Night Polo in Jaipur

As daylight slipped away and Jaipur’s October evening settled over the polo ground, the floodlights flickered on, illuminating the horses, riders and the ball. Having always watched polo in the daytime, I had imagined night polo as something of an aberration.

Yet beneath the lights, with the cooler air and the sudden drama of the illuminated field, it felt not only natural but unexpectedly magical.

As the warm October sun faded and the lights came on, the game began. It was an exhibition match featuring 2 teams from Mayo College, Ajmer, one of India’s well-known public schools.

Among the players was the erstwhile swashbuckling Maharaja, Padmanabh Singh, playing for one of the teams. Both sides put in a spirited effort, and what stood out was the camaraderie among the players, even as the competition unfolded.

In Rajasthan, dusk brings a welcome drop in temperature, making the evenings particularly pleasant in October. For this relatively new format, the turnout was commendable. Chairs had been arranged on either side of the ground, allowing spectators to settle in and enjoy the match.

For guests visiting Jaipur, a polo match is an experience worth looking out for during your stay. It is a sport that can be enjoyed without an entry fee, offering a wonderful opportunity to spend an hour soaking in the spirit of Jaipur while watching some accomplished players and magnificent horses in action.

Barwara Kothi is an ideal place to stay as the Rajasthan Polo Ground is just 2-2.5 kms away!