Jodpur a place of eateries and markets

Now we have a new driver called Virendra from “ Rajastan Excursions”  who joined us in Jaipur. Another careful driver through the chaos of Indian Traffic. Having drivers in India is a great way to see the “Real India”. They know all the good places to visit of the beaten track.
We were now travelling to Jodpur which is called the “Blue City”. The room we were shown to in The Ummed hotel was huge. It had 4 rooms where we kept losing each other. Ha ha. Lovely building which again was massive. Shame the staff didn’t match up to the gorgeous surroundings!! But that’s another story which we will not bore you with.
We sorted out where we wanted our driver to take us over the two days whilst we were there. He did try to take us to places he knew but we are trained travellers and off we went to tick our places to visit.
First visit was Mehrangarh Fort which was massive construction towering above the town and the surrounding hills. Still owned by the Royal family but managed by a trust but not lived in now as the royal family now have a “New Palace” no doubt made to modern standards. The Meharangarh Fort took a good couple hrs of our time with a great museum etc to investigate. A short down the hill there was a beautiful Cenotaph to last of the traditional rulers. All made with marble and sandstone taking over ten yes to build. They believe in making these places of history huge and this stands in a prime spot with views round. Back j. The car and off to find the “Step Well” and our place for lunch. Virendra knew a place to park which happened to be out side a craft emporium which we quickly scooted out the back door of. As mentioned experience travellers!!😀. Great little spot our eatery overlooking the Well. This old container of water has recently refurbished and was a lovely spot to enjoy and hr. We enjoyed it so much we went back for dinner later that night.
Next day we were in our element getting dropped off right in the heart of things. First of all we found a great little hotel serving coffee on the rooftop. Then off we went wondering. Next stop Keith found a little barber for his second hair cut of the trip. This one was a little rougher ensuring he got every hair trimmed!
We then entered a fantastic market with all its chaos, colours, people and a variety of stalls. We loved it going into all the nooks and crannies poking our noises into every thing. Plenty of banter with the usual “I have a relative in London” and a new one “I am sole supplier for Selfridges” ummmm. Great fun.
Another rooftop place for lunch and back to hotel for a rest up before dinner. They were in the middle of setting up for a huge wedding so all sorts happening. It did mean we got some hot water as they were now full. 🙁.
Found another lovely place to eat in a small “Haveli” which we noted for future use. Battled through yet another wedding parade with drums and trombones which finished off a great day.
Moving on to Udaipur the next day so departing from the wedding arrangements and badly managed what could be a great hotel.