Tales from a recce - Blue city

Tales from a recce – Blue city

A whole city tucked away a few centuries into the past. Lanes just narrow enough for people to crisscross paths and at best would allow a horse-drawn carriage, the transport of that period presumably, to pass through. You stepped out of one house and stepped into another. Everyone knew everyone else. And all this over-looking the fabulous and magnificent Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur. Thousands of houses huddled together, and around, the fort like it would have been when the Rajput emperor, Ajit, ruled over the place, after routing the Mughals. The city though is named after Rao Jodha and dates back to 1459.

The people of this city, very aptly termed Jodhpur Old City, seem to be living in a different era altogether. And almost like an unwritten code they all have been painting the town, city rather, a different hue. Blue! What started off as a supposedly ‘Brahminical’ way (I will need to check authenticity of this. Anyone who knows for sure please fill me in) of distinguishing their homes from the rest now cuts across class and creed. The old city is painted such a beautiful hue of blue you just can’t help being enticed by it. Jodhpur, also called Sun city, believes blue helps keep off the harsh rays of the Sun. I wonder if they know something the others don’t. Maybe the VIB reflects off more of the harsh rays than the GYOR. All I can say is it soothes you no end and makes you want to spend days together at the place. It is little wonder then that we went back to the very same old city for our shoot. Well… who ever said work and pleasure don’t go together just doesn’t know what work to take up J. I, for one, sure will go back there to spend a peaceful week. Make that a fortnight.

I almost forgot to mention the places to stay are all equally fabulous. My choice is Ranbanka, which is bang opposite Ummed Bhavan Palace. Also visit ‘Anokhi’ for traditional clothing and ‘On the rocks’ for a good night-out. And don’t forget to visit ‘Amalate place’* for Omlettes. For those of you who haven’t been there ask for Ghanta ghar. Bubloo or one of the drivers will take you there willingly in one of their Rickshaws which is decked like a bride. And we sure were lucky we were with Alambhai aka Alampanah, our production person who made sure Jodhpur felt like home. And he has more than one filmi story to tell. But then that’s a privilege reserved for a very select few.

Anyone wants a guide I sure would like to offer my services. And all it will cost you is a few Omelettes besides of course some chilled liquids to go with it. Any takers? Vinoo guide packed and ready to leave.

* ‘Amalate place’ is listed in the Lonely Planet and serves more than just Omelettes. We couldn’t help asking the gentleman who runs this place what he has for dinner. Your guess would be as good as mine but then he gave up eating eggs precisely 19 years ago. As for his signboard it was a contribution from a Korean tourist. I sure want to meet that person’s English teacher over an Amalate.