Jodhpuri Christmas

One would talk about the fine Jodhpuri sherwanis or the bandhnis after a trip to this blue city. But what I want to share is this cosy little guest house called Mandore guest house and the Christmas eve we spent here. There is a narrow lane right opposite Mandore gardens strewn with construction debris, cow dung, ashrams, teashops which takes you to this leafy haven. At first one is a bit skeptic about the place but as soon as the guard boy opens the huge gate to let your car in, you get transformed to a different place.

I must give my husband due credit for finding this place and doing a bit of reading on what to expect. Much to my amazement, two dogs emerged from nowhere and my husband promptly asked the boy -"where is the third one?" He knew them by names. This trip planning was entirely left to him unlike out earlier trip where I was always in charge.

Mandore has some 15 odd cottages with a little private garden table outside where they serve all your meals. It is a family run place so your experience is lot like living in some one's house as guests. We arrived early at 5:45am and the sun was just rising. The sleepy guard boy took our bags in and we happened to ask about breakfast time. "Apko jo khana ho vo hum bana denge jiji". Wow! I would rather go back to my warm quilt than cook breakfast for a guest. But as promised, in half an hour our parathas, poha & chai arrived on the cosy table outside.

It is a vey unhotel like place where food is made fresh at your request, the owners drop by to check whether you are comfortable, no intercoms or TV, clean rooms reflecting the vibrant Rajasthani essence. This place is for the people who want to get away from urban spaces and unwind with nature and fair amount of comfort. The food is superb and their Daal bati is to die for. In the evenings the whole place is lit up with small lamps. Since we visited on Christmas eve, the place looked even more festive.