Things to explore in Jodhpur for the first-time traveller

The second biggest city in the Indian territory of Rajasthan, Jodhpur, is also called the blue city of India. Additionally, it is also called the Sun City because of the excessive heat waves that enter the city throughout the year. Hence, due to the scorching heat, indigo-painted homes are popular in this Blue City, because during the hot weather, indigo color acts as a natural coolant.  

The majestic Fort that overshadows this blue city is Mehrangarh Fort, which is best known for its masterly architectural design. Though not much touristy, it would be unfair to miss this beauty when you are on your Rajasthan trip.

Here is a definitive first-time traveler’s guide to the Blue City of India:

Ways to reach the Blue City of Jodhpur

Jodhpur’s Blue City is in between the ‘golden triangle’ route. One can easily reach here by bus or train from Ajmer, Udaipur, Jaipur, Agra, or by air from Delhi and few other places. And if you want an easy and stress-free ride, one can also hire a personal driver to reach there by car. Once reached, you can hire an Uber, Ola, or local rickshaw to get around the city.

Best things to see, experience, and shop in Jodhpur

There are many exquisite places to visit in Jodhpur. Some of them are:

• Mandore Gardens: Mandore was the capital of Marwar before Jodhpur, which is at a short distance to the north of the focal point of Jodhpur. The focus of attraction is its nurseries covered with rock porches and are home to perky dim Langurs.

• Umaid Bhawan Palace: This beautiful castle was built in 1929 for Maharaja Umaid Singh, by the British draftsman Henry Lanchester. He hired around 3000 laborers, which took 15 years to complete the 365 rooms palace. The Museum located there incorporates a classic art-décor interior and an exclusive collection of elaborate clocks.

• Jaswant Thada: Jaswant Thada, located near Mehrangarh Fort, is a tombstone built-in 1889. It’s a cremation ground for the royal family of Marwar with magnificent carved marble-lattice screens.

• Clock Tower: The ancient Clock Tower is a city-landmark surrounding the vibrant sound, smells, and Sadar Market. The clock tower is a great place to shop exclusive shawls, silky scarves, and Rajasthani touch dyes, carpets, bangles, puppets, and antique artifacts.

• Toorji Ka Jhalra: It is a spectacular step-well with its clean lines and fish fill water. This baori built-in 1740 was the foremost source of water during that time, and its multilevel steps will let you reach the water at any level.

Places to enjoy tasty food in Jodhpur

In the blue city, there are numerous places where you can enjoy the food with some traditional folk dancers and snake charmers performing for you. Mentioned are a few places and where you can savor the local delicacies.

• Rajasthani Thali: Gypsy, one of the Rajasthani restaurants in Jodhpur, serves authentic Thalis with many typical and different flavors dishes on one plate. The Thali will have a bowl of plain rice, puri, naan, dry vegetables, lentil, a selection of curries, and many more things that can make your food a tasty one. One should not forget to eat the most famous food of Jodhpur, the Mirchi Vada.

• Haveli Castle View: Castle View, a rooftop restaurant, involves exploring a maze of blue-narrow streets, and once you are on the top of that castle, you can see Mehrangarh Fort directly in front of you. It is a great spot to view the sunset with Indique drink or al fresco dining when the whole city is glittering.

• Risala, Umaid Bhawan: It is another fine dining luxurious place that lets you enjoy your food at its best in the Palace.

• Chokelao Mahal Restaurant: This restaurant is inside the Mehrangarh Fort, where you can reach with a special jeep that ferries you from the gate.Here, the food is served in Silver Thali that takes you back to ancient times.

Fairs and festivals of Jodhpur

Jodhpur is the centre of attraction in India when we talk about celebrations and festivities. This ancient blue city looks more vibrant during the month of festivals full of dances, folk music, local delicacies, and colors. Major festivals take place in the month between September to October, and hence it is the best time to plan your trip to the blue city.  Some of the famous festivals celebrated here are:

• Maand Festival or Marwar Festival: This two-day festival is celebrated on the eve of Sharad Poornima to pay tribute to the heroes of Rajasthan. It is celebrated at Umaid Bhavan Palace, Mehrangarh Fort, and Mandore through dance and music performances by the local artists.

• International Desert Kite Festival: This festival is celebrated between 14^th to 16^th January each year, in which the best kite flyers from all over the country gather on the Polo Grounds to showcase their skills. The player whose kites soars high in the sky by cutting their opponents’ kites is declared the winner.