Jodhpur: The Blue City.
Trip Start
Sep 18, 2004
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58
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Trip End
Jun 05, 2005
Jodhpur,
India
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Impression of Jodhpur
After the frantic toutings in Jaipur, Jodhpur seemed much quieter and quaint. Jodhpur was a city state established by Rao Jodha, a chief of a Rajput Clan called the Rathores. The Meherangarh Fort, built by Rao Jodha in 1459, stood imposingly on the rocky ridge overlooking the old city. Most houses in old Jodhpur were painted blue. It was believed that the color blue repells mosquitos and keeps the house cool. We got lost a couple of times in the old city, where the streets are narrow and winding.
We stayed at a guesthouse in the old city. On the first night, we went up to the roof to enjoy the beautiful view of Meherangarh Fort lit up at night
01. Meherangarh Fort lit up at night.
. There were people sleeping on the roofs in the neighboring houses, along with the chanting by small children broadcasted on loud speakers from a mosque. The moon was out with some sparkling stars. It was just a perfect and magical experience.Meherangarh Fort
As usual, the foreigners pay about ten times more than locals to see the Meherangarh Fort. However, the Meherangarh Fort was the first monument we visited with a free audio tour! There were also special lounges for audio tour users. For the first time we felt the extra buck was well worth it. The audio tour was very informative and the fort was very well maintained and managed. The fort was beautiful with intricate stone carved window screens. There were loops along the walls to hang bamboo screens with silk decorations. According to our audio tour, these bamboo screens would be soaked in perfumed water before hanging. After visiting quite a few of these fabulous adobes of the Maharajas in Rajastan, I felt that I would love to be a Maharaja in the old times. I wouldn't want to be a Maharani, a Maharaja's wife. When a Maharaja died, his wives and concubines were expected to commit "Sati", the act of widows committing suicide on their husband's funeral pyre.
Lassis!
We've been sampling Lassi in India, and they are just awesome. In the 40C weather, a glass of creamy lassi tastes absolutely cooling and delicious. Jodpur is famous of their Makhania Lassi, which was made with saffron flavoring. Who would've thought saffron and yogurt can go together so beautifully.
What Next
We head to Jaisalmer after Jodpur.
