Jodhpur

JODHPUR, the second largest city in Rajasthan is popularly known as the Blue City. The name is clearly befitting as most of the architecture – forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The strapping forts that tower this magnificent city sum up to a spectacle you would not want to miss. The mammoth, imposing fortress of Mehrangarh has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with the eight gates leading out of the fortress. The new city is located outside the structure. Jodhpur is also known for the rare breed of horses known as Marwari or Malani, which are only found here.

WEATHER

 

AVERAGE MONTHLY RAINFALL
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Rainfall (mm)	3.1	4.2	3.3	5.1	9.7	31.8	85.2	86.2	39.5	8.3	1.6	1.4

 

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Winter is the best time to visit Jodhpur with ease. This is the peak season for tourist activities. During winters you can enjoy desert camping, Mehrangarh fort, and its famous festivals like Rajasthan International Folk Festival, Desert Kite festival, Marwar Festival, and many other highlights of Jodhpur, at their fullest. Temperature in winters here stays approximately between 7 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius.

CUISINE

Jodhpur cuisine is synonymous with spice, chilly, street food and rich culture of sweets. It is the place where delectable foods like Gatte Ki Sabzi, Bajre Ka Sogra, Mirchi Vada, Aate Ka Halwa, Pyaz Kachori, Mawa Kachori and many other originated from. Makhaniya lassi can be added to the list of eatables to try besides these special foods of Jodhpur. How can one skip out the sweet and savoury foods like Ghewar, Besan Ki Barfi, and Thorr. Treat your taste buds to these trademark delicacies whenever you visit the city!

If you want a taste of the wild street side slurries and Slurpees, head down to Sojati gate where the bustling market surrounds various local eating joints for desi snacks and drinks at very affordable rates. Another popular area is the Sardarpura market which provides a customised range of food items and dining restaurants.

SHOPPING

Colourful Dupattas, Tinkling Earrings, Ethnic Mojaris, Classy Antiques and Finely Crafted Handicrafts best describe the scene of shopping in Jodhpur! The historic city happens to be home to most colourful markets just like any other cities of Rajasthan. When you plan a trip to Jodhpur, do make sure you take a day off for shopping only as there is so much to explore.

The city is packed with myriad big and small market areas and shopping centres where one can have a heartfelt shopping experience. Sojati Gate Market, Station Road, Tripolia Bazaar, Mochi Bazaar, Umaid Bhawan Palace Market, Clock Tower and Nai Sarak are the prominent street markets in Jodhpur.

LANGUAGE

Hindi, Marwari and Rajasthani are the main languages spoken by the local people of Jodhpur. Language is the main mode of conversation between the two people and the tone of language spoken by the people of Jodhpur is very impressive.

THINGS TO DO

1. EXPLORE MEHRANGARH FORT

Explore the colossal Mehrangarh Fort and the impressive in-house museum to experience the grandeur of bygone eras. Plan your visit in the evening hours to watch this Citadel of the Sun in all its resplendent glory. With the crimson sky bathing everything in golden hues and the blue houses lending the desert landscape a pop of lively color, this hill-fort standing 400 feet above the ground offers one of the finest spectacles that you will come across in Rajasthan.

2. ENJOY A SESSION OF ZIP LINING WITH JODHPUR FLYING FOX

Imagine gliding over the majestic Mehrangarh Fort or flying past two desert lakes to arrive at the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park from where you can enjoy incredible views of the fort as well as the city. Sounds exciting? Go for a session of zip lining with Jodhpur Flying Fox, which is one of the absolutely fun things to do in Jodhpur.

3. HIKE THROUGH RAO JODHA DESERT ROCK PARK

This little-known desert park is a 72-hectare rocky expanse with more than 80 species of plants showcasing the natural diversity of the region. The key attraction of the park, however, is its criss-cross walking trails that allow you to hike and spot various species of birds, reptiles, and butterflies even as you enjoy imposing views of the city and the regal Mehrangarh Fort.

