Meherangarh Fort, also known as the Citadel of the Sun, stands tall across a cliff 400 feet above Jodhpur city. Built in 1459, the maharaja (great king) of Jodphur still runs this formidable feat. This is one of the main attractions in Jodhpur (not the pants, the city) and it is well worth the effort getting here.
I spent the better part of my morning strolling around inside the fort. As part of my ticket package, I received an audio-tour headphone kit. Significant places in the fort were numbered and they corresponded with the numbers on my audio player. Whenever I wanted to hear about something, I could press a number and a detailed description would be given.
The interior of the fort was converted into a unique museum which houses a collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs, paintings and much more. The audio tape provided amusing anecdotes and historical facts making these sites even more remarkable.
From anywhere inside the fort, you can look out and see for miles across Jodhpur and the Blue City. Traditionally, blue signified the home of a Brahmin and many families stick to this tradition. Looking down directly it’s you can appreciate all this blue in the middle of a desert.
I walked down to the Blue City after my tour of the fort. Not every building was painted blue so the streets weren’t unsightly. I mean can you imagine everything completely blue? There was a good balance of color that worked.
The Blue City was really relaxed and chilled out. Not many people gave me a second glance save for one man who motioned for me to get lost. School must have been finishing for the day because tons of children were present in uniforms. Several of them approached me asking, “One photo, please?” They didn’t want money. They just wanted to see their faces on the digital screen. It was really cute but like most kids they were impatient. I couldn’t get them to pose or wait while I set up so most of the pictures are boring.
It was a great day until I tried using my ATM card. Talk about frustration. I tried four different banks but no dice.
Another frustration. Another day in India.