my story: 2025

06 December 2025

On the Rocks, Jodhpur.

Anuj loves food.

When visiting new places, when 'googling', along with places of attractions, etc, he also googles for 'best chaat in ( place to be visited)', etc.

Another good source is the driver of the local taxi you have hired for the duration of the trip.

From these sources, for Jodhpur, we got Shahi for Samosa, Surya for Kaochri, Chaturbhuj for Gulabjamun, Janta for Ghaver, Gypsy for Rajasthani Thali, and On the Rocks for Lal Mas (Red Mutton).

Believe you me, we tried everything, and it seemed that the sources were not lying.

Now it was the turn of 'On the Rocks' for Lal Mas.

Located in a single-story block of about 10 odd shops with a frontage of only about 10 feet, sandwiched between Kanchhi Jewellers and GS Art and Craft shops, 'On the Rocks' did not look impressive at all. Looks were deceptive. Like an iceberg, it showed much less than what it hid.

Once you enter, first sight to greet you is an impressive artificial 10 odd feet waterfall from the wall built of big rough rock blocks. The Pintails, the Red Stone Cafe, and the Tipsy Buffalo Bar, in fact, the whole place is built using only big blocks of rock. Maybe the reason for its name.

Thereafter, the property is fairly large. An open courtyard large enough to accommodate 15 to 20 tables, accommodating four diners. It serves as an open-air dining hall. There are a large number of huge 20 years plus- old trees and other plants and giving shade and a very good, close-to-nature ambience to this open-air dining hall. Sounds of bird calls and Chirping of birds further added to this close-to-nature feel. Only after a little while, you realise that these bird sounds are recordings. Lowering the volume may extend the make-believe close to nature feel.

During the time of our visit, mid-November, it was very pleasant, and we decided to enjoy our lal-mas in the open dining hall.

For starters, we had Mixed Non-Veg Platter and Bruschetta. For the meal we had, Jeera Rice, Tandoor Roti, Dal Tadka, Chicken Curry, and of course the Lal Mas.

The starters were quite good, and so was the rest of the food. Lal- Mas deserved and stood up to its fame.

The service was good.

On the Rocks, Kaya, still in her photo shoot dress.

Kaya, her photo-shoot dress.at On the Rocks. Jodhpur.

The waterfall. On the Rocks. Jodhpur.

The Water Fall. On the Rocks. Jodhpur.

On the Rocks. Jodhpur.

Indoor dining hall.

Tipsy Buffalo, the bar. On the Rocks. Jodhpur.

Open air dining hall, On the Rocks. Jodhpur.

Bruschetta. On the Rocks. Jodhpur.

Mixed Non Veg Platter.

Dal Tadka and Chicken. On the Rocks. Jodhpur.

The Lal mas,

Tandori Roti

Jeera Rice.

05 December 2025

Gypsy Restaurant- Review.

We were told, if you visit Jodhpur, go to Gypsy, famous for its authentic Rajasthani Thali.

So during our recent visit to Jodhpur, we did visit Gypsy. It is a 'Vegetarian only' restaurant.

The Gypsy occupies two floors. The ground floor caters for a wide variety of snacks and mini meals. From chats and snacks from North India, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, South Indian specialities, dosa, idly etc etc., not to be outdone in varieties, they also serve Continental, Mexican, Italian and Mediterranean snacks. Then there are iecereams, various shakes, etc Just mind-boggling varieties.

Thali is not served on the ground floor; it is served on the first floor. Entrance is by a staircase on the side of the building.

When we reached, the dining hall was almost full, and we occupied one of the very few remaining tables. The place was doing good business.

So far as the ambience is concerned, it was a purely business-like arrangement with putting in as many tables as was conveniently possible.

The table was already laid out with a thali with bowls neatly arranged, ready to be served as soon as the customers were settled.

As soon as we had settled, there was a parade-like queue of servers, each with a serving vessel that had two types of food items. Each server called out the name of the item he was serving; this way, the customer knew what was being served. For example, the first one called out 'kadhi' and 'Raita'. Another one, 'Ker ' and 'Sangari', which incidentally are two of "the" many Rajasthani cuisine items.

Gradually, all eight bowls were filled. Further, the sides of the plate were also filled, then the centre, eventually the complete tahali was filled. Sweets and "churma" formed part of the centre serving. See photo.

Service was good. Waiters were going around asking for anything needed and serving the required items.

Thali lived up to its reputation. Tasted typical Rajasthani dishes. found them a bit spicy for our taste.

The Gypsy thali was good as a change.

Gypsy, Jodhpur.

Rajasthani Thali at Gypsy.

Konark War Musium.

KONARK WAR MUSEUM.