4. TAKE A WALKING TOUR OF GHANTAGHAR

No trip to Jodhpur can be deemed complete if you haven’t taken a tour of the Ghantaghar aka the Clock Tower Area, the busiest and largest marketplace of Jodhpur. Take a walking tour through this area to discover the lesser known aspects of the old city, get a glimpse of the local life, and even taste local delicacies like Lassi and Misri Mawa.

5. STROLL THROUGH THE MANDORE GARDENS

The ancient town of Mandore was once the capital of the Marwar region and is one of the top tourist places to visit in Jodhpur. Visit the Mandore Gardens to get a glimpse of its glorious past and to click some stunning pictures. The garden comprises age-old temples, high-rock terraces, and memorials dedicated to the Maharajas of Jodhpur. Among the highlights of the place are the Hall of Fame, the Temple of 33 crore Gods, and the Government Museum.

6. VILLAGE SAFARI

Village safari is an iconic attraction of Bishnoi. This small safari takes you close to exotic wildlife, culture of village life and craft items. You can spot many birds, visit desert oasis and watch artisans create handicrafts. You can also have a good clicking time if you are a photo enthusiast. The most interesting part of this activity is that no two village safaris are the same. Every element of each village is different. Sometimes, the same place will provide a different spectrum of attractions during different seasons.

PLACES TO VISIT

1. MEHRANGARH FORT

Mehrangarh, also known as Mehran Fort was built by Rao Jodha in 1459 in Jodhpur, is one of the largest forts in the country. It is situated at the top of a 410 feet elevated hill and guarded by massive walls. One of the most easily recognisable forts in Jodhpur, it has appeared in many Hollywood and Bollywood productions such as The Lion King, The Dark Knight Rises, and the more recent - Thugs of Hindostan. The entrance of the fort, atop a hill, is majestic and has seven gates. These are called Victory Gate, Fateh Gate, Gopal Gate, Bhairon Gate, Dedh Kamgra Gate, Marti Gate and finally Loha Gate. Each of these was built at different times and serves a very specific purpose. While one still has marks of cannon balls being hit on it, the other has spikes that can protect it from elephant and animal attacks. However, Victory Gate was built to commemorate the win of Maharaja Man Singh over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. The fort also has opulent palaces such as the Sheesh Mahal (Glass Palace) and Phool Mahal (Rose Palace).

2. UMAID BHAWAN PALACE

Umaid Bhawan Palace was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1929 to counter a famine which had hit the state at the time. It was also known as the Chittar Palace while being constructed thanks to the use of stones drawn from the Chittar hill. The palace was designed by HV Lanchester, a renowned British architect, and was completed in 16 years. Built with sandstone and marble, the architecture of the palace is described as a blend of lndo-Saracenic, Classical Revival and Western Art Deco styles. It is recognised as one of the largest private homes in the world and also one of the more spectacular buildings. It is the only palace built in the 20th century.

3. JASWANT THADA

In the royal state of Jodhpur lies Jaswant Thada, a splendid marble cenotaph monument that is also a mausoleum for the kings of Marwar. The memorial was built in the honour and memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II by his son Maharaja Sardar Singh in 1899 and is still used by the Marwar Royal Family as cremation grounds. The beautiful edifice is made out of intricately carved marble that is offset vibrantly against the red steps that lead up to the entrance. Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur is considered as an architectural landmark and must be seen by one and all. On the steps leading up to the monument, one can see local musicians and folk dancers entertain the visitors.

The cenotaph also has a beautifully maintained garden which the tourists can explore along with the monument. You can explore the intricate artistry on the carved marbles. The skilfully carved thin sheets of marble are worth appreciating. The entire structure resembles a temple with unmatched beauty. It is also called the Taj Mahal of Marwar and attracts tourists from all over the world.

4. MANDORE GARDEN

Famous royal cenotaphs, Mandore Garden is located just 9 kilometres away from Jodhpur in Mandore which was once the ruling seat of the Pratihara dynasty. The garden is a part of the more massive Mehrangarh Fort, and also houses the famous Hall of Heroes and the temple of Three Hundred Million Gods. The garden also has a Government Museum, which is full of artefacts and old relics.

