In the year 2019, I visited Ajmer, Pushkar, Jaipur - The Pink City and thought of visiting Jodhpur - The Blue City as well in the one go. But couldn't visit Jodhpur then, and I thought that it won't be possible this year now. But one of my friends said that you don't need to plan in advance to visit Jodhpur. You only need two days to see and enjoy the whole of Jodhpur. And here I am in Jodhpur witnessing Mehrangarh Fort from my hotel's window.
Jodhpur (Blue City) is the second-largest city in the state of Rajasthan and is called the “sun state” because it has fantastic weather year-round. Jodhpur is very much a place of tradition. The people and the home decor are all bright, vivid colors.
I follow so many travel bloggers on Instagram and have seen Jodhpur many times through their eyes. In the picture, it looked so beautiful and mesmerising that I even daydreamed about witnessing the panoramic view of the ‘Blue City’ from the majestic Mehrangarh Fort and walking on the cold marble floor of Jaswant Thada.
Where To Stay?
There are so many good hotels in Jodhpur that you can opt for but look for hotels near the clock tower in the old city. Everything that you want to visit including Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada or markets for shopping is around the clock tower. I stayed at the Bed & Breakfast Clock Tower Haveli. I can clearly see the Mehrangarh Fort from the room's window, it looked so gorgeous. Even the clock tower market was completely visible from the terrace of my hotel. The interior of my room was old fashioned designed in Rajasthani style. It was lovely, I enjoyed my stay and I would recommend the hotel where I stayed.
Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India, built in around 1459 by Rao Jodha. The fort is situated 410 feet (125 m) above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its boundaries, there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards.
If you think you can complete the tour of the fort in 2-3 hours then you are wrong. The fort is very huge from inside and there is so much to explore and see. The climb in the fort is slightly steep even that takes your time in exploring.
There are few Rajasthani folk musicians sitting near the entrance in their traditional attire with Sarangi in their hand, playing the melodious Rajasthani music.
Many sections of the fort are open to the public, there are rooms that exhibits collections of palanquins, chariots, armours and paintings. The main highlights of the Mehrangarh Fort are the Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal and Takht Singh Palace. You can see the different old palanquins, the dresses that kings and queen wore, the weapons that were used in those days. You can see the beauty of each room in the way they differ in terms of art, structures, patterns and idea.
There is an area in the fort from where you can see the panoramic view of the Blue City. An area of Jodhpur which is painted in blue colour can easily be seen from there.
Jaswant Thada
It's my favourite place in Jodhpur for sure. The very first site will make you fall in love with this place. And unlike Mehrangarh Fort, this place was peaceful. After a 3-4 hour tour of Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada is a perfect place to relax and spend some hour peacefully. It is situated on the bank of a lake.
Exploring the whole fort in the high heels made my legs tired to move an inch. I wanted to sit in the garden and relax but as soon as I entered the main hall and kept my feet on the marble it touched my soul. I could actually feel the difference and this was the experience I was waiting for. This big hall is adorned with portraits and pictures of the royal family of Rathores and the centre has this royal couch on a raised platform around which one is supposed to perform circumambulation.
It is simply beautiful and peaceful. If I would have been living in Jodhpur then I would have visited Jaswant Thada daily in the evening to relax.
After a long day, in the evening you can sit in the cafe and relax. There are many good cafes in Jodhpur. Mostly all the cafes are situated near Toorji ka Jhalra - Stepwell.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
The way to the Umaid Bhawan Palace gives you the royal feel. Even the dome of the palace was visible from the Mehrangarh Fort. The palace looks so beautiful and enchanting. 1/4 part of the palace is open for the visitors which includes the museum, the royal courtyard and the clock collection museum. Also, there is a small shop inside the museum from where you can buy fancy dupattas, t-shirts, magnets, diaries and etc. Then near the exit gate, there is a museum of vintage cars. Probably 7-8 vintage cars are put on for the display.
Camel Safari
In an hour we got free and there wasn't much to visit so we left for Camel Safari. There is a place called Osian, 80 km away from Jodhpur where you get to do Camel and Jeep Safari. Mostly all the travel and your agency provide you pick and drop service from your hotel, or the airport, train station or bus station.
The tour starts with pickup in Jodhpur around 2.30 pm or 3 pm. You travel by private car to Osian where you have the chance to visit the Sachiya Mata Temple. After taking in the temple, head to the starting point for the camel safari. The camel ride is considered a peak experience in Rajasthan. Expect to spend about one to two hours riding the camel in the Thar Desert. Stay to watch the skies and sands change colours during the sunset hour, then return to your private vehicle for transfer back to Jodhpur.
In our safari, even the Marwari Lunch was included. The name of the camel that I rode was Jigar. On the way, we saw Nilgai and other camels. It took 40-50 minutes to reach the village where we had delicious food and relaxed for a few minutes. Then we headed back to the starting point where our car was waiting for us. It was a hell of a new experience and was so much fun. Do not miss the camel safari when you visit Jodhpur.
Where To Shop?
Jodhpur is famous for antiques, bandhani saree, footwear, red chillies, and traditional men & women wear, bangles.
Go to Mochi Bazar if you want to buy fancy and elegant emojis. You will find varieties to choose from. There is a big market for bangles near the clock tower market. If Rajasthani handicrafts and textiles fascinate you? Then visit Tripolia Market, this market offers a huge assortment of wooden handicrafts, brass items, colourful apparels, metal furniture, marble statues, silver jewellery and traditional artefacts. This is also one of the most interesting clothing markets in Jodhpur.
And do not forget to eat spicy mirchivada, kachori, Rajasthani dal baati and lassi.
From blue houses, magnificent forts and palaces, lots of temples and colourful fairs and festivals to delicious lassi and spicy mirchibada, Jodhpur will give you a concentrated experience of Rajasthani culture.