As I am a retired Air Force officer and I was staying at the guest house of 59 Medium Regiment, located right across the road from the Memorial, we just walked across there, so I am unaware of the procedure. However, as the Konark War Memorial is located in Jodhpur Military Station, all civilians desirous of visiting the memorial are advised to check the procedure for entry prior to visiting the Konark War Memorial.

A memorial where tanks, guns and aircraft are displayed dispersed over a very large and well-maintained area. Each equipment has a plaque giving brief details about the equipment. Very inspiring and well done.

The black top road leads you up to the heart of the memorial. You can either see the war equipment first and then go to the memorial proper or the other way around.

If you want to see the memorial and all the items on display, it may take an hour plus and involve a lot of walking. So be mentally prepared. Avoid hotter parts of the day for the visit.

Konark War Museum is one of the best war museums seen by me.

Its plan, layout and execution have been done very imaginatively and artistically and aesthetically.

As you approach the memorial, you see a beautiful and grand sight of artistically engraved pillars and the statues of war hero awardees who made the supreme sacrifice, all arranged in a semi-circular pattern, further up, stairs climb through an enclosure where engraved plaques describe various battles fought by the Konark Corps and the nominal role of gallantry awardees who made supreme sacrifice in all those battles.

Climb further up, and there is the Grand Memorial Pillar topped with Ashok Lion embalm dedicated to the fallen heroes who made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the motherland.

The Grand Memorial Pillar is enclosed by circularly arranged, red sandstone pillars with a stone lamp post of stone jali . Each pillar represents a unit under the command of the Corps that participated in various wars.

Behind this is the great 108-foot-tall tricolour falg post.

This sight is emotionally overwhelming.

On the left is Desert Corps Prerana Sthal. Engraved plaques mounted on red sandstone slabs give brief descriptions of six battles of outstanding bravery, Courage and sacrifice fought by the corps. These are: Raid at Chachro, the Battle of Khinsar, the Battle of Parbat Ali, the Battle of Lungewala, the Battle of Gadra City and lastly the Battle of Islangarh.

After reading these descriptions, you feel the name "Prerna Stahal", a 'place to inspire', is very apt.

Visiting the Konark Memorial was indeed a memorable and moving experience.

Just a couple of observations.

The statues of the Heroes were all covered with thick covers. The desire of the unit to save these statues from the ravages of very harsh desert weather is understandable; however, it denies the visitors who come to pay their homage to fallen warriors a glimpse of their appearance. The cover of the statues could at least be removed in the early morning and late evening hours when the weather conditions are not so harsh.

The approach to the tanks, guns and other equipment on display is either not there or not clearly visible. We had to go cross-country through rough ground. Not a pleasant experience. A properly marked approach path should connect all the items on display.

At the Konark War Memorial.

To commemorate the 'valour, courage and sacrifice of the desert corps warriors' as part of Swarnim Vijay Varsh celebrations, a major upgradation was undertaken at the existing war memorial estd on 26 Feb 05.

A 'Prerana Sthal' has been dedicated to commemorate victory in six major battles fought during 1971 ops, along the western front in Rajasthan and Gujarat Theatres.

To signify the might of indian armed forces and motivate future generations, a total of nine military equipment, including two Marut aircraft, are on display, suitably merging with the landscape.

A 'Pakistani Sherman tank' captured during 1971 ops has been placed at the entrance of the war memorial with lowered barrel saluting the valour and supremacy of the indian armed forces. To enhance the aesthetics, an environmental park has been created, merged with natural surroundings, encompassing six new waterfalls & fountains, with over three acres of lush green cover and plantation of more than five hundred trees and bougainvillaea with white flowers signifying eternal peace to the fallen heroes.

On the occasion of Swarnim Vijay Varsh and 36th raising day of the corps, the upgraded Konark War Memorial has been dedicated to Jodhpur Military Station

GOC and all ranks of 12 Corps

26 Feb 22

Sword in line 24x7 x 12

Sunset at the Konark War Memorial.

Captured Pakistani Sherman Tank with lowered turret on display at Konark War Memorial

Sunset at the Konark War Memorial.

As you approach the memorial, you see a beautiful and grand sight of artistically engraved pillars and the statues of war hero awardees who made the supreme sacrifice, all arranged in a semi-circular pattern, further up, stairs climb through an enclosure where engraved plaques describe various battles fought by the Konark Corps and the nominal role of gallantry wardees who made supreme sacrife in all those battles.

Climb further up, and there is the Grand memorial pillar topped with Ashok Lion embalm dedicated to the fallen heroes who made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the motherland.

This is enclosed by circularly arranged, red sandstone pillars. Each pillar represents a unit under the command of the Corps that participated in various wars. Behind this is the great 108-foot-tall tricolour post.

