29th January 2005 - Pushkar to Jodpur 6 hours

When we arrived we took a risk and had a look at a hotel, which we were told about at the bus stand. Well the risk definitely paid off we was instantly in love with the place. It was a 500-year-old haveli house belonging to a Jain family. The house was built at the same time as the fort in Jodpur and was so well maintained with beautiful views of the fort. We treated ourselves to one of the rooms for Rs350 (4.30), which had its own small roof terrace. The windows had the original wooden shutters, the one next to the bed opened up to a perfect view of the fort, which was wonderful to wake up to.
Jodpur is known as the 'blue city' because of the houses being painted a light blue colour. Brahmins originally painted their houses this colour but it seems that it is a tradition for everybody these days. The blue colour is a beautiful contrast with the reddy sand colour of the fort.
The Chris Eubank Jodpur trousers originate here, sorry a useless fact to store.
As soon as we went for our first stroll we were lost within minutes in the narrow streets, which turns into a maze. The houses are beautiful with their ornate windows and wooden carved doors.
The fort has been well maintained and had great views over the blue maze of houses. So many places in Jodpur have rooftop restaurants so you are constantly catching views from different angles around the city. We found a good place serving lassi's (fresh fruit and natural yogurt) who served their drinks mixed with saffron very tasty.
We took advantage of our hotel and enjoyed their home cooking and got pots of masala tea brought to our room. I could of stayed longer in Jodpur even if it was to hang around our haveli house.