Jodhpur Experience

You should experience Jodhpur at least once in your lifetime and here's why

Nestled on the periphery of the expansive Thar Desert, one of the best holiday destinations to visit is India’s Blue City, Jodhpur. Formerly the capital of the kingdom of Marwar and the seat of a princely state, it was ruled by Maharaja Hanwant Singhji Rathore before becoming a part of India in 1949. Most houses in the city are painted blue in colour, with either a blue roof or ornate blue doors. It is a city of magnificent forts, beautiful mansions, more commonly known as havelis, memorials and temples.

Unique facts about Jodhpur and its history

The city of Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathore clan.The present-day city represents the Marwar style of life to this day and is a vivid example of the rich Jodhpur heritage. The city is bathed in blue! Some say the colour signifies the blue-blooded Brahmins who started the trend of painting their houses blue, a pattern that was eventually adopted by members of other castes too. Another theory suggests, the locals were ardent worshippers of Lord Shiva and considered the colour to be sacred.

It is quite interesting to interact with the locals here. Most speak with a lovely Marwari accent and are dressed in colourful clothes. Their welcoming smiles and impeccable hospitality will win your heart almost instantly. Locals are open to long conversations, often even readyto show you around. Most people speak basic English, so communication is not going to be too much of a problem.

Here’s a fun fact- did you know that ‘Jodhpurs’- as these riding breeches are commonly known all over the world-were designed in this city?

Places to visit in Jodhpur for an enriching and historical experience

Mehrangarh Fort:Rested atop a hill, the Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in the country. Built by Rao Jodha in 1459, it is at an elevated level of 410 feet from the city. The fort built over a period of 500 years and spread over a winding area of 5km houses one of the best museums in the state which perfectly highlights the heritage of this city. Sevenmassive gates guard the fort, and the imprints of the impact of cannonballs that were fired by the armies of Jaipur are visible on the second gate. This historical monument has now been declared as a National Geological Monument by the Geological Survey of India.

Tip- Grab a bite at Café Mehran located inside the fort for a snack of delicious Jodhpuri samosas and chai.

Sadar Market and Clock Tower: One of the best places in Jodhpur for shopping, visit the Clock Tower or the Ghanta Ghar Market for your own little personal stock of freshly ground authentic spices from Jodhpur. Also visit the narrow alleys and lanes of the Sadar market, adjacent to the Clock tower. You can buy handicrafts, saris and spices and most importantly some traditional authentic silver jewellery for your family and friends back home. Built by Maharaja Sardar Singh between 1880 and 1911, the clock tower is now a famous landmark.

Tip- Stop by at Shri Mishrilal hotel and gorge on some special rabri and pakoda.

Mandore Gardens: Visit the Mandore Gardens to get a real taste of this ancient town’s glorious past. The former capital of Rao Jodha, Mandore was abandoned in its full glory when the capital was shifted to Mehrangarh Fort. Dotted with old temples, cenotaphs and housing a government museum, this place is open to visitors all the year round. You can take a stroll in the well-preserved gardens, or spend an hour or two lazing on the many rock terraces around the area. Pay a visit to Hall of Heroes, an entire hall dedicated to Rajput warriors; beautiful images and rock statues depict their compelling stories. The many cenotaphs are an interesting sight to catch around here. Made of red stone with elaborate and intricate designs, these highlight the times of the Maharajas reminding us of a colourful and glorious past. The largest one is the cenotaph of Maharaja Ajit Singh. Visit the Government Museum to see the artefacts and old relics
from this place.

Where to stay while you’re here

If staying on a rated luxury property is more your calling, then there are plenty of 5-star hotels and resorts in Jodhpur that can tickle your fancy, including Umaid Bhawan. The former royal palace is now a converted hotel managed by Taj and plays host to several celebrity weddings, too. If a stay there is out of budget, you can always go there for dinner to experience a slice of Jodhpur luxury. The best way to experience Jodhpur is to stay at a heritage hotel. The city houses some of the best heritage hotels in Jodhpur, an experience that can take you to another world altogether.

You can stay at Hotel Ratan Vilas Jodhpur. With elegant interiors and an equally beautiful exterior, Ratan Vilas Jodhpur Rajasthan is a mansion built by Maharaj Ratan Singh in 1920. It has now been converted to a heritage hotel in Jodhpur by his grandson and great-grandson. The bedrooms have beautiful period furniture and boast of a vintage look replete with modern facilities.

Other experiences you just can’t miss

Jodhpur is a city that not only is for just history buffs but has a little of something for everyone.
The city is located in the middle of the Thar Desert and is famous for its rugged terrain and expansive wilderness. Go camping in the desert if you are an adventure enthusiast and enjoy a mesmerizing sunset all by yourself. Visit a nearby village, meet and interact with the local communities there. An essential part of the Jodhpuri tradition is the camel ride. You can also do a zip lining against the Mehrangarh Fort background and enjoy the panoramic view of Jodhpur. Add Bheem Bhadak to your to-do list if you are interested in rock climbing and visit Soorsagar for rappelling.

Visit Balsamand lake palace for a quiet stroll with family and friends. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Chokelao Bagh, a magnificent garden at the foothills of Mehrangarh Fort.

Finally, if you are a foodie, go to Shandar Restaurant for some Gulab Jamun Sabzi, Janta Sweet House for Onion and Mawa Kachori, Gypsy Restaurant for an authentic Rajasthani Thali and don’t forget to wash it all down with a glass of Makhaniya Lassi from Shri Mishrilal Hotel.

One of the most magnificent places to visit in India is Jodhpur. You can customize your budget according to your needs and preferences. Hosting some of the best heritage hotels in Jodhpur, plan a solo trip across the city or an elaborate vacation with family and friends. Fall in love with history as you explore the ancient forts, Rajputana temples and the pristine blue lakes. Interact with the locals and find your way around the narrow alleys and colourful bazaars as you bargain for a pair of juttisor get a bandhanidupatta for someone back home. Spend an evening watching the spectacular sunset as youreminiscence about the times gone by.

The best time to visit Jodhpur is between October to March. However, for budget travellers, visiting Jodhpur during the off-season often turns out to be a boon owing to the fantastic deals that you can avail at some of the best heritage hotels here.