Jodphur is known for its speckled blue buildings, which was in fact until relatively recently restricted to the old town.
Originally painted to signify the home of a Brahmin and thought to repel insects, the old city was the only area that could have its houses painted blue. But others have in recent years got in on the act, and so now the city looks more like a patchwork of blue, yellow and red than a 'blue city'.
Originally painted to signify the home of a Brahmin and thought to repel insects, the old city was the only area that could have its houses painted blue. But others have in recent years got in on the act, and so now the city looks more like a patchwork of blue, yellow and red than a 'blue city'.
A patchwork city
You can barely see the roads from above they are so tightly packed together so it's a great place to lose yourself in among the lanes and discover the lives of those living everyday in this intriguing city.
It is a place that is fascinating to view from a height; a jigsaw of buildings and havelis completely randomly slotted together.
Inside a local Haveli (with no roof!)
From watching the ladies choosing their new saris
Kids doing their school work in the doorway
Frantic queues at lunchtime to get hold of a Shahi Samosa or Chili Bomb
A shop keeper at work making resin bangles
...to groups of men huddled closely playing an afternoon game of cards
The whole place is then dominated by the city's fort which towers over it high up on a rocky pedestal 120m above the skyline, like a royal king seated over his subjects. A complete juxtaposition against the maze of tiny streets.
The majestic fort
We stayed at Singvi's Haveli which was a great find as it was quietly hidden in the backstreets of the old area of the city and really close to the fort, so each morning we enjoyed a peaceful stroll through the majestic gates.
One of many gates up to the fort
The fort was the best we'd experienced to date, we thought it was better than Jaipur's Amber Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Delhi's Red Fort and Jaislamer's. Mainly because it was so well preserved and looked after, with its beautifully detailed stone latticework and interior designs. The audio guide in its posh British accent was actually quite good and brought the fort to life too!
Beautiful lattice carvings
Jodphur has definitely been added to our list of must see places in Rajasthan alongside Udaipur; it was a magically majestic and intriguing city to explore.
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