Hit the road

Well fortified

Jodhpur, ancient capital of the Rathores, is really just another dusty Rajasthani town. However, the fact that the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort is situated here more than makes up for anything else.

This is probably the best fort in the country and the private trust that manages it does a superb job. Walk around and you'll see chambers, the throne room, a great museum and, best of all, the ramparts, from where the view is breathtaking "� Jodhpur's blue houses stretching into the distance make for quite a sight.

The Umaid Bhawan Palace, India's largest art-deco building, is worth a look too. It's austere in character, but it's quite an experience walking around inside it.

Jodhpur is 630 km from Delhi via Beawar and Rohet. There are any number of places to stay here. The Umaid Bhawan Palace (Ph: 0291-2510101, Rs 8,000 onwards), if you can afford it, is a luxurious option. There's also Quality Inn Chandra (Ph: 0291-2433610, Rs 1,200 onwards).