Mehrangarh Fort and Around
Trip Start
Aug 21, 2006
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63
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Trip End
Dec 18, 2006
Jodhpur,
India
Sunday, December 10, 2006
This morning, we visited the Mehrangarh Fort this morning and early afternoon. They have an excellent self-guided audio tour so we walked around at our leisure learning about the history, architecture and cultural significance of many aspects of the Fort. It was built in 1459 A.D. and was opened again after falling into disrepair in 1972 when a trust was set up by the Maharaja. The first income from the trust was obtained by selling bat droppings which had collected inside to the local villagers
01-Tuk Tuk's on the way to Jodhpur
. A more organized conservation effort was undertaken in 1990's. Our driver DD took us up to the Fort and then after our tour we walked down the hill into the local village. Jodhpur is known as the "Blue City" for all of the blue colored wash found on the structures. We had some spectacular views from the Fort of the city overall when you can really appreciate how it got its name. In one of the central courtyards I had my palm read by an 'expert' Palmist which was quite fun. Didn't really tell me anything that I didn't already know but confirmed many things that I did know!
My cold is lifting today so I am 'lucky' now to have some of my smelling capabilities back. A mixed blessing in this country I assure you where most all of the cities in some areas or another have open sewers and an abundance of litter everywhere. This morning I threw a used tissue out the window of the car and felt so guilty! Finding a waste can is usually a wasted effort however because even if you don't directly litter, the garbage eventually finds its way onto the street or into the closed waterway.
The beautiful sari and turban colors are much more interesting to focus on...plus the bustle of the markets while overwhelming are so exciting and invigorating. Think of Mission street in SF on a weekend then multiply it by 20 and add cows, camels and stray dogs!
