What a fascinating morning. We began with a visit to the Unmaid Bhawan, home to the King of Jodhpur and a 7 star hotel with views of Jodhpur City. The vast majority of this grand palace is closed to the general public and only open to guests who typically pay a minimum of £1000 per night.
Our next stop was a tour of Jodhpur centre. A maze of narrow busy streets encompassing a hive of activity, noise and ancient buildings. Many traditional Indian items were for sale, from freshly cooked samosas to beautiful silk cloths and spices. This charming area has so much to offer and gave the team a true taste of India! Cows roam the streets foraging through waste whilst rickshaws and motorbikes whisk by at the blink of an eye. One has to be alert when walking through these streets in order to prevent any mishaps with animals or vehicles! Our next stop was a visit to a cloth and handicraft shop that is reputed to have supplied the finest Indian style cloths to famous celebrities. Finally, we made one last stop to a traditional Indian spice and tea shop and the team had the chance to taste and smell a plethora of aromas. After a busy morning, the team met with friends from the Rotary Club of Jodphur Mid Town and lunch was taken at the Plaza Park Hotel.Smoking in India
As we walk the streets in various Indian cities, it is surprising to note that only a few people smoke. An enlightening discussion with our hosts revealed that a national law was passed in India in 2008 placing a ban on smoking in public places. The aim of this new enactment was to drastically cut the number of smokers and protect passive smokers from the harmful effects of tobacco. According to press articles, fines in the region of 200Rs (~£2.70) are issued to those breaking this law. Evidence suggests that the vast majority of the public have welcomed the introduction of this legislation and the Health Minister stated that “the smoke-free campaign is a movement launched with massive public support”. Given the success of the aforementioned smoking law perhaps there is hope for improving other aspects of in India.
As we walk the streets in various Indian cities, it is surprising to note that only a few people smoke. An enlightening discussion with our hosts revealed that a national law was passed in India in 2008 placing a ban on smoking in public places. The aim of this new enactment was to drastically cut the number of smokers and protect passive smokers from the harmful effects of tobacco. According to press articles, fines in the region of 200Rs (~£2.70) are issued to those breaking this law. Evidence suggests that the vast majority of the public have welcomed the introduction of this legislation and the Health Minister stated that “the smoke-free campaign is a movement launched with massive public support”. Given the success of the aforementioned smoking law perhaps there is hope for improving other aspects of in India.
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| Unmaid Bhawan Palace and Hotel |
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| Jodhpur centre |
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| A busy street with beautiful ancient architecture |
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| Making samosas |
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| Making flower garlands |
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| Clocktower with the Merhrangarh Fort in the background |
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