Also known as the "The Blue City", "Sun City" and "Gateway to Thar", Jodhpur is famous for its Mehrangarh Fort, blue houses, temples, sweets, and snacks. Apart from the fort, there are multiple temples, lakes, shopping streets that are like a mirage from a bygone era.
The former capital of Marwar, Jodhpur is one of the most enchanting cities of Rajasthan, with its mighty Mehrangarh fort overlooking the city. The city is called the Blue City as it looks completely blue in color from an aerial view because of its blue walls and blue houses. Nearby Jaswant Tada and Umaid Bhawan Palace are also among the top attractions in Jodhpur. However, the magic lies in the old city itself with hundreds of shops, guesthouses, eating joints and vendors make it a chirpy bustling city, especially near the landmark clock tower and Sardar Market.
Seen in the backdrop of the movie, The Dark Knight Rises, Jodhpur attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world. Jodhpur is conveniently located in the center of Rajasthan making it easier for people visiting Jodhpur to explore other destinations of the state.
Best Time To Visit :
November to February are the best months to visit Jodhpur, although they are cold, with temperatures going close to 0 degrees celsius for a few days in January. This is good weather to visit the forts of Jodhpur. October and March also provide pleasant weather for a trip to Jodhpur. However, being in an arid land, Rajasthan and also Jodhpur is extremely hot during summers, so April to September must be avoided.
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 recognizable 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 Kamagra 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 cannonballs 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. 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 honor 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 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.
3 .Mandore Garden :
Famous for its wide green expanses, exquisite architecture and royal cenotaphs, Mandore Garden of Jodhpur is indeed a sight to behold. Located just 9 kilometres away from Jodhpur; Mandore Garden is situated 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.
The most striking feature of the garden is the gorgeous cenotaphs or 'dewals' that can be found spread all across the Mandore Gardens. Undoubtedly, the most beautiful and famous of these cenotaphs is the one that belongs to Maharaja Ajit Singh. The structures inside the garden are undoubtedly its most striking feature, the Hall of Heroes for instance - has 16 figures of warriors carved from a single rock.
4 . Umaid Bhawan Palace :
Built in 1943, Umaid Bhavan Palace in Jodhpur is a wonderful amalgamation of a fascinating past and a luxurious present. It is, at the same time - a heritage hotel, a museum and the residence of the Royal Family of the present owner, Raja Gaj Singh. In addition to being of a historical landmark, the palace was commissioned in 1929, was built in order to provide employment to the drought and grief-stricken farmers of the area and thus took longer to complete. Umaid Bhavan Palace offers amazing encounters ranging from heritage walks to unforgettable dining experiences. The award-winning hotel is well-known and loved for its hospitality and a feel of the luxurious living. It was recently in the news for being the site of the Bollywood Superstar Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas - a renowned Pop Star from the Band - One Direction.
5 . Flying Fox :
The Flying Fox Zipline Tour in Jodhpur is arguably the most memorable way to experience the Mehrangarh Fort, a key attraction of the blue city. A stunning way to admire the stunning art, architecture, and colors of the city, Flying Fox in Jodhpur is a sport especially for all the adrenaline junkies that visit this historic city. A well-organised setup of six zip lines, this tour covers the walls, the bastions and the lakes of the fort, spanning an estimated time of two hours. Not only is it the best activity to get your heart racing, participants are also treated to a unique breathtaking collection of views of the picturesque city and the majestic fort.
6 . Ghanta Ghar :
The Ghanta Ghar in Jodhpur is a magnificent clock tower in the centre of the city, built by Maharaja Sardar Singh about 200 years ago. Known as the clock tower of Rajasthan, it is a popular landmark that signifies the start of Old Jodhpur. The tower offers a brilliant panoramic view of the city from the top. The area surrounding this imposing structure is bustling with locals presenting all sorts of products and services, making it the busiest and largest marketplace of Jodhpur. The markets and the tower are a must-visit for travelers who want to witness and experience the culture and people of Jodhpur.
How To Reach :
1 . By Flight :
Jodhpur has a well-functioning airport with direct flights to Mumbai/Delhi/Ahmedabad and some other cities in Gujarat/Rajasthan. Flights could be a little expensive as there are just a few flights to here, but if you book in advance you should be able to get a good price.
2 . By Road :
Jodhpur has great road connectivity from other parts of the state. You can book sleeper bus tickets from Delhi or Ahmedabad - these typically have an overnight schedule and drop you in Jodhpur early morning. They are quite cheap and comfortable, and a good way to reach Jodhpur if you're not able to get train tickets but want to do a budget trip.
3 . By Train :
Jodhpur railway station has good train connectivity with almost all the major cities in Rajasthan, and from Delhi/Mumbai/Ahmedabad and even Kolkata. From Delhi, taking a train is a very convenient option since you can take an overnight train to reach Jodhpur early morning. It takes a little long (around 16-18 hours) to reach from Mumbai. Jodhpur is well connected to Jaipur/Udaipur by train, so if you are planning a whole Rajasthan trip, traveling by train within Rajasthan is a good and cheap option.