5. TOORJI KA JHALRA

Constructed in 1740, Toorji Ka Jhalra, commonly called stepwell of Jodhpur, is an intricate design of stepwell, one of the few remaining structures depicting the traditional water management systems of Jodhpur. This architectural wonder was built by the queen-consort of Maharaja Abhaya Singh, a sign of the age-old tradition of the region where royal women were in charge of overseeing the public water works. The design and structure help onlookers comprehend the lifestyle of the earlier generations who had used it in its prime, with the site serving as the local watering hole for its time.

This 250-year-old structure was made using the famous rose-red sandstone found in Jodhpur. More than 200 feet in depth, it was once adorned with intricate carvings of dancing elephants, medieval lions, cow waterspouts, and niches that showed various deities. There were two levels of access and a separate tank which were meant to receive water from the wheel system powered by the bullocks. Its impressive design attracts many tourists, and is regarded as a fun place by locals and visitors to engage in harmless, recreational water games in order to beat the heat.

6. KHEJARLA FORT

Khejarla Fort in Jodhpur is an ancient monument that has since been converted into a heritage hotel. Originally built in the 17th century by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, the 400-year old edifice has since been turned into a hotel, with amenities that exhibit contemporary luxury laid out against the backdrop of the royal fortress. The Khejarla Fort Hotel is the place to be for a close look at the rich Indian heritage, without giving up on the convenience offered by modern-day hotels. The royal hospitality provided at the hotel is quite literally the cherry on top of the cake! Khejarla Fort offers an experience far beyond the ordinary!

Situated in the desert expanses of Rajasthan, this fort elegantly brings together the natural ruggedness of its surroundings and the opulence of its royal roots. Modern style décor found within its stone carved exterior is a reflection of this blend. It is built atop granite boulders and made of red sandstone, a signature element of Rajput architecture. The hotel also offers a guided tour of the village for a leisurely evening amongst the meadows and a taste of everyday life in the Indian countryside.

The heritage fort is an ideal destination for those who wish to experience the rich cultural legacy of India while enjoying a laidback holiday soaked in grandeur. The fusion of royal and rural is what this stately fortress stands for.

7. JODHPUR GOVERNMENT MUSEUM

The government museum, located in Umaid Garden, houses a rich collection of relics including armoury, textiles, local art and crafts, miniature paintings, portraits of rulers, manuscripts and images of the Jain Tirthankaras. Wildlife lovers can also visit the zoo, which is located close by.

8. MAHAMANDIR TEMPLE

Mahamandir, meaning great temple, is a sanctified spot where tranquillity reigns supreme. Situated on Mandore road, the temple is an architectural wonder. It is supported by 84 pillars and ornamented with detailed designs and figures depicting various postures of Yoga.

9. MASURIA HILLS

Masuria garden is one of the three most beautiful and famous gardens of Rajasthan. Located on top of the Masuria hill in the middle of Jodhpur, it is popular among devotees because of the centuries-old temple dedicated to a local deity, Baba Ramdev. There is a restaurant located here which offers a stunning panoramic view of the city.

10. KAYLANA LAKE

Kaylana Lake is a massive manmade lake on the outskirts of Jodhpur city. It serves as the primary resource for drinking water for the citizens of Jodhpur and other neighbouring settlements. It also serves as an excellent viewpoint for sunsets. The Siberian Crane can also be spotted here during winter.

11. BISHNOI VILLAGE

Experiencing the culture of the Bishnoi community is a vital part of any leisure trip to Rajasthan. The Bishnoi Village tour comprises four villages spanned across four hours, where one can absorb and witness the authentic traditions and lifestyles of rural Rajasthan, a continuing tribute to the original way of life present in Marwar. This tour spans an average of 6 hours, allowing travellers to witness the simplicity and peace of a time forgotten. As Bishnois are staunch protectors of the environment, many animals and birds are seen naturally coexisting in and around the areas of the villages. A rare sight in the rest of the world, it is quite delightful to look at these creatures go about their daily routines unencumbered by the worry of being hunted or run over.

