the fort had hidden
lights mysteriously lighting us the numerous intricately carved windows were
throwing shadows everywhere. No words can actually describe the experience in
totality.
Having decided to utilize our evening doing shopping and work up an
appetite for our big dinner, we raided the market and returned empty both in our
stomach and our wallets!
As the tuk-tuk actually started proceeding towards the fort through the pitch-dark
roads of Jodhpur, with the Fort now looking dark and forbidding, the streets
started deserting and the city’s blue hue started shimmering in the amber
of the setting sun. As we saw the city lights come on, we reached the gates of
the Fort…by now we were the only tourists around. Dropping us at the gate, the
tuk-tuk driver left with the promise to return in a couple of hours to pick us
up.
We cautiously walked up the ramparts of the fort…aware of every step we
took and jumping at the slightest sound. The Fort loomed ahead…almost menacingly! As we walked up, expecting to be attacked at each turn, a security guard with an
equally scary moustache greeted us politely and informed us that the fort
elevator, which would’ve taken us straight unto the terrace, is out of order
and hence a jeep shall be arranged. The jeep arrived in a couple of minutes and
drove us through the dark and winding path up the fort. By the time we reached the Fort Museum, we
realized that we were the only outsiders here and even if we shouted, no one would hear us…was this all planned??
A new guard in complete Rajasthani attire came up and escorted us down
the numerous narrow passages to our destination…or was it heaven on earth?
A sprawling terrace high up on one side of the fort with 7 to 8 tables laid
out, a bard playing a haunting Rajathani tune on his Ravanhatta in the corner
and the twinkling lights of Jodhpur city far below! This was ethereal…
The contrast in the mindset and the buildup of suspense, followed by
this amazing site was absolutely amazing! The walls of the fort had hidden
lights mysteriously lighting us the numerous intricately carved windows were
throwing shadows everywhere. No words can actually describe the experience in
totality.
The food and the warmth in the hospitality was amazing. We are sure that
no other experience of ours could equal this one. The music was haunting, the
desert night air was getting chill as we returned to our hotel. As we retired,
we were in a trance. It was living a dream…
