We wake to a chorus of soft cooing doves, barking dogs and the melodious mooing of sacred cows.

The hotel heats it’s water by fire as do most of the ancient buildings in the fort. This causes a very slight acrid, smokey smell. Instead of wood, most fires are made with cow dung.

We meet for breakfast on our hotel rooftop and then head out on 20 minute walk out of the fort and into the city dodging motor cycles, cows, cow plops and goats to the waterfront of Lake Gadhisar which is absolutely stunning in the morning light.

I ask a stunningly beautiful bride and groom if I can take their picture.They seem happy to oblige.

Jain Temple

After a quick stop back at the hotel, we meet up with Paul and tour the Jain Temple. There are actually seven temples in the same area that tourists can visit on a single ticket for 200 Rs which includes the ability to take photos. The intricate carvings in the stonework are fascinating…so many details.

After the temples we walk the narrow lanes, I can’t help myself and buy a gorgeous block print tablecloth and pair of pants. I’m glad John’s with me because the lanes are a maze and I have no sense of direction.

Afternoon and Evening

Afternoons here are very hot so we rest at the hotel before exploring the streets more and going for coffee at Kuku Coffee which has a scenic lookout.

We know the street cleaners are working in the streets below the fort because a street cleaning song is amplified wherever they go to let people know they are coming to pick up garbage. It must drive them crazy to hear the same short song nonstop throughout the day.

Our group goes out for supper to a restaurant called Desert Boys that has a beautiful view of the fort walls. The food is good but portion sizes are huge and no one can finish. Then it’s back to the hotel because we have an early morning tomorrow.