Konark War Memorial.

Dedicated to the fallen heroes who made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the motherland

Grand memorial pillar topped with Ashok Lion embalm dedicated to the fallen heroes who made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the motherland.

This is enclosed by circularly arranged, red sandstone pillars . Each pillar represents a unit under the command of the Corps.

This sight is emotionally overwhelming.

View of Uned Bhavan from the Konark War Memorial.

At Konark War Memorial.

108 ft flag pole has been dedicated to the Konark War Memorial by the President's Flag Foundation of India in the presence of GOC Konark Corps on the occasion of Vijay Diwas (16 Dec 2022)

Desert Corps Prerana Sthal. Engraved plaques mounted on red sandstone slabs give brief descriptions of six battles of outstanding bravery, Courage and sacrifice fought by the corps. Raid at Chachro, Battle of Khinsar, Battle of Parbat Ali, Battle of Lungewala, Battle of Gadra City and lastly the Battle of Islangarh. After reading these descriptions, you feel the name "Prerna Stahal", a place to inspire, is very apt.

An enclosure where engraved plaques describe various battles fought by the Konark Corps and the nominal role of gallantry wardees who made supreme sacrifice in all those battles.

30 November 2025

Camp - E - Khas.

The location of Camp E Khas resort is a bit off the main route in a quiet solitude.

The tents were spacious and comfortable. I do not think I have ever stayed in a place where an air conditioner and a heater as well, were provided. This was a thoughtful gesture because during this month, and particularly during our stay, daytime temperatures were high, and the nighttime temperatures were quite low, so both an air conditioner as well as a heater were required.

Hotel staff have to be told to switch over from the air conditioner to the heater.

The food was good.

The evening entertainment was also good. With one of the lady dancer giving good performance. Nimuda singer and Kerpal dholak players were also very good.

The staff was very helpful and met all our requirements. A particular mention of Mr Prem Singh, the Manager, he went out of his way to restore my backpack, which we had forgotten at the resort. The fact that the backpack was restored the next day at a place called Manavar Resort, at a distance of more than 200 KMs, clearly reflects the thought and the effort he had taken to return my backpack. Many thanks to him.

The Jeep Safari was not good. The jeep ride was just that, a mad rush at breakneck speed from the resort to the sand dunes. No resemblance at all to a safari-like drive. It appeared that the sole aim of the driver was to squeeze in as many trips as humanly possible before sunset.

A comfortable and nice stay.

Near Reception. Camp - E - Khas.

Tented accommodation at Camp - E - Khas.

Dressing Room. Camp - E - Khas.

Bath Room. Camp - E - Khas.

Toilet. Camp - E - Khas.

An area for cultural programmes in the evening.

Dining Hall and an area for cultural programmes in the evening.

Dining Hall. Camp - E - Khas.

Enjoying the evening. cultural show.

28 November 2025

Manvar Shergarh, The Desert Resort

An afternoon check-in and next day afternoon checkout. Just an overnight, but a most memorable and enjoyable stay. Excellent weather with just a nip in the air was also a great help in making the stay very comfortable. Manvar Shergarh, The Desert Resort is located almost halfway between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer on Rajasthan State Highway 28. If your aim is to visit Rajasthan for sightseeing, the tourist attractions at Jaisalmer or Jodhpur, sightseeing at either Jaisalmer or Jodhpur, while staying at Manavar Shergarh, the Desert Resort, is not possible, and so it would not be a place for you to stay. If you just want to 'chill - out', get away from it all, the mad rush of life, just relax and de-stress, ManvarShergarh, the Desert Resort is just the place for you. Many years ago, the place started as a roadside tea shack serving tea and local snacks. Due to the good and tasty quality of food and service, it gained popularity. Business thrived. Over the years, the property was expanded, and it is a substantial property today. At some distance, a "Tented- Resort" has also been added. We did not have a look at it. Extensive tree plantations over the years have made the property a green, thickly wooded oasis in the harsh desert surroundings. The swimming pool is stunning in the midst of a desert. The rooms and the property is tastefully adorned with plentiful, local, Rajasthani knick-knacks and artefacts. They add a really nice touch and a visual delight. Rooms are comfortable and spacious. Staff is polite and attentive to your every need and provide service with a smile. Food is tasty and not too spicy. Prepared as your requirements and served hot. Hugely enjoyed the "egg bhurjee" and all the food we had ordered. The room rentals put Manvar Shergarh, the Desert Resort in the 'mid-range' category. However, the prices on the menu card with a cup of tea, if my memory serves me right, at Rs 174/-, definitely puts it in the 'luxury' category, but let that not deter you. I would definitely recommend it and would love to repeat the experience.