I am a big fan of stepwells. When I realized that there is a stepwell, Toorji ka Jhalra in the old city at Jodhpur, I decided to go to the bavdi.
The cab dropped me off at Ghanta Ghar or the clock tower. It was my first foray into the old city even though this was my second trip to Jodhpur.
Right at the Ghanta Ghar there are two legendary shops, Janta Sweets and Mishrilal Hotel. Take your fill of Kachori, lassi, mirchi vada and the likes from these shops. Or like me, you can leave it for later.
Stops on the Way to the Toorji Ka Jhalra
I was walking straight to theToorji ki Baori. But on the way there are street vendors selling all kind of Knick knacks. I was stopped by a bangle seller and I ended up buying some for my daughter.
I next stopped at the Moon House Haveli which is home to popular Indian Brands like Andraab, Nicobar, Good Earth, Forest Essentials etc.
I was curious and went into Andraab declaring right at the door that I was only looking around. I was still welcome and I had a great chat about handicrafts, Pashmina and Kashmir. They have stunning designs at stunning prices.
I also had a great conversation with the staff at Good Earth. I did not know that it was a Royal Enfield venture! The Dharamshala Tea Company which sells through Good Earth was doing a tea tasting session at the Haveli. I did end up buying tea for home!
Toorji Ka Jhalara
The legend says that the stepwell was built by a queen, consort of Maharaja Abhaya Singh in 1740. But like many things in India it turned into a garbage dump in the modern times. Then came the JDH Restoration Project. JDH is the airport code for Jodhpur. You can read an account of JDH and restoration from the links.
Then I ventured to the Tooriji Baoli and I was then immersed in taking pictures. The Baoli is popular both with the tourists and locals, all trying to find a good angle and a good picture! I even gate crashed a plandid at the baori, that is the first picture in this post!
The day was already turning hot in February. There were only a few locals and tourists hanging around. I have a feeling that the local youth still swims in the baori.
Cafes by the Toorji ka Jhalara Baoli
Then I headed to the Open House Cafe which is right next to the Toorji Baoli. There are two actually, the other called the Stepwell Cafe. I liked the blues of the Open House and decided to give them a try. I can vouch that Maggi tastes great near a stepwell too!
Lassi, Kachoris and the Like
I then started my walk back to the Ghanta Ghar but I had enough time to visit Misrilal Hotel and have a mawa Kachori and Makhania Lassi. Both tasted divine and I was ready to head back to my cozy homestay Surya Kunj!
If you are visiting Jodhpur do not miss out on visiting Toorji ka Jhalra. The whole area is amazingI am told there are more stepwells in the city, so that information has been stored for the next visit.
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Nice pictures ?
Thanks for sharing ?
Thank you Sachin!
The photo of the step well with the green water is my favourite. Can’t wait to pay another visit to Jodhpur.
Hope you will go soon Kalpana!
This is beautiful.
Thank you Vishkha!
lovely captures
I also visited it during my trip to jodhpur; steps away from city center
I am told there are many stepwells in Jodhpur! I so want to visit more!
I like to watch stepwells too. I think the visual effects create some impact on our mind and brain, they are therapeutic. Thanks for the beautiful clicks, Mridulaji. The bangles are lovely!
Yes Sindhu the symmetry is amazing in the stepwells! Thank you so much for stopping by!
amazing pictures thanks for sharing
Thank you Shrey!
Step wells make such great subjects for photos, no?
Yes Divya there is one close to Jaipur which I need to visit!
बावली देखने का शौक मुझे भी बहुत है और दिल्ली की ज्यादातर बावली देखि हैं , अभी बूंदी की “रानी की बावली ” भी देखने का मौका मिला लेकिन जोधपुर का “तुरी जी का झालड़ा ” बहुत खूबसूरत लगा और ये ऐसी पहली बावली है जिसमें मुझे पानी दिखा 🙂 शानदार
Will explore this place on next visit
Pictures are awesome. I am thinking of giving Jodhpur another visit.
Thank you Jodhpur is worth a revisit!
5th photo is my fvrt … Nice article
Thank you Ankit!