We wake after a great night’s sleep and reflect on the fact that the two best places we’ve stayed so far in India have been the two that are the least expensive. Ratan Villas is approximately £38 a night and it’s just perfect.
We are also feeling in high spirits as we increase our knowledge and use of Hindi, much to the amusement and smiles of the locals.
After a hot shower (hurrah) and breakfast, we head off to the Mehrangarh Fort with a quick stop off at the Fort's mausoleum.
Pic 1: The beautiful mausoleum.
Pic 2 and 3: Jem and Phil's skills impress the locals...
Pic 4: The local spinning tops.
Mehrangarh is an imposing fort built straight out of the rocks keeping a watchful eye over Jodhpur.
In 1459 Rao Jodha laid the foundation of what was destined to become one of the mightiest forts of all time; Mehrangarh, Citadel of the Sun. Today, the beautiful palaces and dazzling Period Rooms of the Fort have been converted into a unique museum that houses an impressive collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs, cradles, minature paintings, weapons, turbans…the magnificent heritage of the Rathores of Marwar-Jodhpur. (Okay, that’s straight out of the guide but it’s an accurate description!)
This place is amazing. On the outside it’s a hugely impressive rock fort, but inside it’s beautifully and intricately designed and built. It’s unbelievable to think that the two can go so well together. The current Maharaja was ordained in 1952 at the age of four when his father was killed in a plane crash. He is the first to live as a ‘normal person’ not a ‘King’ as a result of independence in 1948 where the Maharaja system was dissembled in favour of democracy. However, the Royal families are still revered by their people and the current Maharaja plays a hugely significant role in continuing the local traditions and restoring and educating people on Jodhpur’s heritage.
Winding our way down from the fort through the streets of the ‘blue city’ we are faced with some sights! Jemima seriously wishes she was wearing wellies rather than flip-flops and both of us are praying we do not fall over. I’m not sure our tetanus jabs would cover us for whatever’s around here!
We make it to the bottom, and having already realised that Jodhpur is a much calmer and more respectful city than those we’ve visited so far we decide it’s time to try the market. Everything is being sold here. Chillies, spices, veg, clothes, everything. Phil is offered some black pepper and Viagra, both of which he kindly declines – what are they trying to spice up? A carefully placed ‘Naheen Dhanyavad’ (no thank you) works wonders. After meeting every man and his dog that sells to Liberty’s of London and Monsoon, we manage to pick up a few Christmas presents before departing.
Pic 1: The colourful bazar.
Pic2: Still not used to the locals.
Pic 3: The not so colourful side to India.
Today has been a really lovely day. Jodhpur is very different to the other cities and we do not feel harangued and harassed at all. Jodhpur has definitely restored our faith in India, which was seriously dented by Ranthambore. We are really happily amazed by the difference in the people here from some we have encountered.
wow.day 10 already and so much diversity it must be absolutely mind boggling.Holy cows and musical instrument with a basic uniqueness,hot days and cold showers sounds like a esoteric health spa. we are soldiering on in grey-blue,grey-black mild weathered old blighty.still we are are all fine and dandy and looking forward to Christmas
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