There was a very interesting selection for breakfast, including our favorite of fruit and yogurt. The hot dishes were equally interesting , Alison had a rice dish and Peter a Marsala crepe.
Our guide “Jonny” arrived shortly after 9:00 and explained what this morning’s tour would comprise. Our first visit was to Yaswant Thada at Rao Jodha, where the maharajahs were cremated and memorials constructed to them and members of their close families.
From there we had an excellent view of the Merangarh Fort and also a distant view of the Royal Palace, with similar architecture to the Taj Mahal.
From there we went up a steep winding road until we arrived at the vehicle entrance to the 15th century Fort.
We entered through the victory gate where our guide bought our entry tickets, plus ticket for the lift which took us up to the top level and the kings palace.
From there we made our way via the museum of miniatures to the queens palace.
We then walked down towards the gardens, where we stopped for a cup of green tea and a tour of the gardens. The lily pond had been emptied and the deep well that used to supply water to the fort was nearly empty. We declined the opportunity of going on the zip wire!
From the cafeteria, we walked down the steep slope and elephant-proof gates until we reached the pedestrian entrance and the we,come sight of a tuk-tuk to take us on a bumpy ride through most of the old blue city. Which was being painted up for Diwali.
Afterwards we walked though the rest of the market, calling in at a fabrics warehouse where we were shown a selection of their products “with no obligation to buy”, though we have to admit the prices were tempting (no more room in our suitcases😢
Our guide took us back to RAAS, our hotel where we freshened up and then went in search of a snack at the Stepwell Cafe. Eventually we just had a mango lassi and looked around the Royal Blue shop, where the prices were at least ten times those in the markets (alison liked a top at just £400, which stayed on the hanger).
Back to RAAS for a swim and the usual friendly conversation with our pool attendant, whose name translates to Sun King, and served us complimentary lemon grass water and apple granita.
We are currently writing this blog on the roof top bar with a superb view of the illuminated Fort, before heading down the the restaurant for another culinary experience.