Jodhpur September 11th to 15th

Next stop, Jodhpur. Nicknamed the “Blue city” of Rajasthan due to its colourful blue buildings that blend perfectly well with the landscape and its awe inspiring fort in the top of the hill.

The past few days have been hectic. Cities in India are BIG and the atmosphere can be at times overwhelming so visiting it without taking time and catching your breath at times can take its toll. Given that time is on my side on this trip, there is no need to rush it.

After the first day vagabonding the streets of Jodhpur, I instantly knew that I would be spending more days than planned. Not only for its beauty and vibe but also because it was less “intense” than the past cities I have been to. The hostel I was staying at, Madpackers, despite not being very full due to the low season, had great people and fantastic facilities so I knew my stay would be comfortable which greatly contributed to me decide to stay longer. I had really interesting conversations with the manager of the hostel who shed some insights into better understanding India and its people and I also met my new travel buddy Mike from “San Diego, California” as he likes to say instead of the UK for obvious reasons 🙂

Streets

Beauty in chaos.

Approaching the main clock tower square.

Clock tower and the market around. The clock tower clock is still working!

Blue city…

The all important spices!

Lemons in India seem to be a different species as they are tiny, the size of a lime.

Shall I take up wrestling?

Toy floating in the pond. Lost my cheap fake vietnamese sunglasses while taking a photo…

Cute kids who asked me for a photo. They did ask me for money afterwards but when they did they got told off by their mother. Good parenting!

Kite stuck in the wires.

In preparation for Ganesha’s festival.

Not sure what that bird is… Should have paid more attention to David Attenborough 🙂

Lots of antique shops in Jodhpur. Don’t think I need a new door though.

Always impressed what people can carry on their heads!

Not sure that is totally safe…

Ganesha festival. So many people!

Massive queue for people to reach the temple to provide their offering.

 

Mehrangarh Fort

One of my favorite forts I have seen so far. Surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape.

I believe the fort has new pets 🙂 Swallow nests I think…

Each hand print represents the wives of the Rathore rulers.

Apparently the undulating roof architecture give the building a more organic look.

Source of the different paint pigments.

Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park

Natural park around the fort. It was a scorching afternoon but well worth visiting. A break from urban architecture.

Toilets

Jaswant Thada

String instrument player.

The gardens in the palace were incredibly well maintained. Several gardeners are hired to take care of it.

Food

Vegetable Biryani

Needed a break from the spicy food 🙂

Travel buddy Mike and I trying out new Indian food in an extremely popular canteen. Wish I could remember the name of the dishes…