After a breakfast of tea and a cheese toastie, I went to the rooftop for some daylight photos of the houses below and the fort above.
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- The city as viewed from my accommodation.
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- The fort and the city below, as viewed from my accommodation.
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- The fort as viewed from my accommodation.
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- On the rooftop of my accommodation.
I walked to the Mehrangarh or fort alone and got lost a little before finding the winding road up. Built in the 1400s it is 125m above the city, surrounded by thick walls. It is one of the largest forts in India and is home to several palaces inside.
A good audio guide took me through the various courtyards, balconies, palaces, galleries etc. It took about two hours and I enjoyed it. The intricate workmanship on the buildings were simply outstanding.
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- Looking up at Mehrangarh.
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- Jai Pol (Victory Gate) is the main gate into Mehrangar.
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- Looking up at Mehrangarh.
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- Looking up at Mehrangarh.
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- Looking down at Jodhpur.
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- Possibly a bBride, groom and entourage.
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- Sati handprings. Handprints (symbolic?) of the Maharaja’s 15 wives before they burnt themselves on his funeral pyre.
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- Around Mehrangarh.
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- Around Mehrangarh.
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- Facial hair galore.
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- Around Mehrangarh.
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- Phool Mahal (The Palace Of Flowers) is the grandest period room in Mehrangarh. It served as the audience room. The ceiling is gold filigree and mirror, with portraits of various rulers.
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- Moti Mahal (The Pearl Palace). It was also used for audiences. The ceiling is mirror and gilt.
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- Palace staff, viewed through the coloured glass of the Moti Mahal.
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- Around Mehrangarh.
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- Looking down at Jodhpur.
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- Domes at Mehrangarh.
I took a lunch of samosas and lemon soda at the fort before descending part-way to Jaswant Thada, built in 1899 by the local maharaja in memory of his father. It also served as the cremation ground for the elite.
Approaching Jaswant Thada.
Continuing to town, I got a little lost again. I spent some time on the internet with emails, admin and blogging before resting for the rest of the day.
I met Lachlan for dinner and went to “On the Rocks” restaurant by rickshaw. It was a nice outfit and we had a rooftop candle-lit dinner. I chose the shaved chicken kebab marinated in cashew and cream and also a minced lamb kebab. It went well with two beers.
It was already quietening down around 2100 when we finished dinner, so it was straight back to the room and to bed.