The full tour package includes five significant stops designed to help travellers understand the history and culture that has shaped the Bishnoi tribe to what we see today. Common rural occupations like sheep-herding, weaving and pottery are practised here, and visitors to the villages have the opportunity to view, learn and purchase these finely-crafted products manufactured in these areas. The tour also includes a visit to Khejarli, site of the Khejarli massacre where 363 Bishnois lost their lives trying to save the forest, and the breathtaking Guda village, a glorious location perfect for an Instagrammable moment, with the natural scenery being complemented well with the local biodiversity.

12. SARDAR SAMAND LAKE AND PALACE

Built on the banks of the Sardar Samand Lake by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1933, the Sardar Samand Lake Palace is a spectacular hunting lodge. It remains the royal family's favourite retreat and houses a vast collection of African trophies and original watercolour paintings. The lake attracts several migratory and local birds such as the yellow-legged green pigeon, Himalayan griffon and Dalmatian pelican, making it a bird watcher's paradise.

13. RANISAR PADAMSAR

The Ranisar and Padamsar lakes are two adjoining lakes in the city of Jodhpur built over 500 years ago. They are situated at the rear of the Mehrangarh Fort, near the Fateh Pol. These scenic lakes were created to conserve water, as Jodhpur falls under a desert region where water is scarce. The tranquillity of these adjacent lakes is complemented brilliantly by the stark contrast of the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, making it a sight to behold. The clear waters have been preserved and maintained for centuries, providing a serene vibe and an almost identical reflection of the grand fort on its surface.

14. OSIAN

Surrounded by golden sand dunes and hamlets, Osian, located 65 km north of Jodhpur, is famous for its Hindu and Jain temples and is known as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan due to the erotic sculptures on the temples. A prominent trading center on the Silk Route from the 8th to the 12th century AD, Osian was also a major pilgrimage site during the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty, which ruled much of northern India from the 6th to the 11th centurty and was known as Upakesapura.

The oldest and most popular of the structures is the Sun Temple, that has one of the most finely constructed gateways you will ever come across. The astounding fact is that no two temples in this group are alike. Considering that each temple is so intricately carved signifies a lot of design, creativity and skill that was used to build them!

15. MACHIYA SAFARI PARK

This park is situated on the way to Jaisalmer, about 1 kilometre from Kailana Lake. It offers a bird watching point for visitors and is also home to several animals such as deer, desert foxes, monitor lizards, blue bulls, hare, wild cats, mongoose, monkeys, etc. The park also offers spectacular views of sunset and should not be missed.

16. CHAMUNDA MATAJI TEMPLE

Chamunda Mataji was Rao Jodha’s favourite goddess and so her idol was bought to the Mehrangarh Fort. Thus, the fort became a place of worship and was turned into a temple. Since then, locals have followed the culture of worshipping Chamunda Mata. In fact, till date, the goddess remains the Isht Devi (the adopted goddess) of Maharajas and the royal family.

17. GHANTA GHAR

Ghanta Ghar, also known as the clock tower of Rajasthan, is situated in one of the busiest areas of Jodhpur, the Sadar Bazaar. It was constructed by Shri Sardar Singh Ji of Jodhpur. The Sadar Market is quite popular among tourists, who throng the streets to purchase Rajasthani textiles, clay figurines, miniature camels and elephants, marble inlay work and classic silver jewellery.

18. MANDALESHWAR MAHADEV

The Mandaleshwar Mahadev was built by Mandal Nath in AD 923. It is believed to be one of the oldest shrines in the city. The walls of the temple have some beautiful paintings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

19. NAGAUR FORT

Nagaur Fort, also called as Ahhichatragarh Fort, attracts a number of tourists from all parts of the world. This fort is of great historical importance. It was built by Mughal King Shahjahan and Akbar under the reign of Kshatriya rulers. This fort was originally found by Naagvansi Kshatriya. It is now renovated by Mohammed Bahlim. Interestingly, this fort is known to have witnessed many battles in the past centuries.

The fort is famous for its high walls and big campus. You can have a jovial family time inside this fort. This monument offers tourists to enjoy the ancient palaces, colourful play of fountains, lush green garden, famous temples with a picturesque atmosphere. Akbari Mahal, Deepak Mahal, Hadi Rani Mahal and Amar Singh Mahal are the other insights where one can soak themselves in the rich heritage of Rajasthan.