The ambience within the walled city is distinctly one of another time and era.

It is at once quaint, and timeless. Old and ordinary homes along narrow lanes have turned into clean and basic hotels while many rooftops are now cafes, around and overlooking the grand stepwell. Adjacent to the residential area of the walled city, amidst its maze of alleys and bazaars is a clock tower, erected in 1909 by the then maharaja, in the main square with an open-air market.

Sardar Market near the clock tower is Jodhpur’s famous, lively, colourful and bustling spice market. The travel guide ‘Lonely Planet’ seems to be the industry standard in Jodhpur. Almost all shops in the Spice Quarter proudly display signs of mention in the Lonely Planet. As in spice markets elsewhere, walking through Sardar Market is a visual delight - jute bags full of cardamom, red chillies, cinnamon, and even the precious Kashmiri Saffron. A recent addition in the spice shops are flavoured teas – rose tea, jasmine tea, spiced tea, saffron tea and a dozen other choices.

Textiles, utensils, bangles, shoes, leather goods, silver smiths - all are in close proximity to the clock tower.

Read the entire article in the print issue of The South Asian Life & Times

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