Umaid Bhawan Palace and Museum

From the garden, we went to a local restaurant for lunch. I didn't want much, so I just had a bowl of soup and a drink before we were off again to visit Umaid Bhawan Palace and Museum, the current home of the Jodhpur royal family. With 347 rooms, this is one of the world's largest private residences. It was built by British architects and engineers in the Indo-Saracenic style. It is named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present owner, Gaj Singh. Work began in 1929 and was completed in 1943.

The palace is now divided into three: the royal residence, a museum dedicated to the 20th-century history of the Jodhpur royal family, and a hotel managed by Taj Hotels. It was here that Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra married Nick Jonas in 2018. Liz Hurley also stayed here in 2007 before she married Indian businessman Arun Nayar, in nearby Mehrangarh Fort. Apparently, it was the source of much scandal at the time. Locals couldn't believe the bride was 42 years of age! 😂

As we headed back into town, Ramesh stopped at Mayla Bag Ka Jhalra. This impressive stepwell was built in 1775. There is a reservoir across the road which feeds it. Just as we arrived, the fountains started going, something which Ramesh assured me was a very rare occurrence.

Ramesh and I parted company at the Clock Tower, after he had tried to take me to a shop, no doubt to be subjected to some heavy-handed sales techniques. I realise he has to make a living, but I was having none of it! I tipped him as he's been a great guide, but advised him to cut out the sales call in future, unless the customer specifically wanted it.

I made my way to MV Spices to enquire about a cooking class. This business, run by a mum and her seven daughters, has attracted quite a lot of publicity. Since the death of their husband and father, the women have endured a lot of prejudice and ill-will at the hands of the local males who control the spice market. I read about them online. They are the subject of a documentary that is currently being made. and have an Instagram account - spice_girls_rajasthan. I was keen to support them. In their shop, I met Priya, sister number 3. We had a lovely chat, and she took my number so that another sister could send me details of the class. 

Afterwards, I walked through the market and the local shops, but it was crazy busy, so I returned to Sam's Art Cafe to seek refuge. I didn't fancy curry, so I ordered a cheese and mushroom pasta dish for a change. It wasn't the best. I had to eat it in the dark because there was a power cut, so I obviously ate the chillies that were in the dish that I couldn't see. It blew my head off! So much so, I had to go across the road for ice cream before heading back to my hotel 😂.Read more