The Blue City

From the City of Lakes, Udaipur, I took a bus to the Jodphur, the Blue City.
It was really sad saying goodbye to Ross and Angie. They were heading South and I was heading North.

The bus ride from Udaipur to Jodphur was meant to take 5 hours but took about 7.5. The bus, even though it is sold to you as a direct bus, stops at every village along the way to pick up and drop off locals. The driver charges them a minimal amount and probably pockets this. It is very frustrating as locals are literally crammed into every nook and cranny available. They sit in aisles and 3 to a seat. And of course this makes the journey drag.

The scenery on this trip was magnificent. I had taken the afternoon bus which runs into sunset and then evening. And the sunset is beautiful. It drops slowly behind the dessert landscape. For most part the great Thar desert is speckled with shrubs but there are instances where you can see pure sand dunes. It is so beautiful.

Upon arrival in Jodphur I was greated with the usual touting, except this was particularly bad. The auto-rickshaws literally surround you so you cannot escape! Luckily I was with a couple from the Netherlands and the guy was really TALL! The three of us crossed the road and tried to get away, but the drivers just followed us. Eventually we had to give up and get into a rickshaw because the Dutch guy, Jelle was being held down by kids who were hanging on his leg asking for "10Rps or school pen", I didn't have long sleeves and the kids were jumping up onto me and pinching my arms! We managed to get a rickshaw. I stayed at the Blue House hotel in Moti Chowk which was rather nice. It had a good atmosphere and a view of the fort. I passed out that night after some food and planned to get around Jodphur in a day and out the next.

I woke up early the next morning and walked through to the Clock Tower, which is surrounded by a market. Jodphur is particularly well known for its textiles. Around the Clock Tower are textile stores as well as fruit and veg stalls which line the road. You spend a lot of time dodging the soggy cow pats around the market!
There is a great atmosphere here. In the distance you can see the Mehrangarh Fort. A large, impressive fort which towers over the city. This fort literally seems to rise from the desert.

Jodphur is referred to as the Blue City due to the indigo washed houses around the fort. It is belived that this colour is a deterance to insects.

The visit to the fort was really enjoyable. There was an excellent audio tour which I decided to take. The fort museum houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniatures, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. The ramparts of the fort provide not only excellently preserved cannons but also a breath-taking view of the city. And it is here that you really get an understanding of why this city is called The Blue City.

I managed to get the shawls that I have been holding out for in Jodphur. Some lovely stripey cotton scarves for friends too!

Next stop, Jaisalmer