Jodhpur, India: the land of death

For: Edward Winter (text and photos)
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A trip to India, provides an opportunity for time travel. The, at least, for our minds and our souls do you feel. With that hope in my backpack I got charged an August morning to Jodhpur, city ​​located in the heart of Rajasthan.

Jodhpur is known as, the "blue city", although long ago it was called "land of death". I stayed in a hotel near the main road. The city center is a cluster of winding streets with the Clock Tower as a starting point. The movement of people is huge, almost as much as the vehicle. The city imbued with the spirit you and soon you're crossing streets, visiting bazaars, greeting people ask you where you are and declining invitations to enter restaurants. The women wear colorful saris, while men approach you with their children. You do not know if they believe that a target can bless or do not often watch regularly.

Walking into the historic old town, a maze of streets with houses, all alike, wear their blue facades. Step by step I feel like I'm in a tale of yesteryear, walking on rocks and dirt, smiling at people from their windows watching the evolution of the day. Some children will continue for a few streets and run when you try to photograph them. And all, while the blue sky and the walls seems to embrace you with its stillness, at the same time sticking to think Having A XVIII century.

Mandore Gardens

I took an autorickshaw and went to another place that was listed on my agenda, Mandore Gardens. The former Maharajas of Jodhpur created this garden for rest. For this, had built a Hindu temple, a monument to the heroes and a sanctuary Rajput. What yesterday was the calmness of the powerful is now the park where the common people, in India that sleeps in humble homes, in huts or on the street.

The next day I decided to undertake the ascent of Mehrangarh Fort. Standing proudly on a hill just over one hundred meters, strength is the image and emblem of Jodhpur. Built in the late fifteenth century, still belongs to the Maharaja of the city and is proud of never having been conquered. With its walls over 20 meters, its doors, full of sharp edges to prevent elephants downloads, have withstood countless sieges and even a fifty-year war with the British Empire. I paid my ticket and took an audio guide.

Some children will continue for a few streets and run when you try to photograph them. And all, while the blue sky and the walls seems to embrace you with its stillness

After crossing the main entrance, called my attention to the engraving of a wall showing the palms of many hands. And he explains the recording which represent the twelve widows of Maharaja. Had to be very heartbroken to throw into the funeral pyre of her deceased husband, in 1845. Was not very sure whether they did so voluntarily, or were kindly invited. Following the tour, one after another, visit, Pearl Palace, Flower Palace, Mirror Palace and some more. Phone tells me that the wives of the Maharajah lived in a palace all the windows are latticed and carved with exquisite detail. Thus, they could contemplate life outside the palace, but could not be seen. On a patio overlooking a table full of drinks and a waiter with them. I wonder if it will be for a group of visitors, or for a reception. But the waiter asks if I want something tells me that foreigners are free. Apparently, foreigners pay a lot more expensive input and the Maharaja had to think that you can reward us with a drink. And it must be true, because the waiter quickly scares some Indian tourists who had dared to look at the juice.

The child's song, lament

I suppose that every traveler keeps a memory which is what it takes to return home. A moment that summed up the trip and remember that after re-transported to that place and then. In my case, at least, usually well. I walked the ramparts of the fort. It offered a wonderful view of the place, under my feet lay the city blue. On the horizon, the plains give way to the Thar desert, an arid land, full of stubble only. The land of the dead was called. Those were the places that crossed the merchants with their caravans of camels, some to trade and others to carry coffee and spices.

And again one remembered the power he felt the Maharajas, rulers of these plains and everything had been there. Then, come to my ears musical notes and a voice begins to sing. A few feet away from me a young, only child, wearing a traditional costume plays dirulba, a stringed instrument. He is accompanied by a letter that looks like a lament or, at least, gave me melancholy. And this is my time, that's my picture. I think little has changed in this part of India. Rajasthan, one dies birthplace. In the same village, in the same caste, in the same household, almost always without a loaf of bread under his arm. Few things can you do to change what they understand as their destination. To smile and tell you what solved with a simple "Maybe in the next life". And despite this, live, dream and share. Forcing the traveler to wake up, to feel alive and smiling, which is the best of health and medicine of the soul. And from, to think about it while flying back to your home, begin now to think back, because in the end they have succeeded. India have recorded in your soul.

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We can take a direct flight to Delhi from Madrid, and from a local Delhi to Jodhpur. Another option is to check the prices of Finnish airlines (Finnair), via Helisinky, and Lufthansa, they have good deals sueelen. My advice is to go by road to Jodhpur from Delhi and discover the fascinating life on Indian roads around.

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During my stay in Jodhpur stayed at Ajit Bhawan Hotel, Built in 1927. Highly Recommended. Fantastic rooms and a restaurant worth. The price we can negotiate a bit in low season.

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Two recommendations. The restaurant at Hotel Ajit Bhawan. Fantastic both in India and international cuisine. And if you want an unforgettable atmosphere, Mehrangarh Fort offers alfresco dining in its main courtyard, in light of the candles and enjoy the stars and city views. Impressive.

[tab:highly recommended] -Tell all travelers experience the city. Forget Western standards, our customs and enjoy the ride. Lots of people ask us closer to where we are, to greet, to be photographed with us. Enjoy the experience and live India.

Eduardo de Winter offers more information: www.infoviajero.es

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Comments (6)

  • Barbara Ayuso

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    I was excited about the little boy. Congratulations on this special magazine. Eduardo has a special sensitivity, as Bartholomew, Brandoli, Coarasa, Silvestre and Polvorinos. I'm a fan of this magazine and its blog.

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  • Ramon Villero

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    Eduardo,

    India always fascinating. I suppose you've come to the small town of Puskhar, there (now maybe a bit touristy) yet maintains a special relationship with the land.

    That's part of what I wrote a few years ago:

    Pushkar has grown, has been made as to businesses large and small hotels, But life around the lake and the temples that surround the city are breathing the same air.
    If there is something precious in Pushkar sunset. From various corners of the town, from temples and terraces is fired the day with music of drums and bells. The music usually takes thirty or forty minutes and is this phenomenon that makes Pushkar a unique place in the world.

    Twilight in Pushkar. Agitation of timbales. Thoughts traveling with the sunset into the night and the new day. Between sunset colors hear the sounds of men who cling with their music to earth. The spirit blows the breeze light that accompanies the last light scratch.

    Gusaría I read your story if you approach the city.
    Greetings

    Ramon

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  • Javier Brandoli

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    India will always be special. Thanks for your input Ramón, nowhere else to go.

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  • Eduardo De Winter

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    Barbara thank you very much for your comment and support. Pushkar is one of the next stops, I have special interest in visiting the Camel Fair. As mentioned Ramon and Javier, India is a world to discover. A paradise for travelers and an experience for the senses. Greetings to all.

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  • New Travels to the Past – Highly Recommended

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    […] had the opportunity to collaborate with several reports or written about destinations such as Jodhpur in India, the Taj Mahal or Julióbriga. Well today, we comment that travel to the past has […]

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