Sunday 24th March 2019 We took a brief trip into the old city to the Clock Tower and the Sardar Bazaar. On walking out of the hotel, the helpful doorman who stands in front of the part of the palace which is still a regal residence, told us the price we could expect to be charged for a tuk-tuk. Whilst this was still a “tourist” price, it was helpful to have some guidance. The Clock Tower, or Ghanta Ghat, was built in 1912 by Maharaja Sardar Singh who also gave his name to the market in the surrounding streets. The Fort looms up behind the Clock Tower, which is now the main focal point. Although Ghanta Ghat is illuminated at night, there is a wind blowing dust or desert sand around the city and as we have an early train to catch we are not planning on seeing this. The staff in our hotel are appropriately and smartly dressed in tunics and the distinctive churidar trousers which were the basis for the famous Jodhpur trousers. Jodhpurs were developed by Sir Pratap Singh, a keen polo player and member of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who ruled in Jodhpur. Originally a […]
Daily Archives: 24/03/2019
Friday 22nd March 2019 We caught a train from the Pink City to Jodhpur, arriving about 18:30 in time for some thirst-quenching water and cold beer and a meal. Matilda was in particular need of liquid refreshment as Robert had reported that the toilets on the train were in a rather unpleasant condition so she had been limiting her water intake to avoid having to use them. When trains are delayed this can become a bit of an issue for her. Matilda is frequently having to balance the need to maintain adequate hydration with her expectation of being able to find acceptable toilet opportunities. Our hotel, the Ranbanka Palace Hotel, is as the name suggests in part of a palace. It was built in 1927 for Maharajadhiraj Sir Ajit Singh Ji, the younger brother of Maharaja Umaid Singh who built the Umaid Bhavan Palace and it is providing Matilda with some welcome luxury, following the rather parched train journey. The descendants of Maharajadhiraj Sir Ajit Singh Ji still live in part of the palace but our room faces onto a courtyard with a restaurant, bar, a spa and a pool. The staff are incredibly attentive and helpful and Robert noticed […]