Jodhpur
he colourful city of Jodhpur revolves around the Rathore clan and is named after Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathore clan. Set at the edge of the Thar Desert in central Rajasthan, Jodhpur is an indigo-dyed cityscape that emerges from the surrounding desert. Rising above Jodhpur is the Mehrangarh Fort, which is encircled by the Old Walled City whose serpentine by-lanes lead to clusters of houses bathed in blue. In the past, the colour blue was used by the city’s Shaivite Brahmins to paint their homes, but has since been used by other locals as well.
Journey back in time in the Old Walled City, which features a medieval charm with its maze of glorious Rajput palaces, traditional havelis and houses, old bazaars and hidden stepwells. Past the 16th-century city walls is the modern city of Jodhpur. Along with its age-old architectural marvels, the city is also known for its culinary delights, hospitality and shopping. True to Rajasthani culture, Jodhpur is a kaleidoscope of colours, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, folk music and the brightly attired people and tastes.
The Blue City of Timeless Splendour
Tours to Jodhpur & Beyond
Things To Do
Forts and palaces
Jodhpur is a storehouse of culture and history. It abounds in history and you will see numerous forts, palaces and beautiful lakes dot the city. The Government Museum, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mehrangarh Fort, Balsamand Lake and some ancient temples like Chamundaji temple, Rajranchodji temple are some of the places you must see while there.
Located on one of the hilltops, the Mehrangarh Fort is a show stealer in Jodhpur. Built in 1806, the alluring architecture of the fort ensures that every tourist in the city visits the fort. The Jaswant Thada is a white marble cenotaph built in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Then there is the 20th century Umaid Bhavan Palace, which is also known as the Chittar Palace because of the Chittar sandstones used to build it. The palace has now been converted into a luxury hotel.
You can also visit the Clock Tower and Government Museum, which displays a rich collection of weapons, textiles, miniature portraits, local crafts and images of Jain Tirthankaras. This museum is located in the lawns of 20th Umaid Bhavan. Art lovers should visit the Kaman Art Gallery to see some unusual paintings on display by local artisans.
Around Jodhpur
Short excursions to the beautiful Mandore Gardens, Osian Jain Temples and the Mahamandir Temple are a must on a trip to Jodhpur. Another thing you absolutely cannot miss out is a safari, not a regular one, but one in the desert! Yes, Jodhpur is the place to enjoy desert safaris. Also indulge in an open jeep ride, navigating your way into the Bishnoi tribal villages to get a close peek into the unique tribal life of the region.
There are plenty of getaways from Jodhpur for a day’s trip. Fort Pokhran is a massive, cream-coloured, 14th century fort, 168 Km from Jodhpur. Mandore, about 8 kilometres from Jodhpur is the ancient capital of Marwar. At the foot of the hills amidst gardens, commemorative cenotaphs line the silent city.
Shopping
Jodhpur is a haven for shoppers! Name it and it is here. Traditional jewellery like bajuband, Lala, gajra and gokhru are some the master creations of Jodhpur. Come heat or cold, you will still see some Rajasthani women sporting these as a part of their tradition. For the more hep, Jodhpur has junk and silver jewellery on offer. If you search, you search really hard, you may even stumble upon some beautiful stone pieces.
Textile is another thing you cannot go without. Leheria, a unique colourful print has its origins from here and it will be a very wise decision to invest in traditional leheria sari or dupatta. Bangles, beautiful multi-coloured and in various designs are found in abundance here and going back without picking up a few will be shameful. Lakh, a unique plastic bangle found in this area, which you can rejoin even if it breaks. And don’t forget to pick up Rajasthani footwear mojri jootis that come in various designs and patterns. Those into horse riding can pick up riding breeches in Jodhpur. High-quality spices, especially Mathania red chili, and antiques like old furniture, coins, paintings, and collectibles are worth seeking out.
When shopping in Jodhpur, bargaining is common, so negotiating prices is expected. Ensure the authenticity of antiques and high-value goods. Supporting local artisans helps preserve traditional crafts and directly benefits the craftsmen. Jodhpur’s markets not only offer unique items but also provide a rich cultural experience, making shopping here memorable and enriching.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Jodhpur is during the cooler months from October to March. During this period, the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and exploring the city’s many attractions. It is also the peak season for tourism in the city. This is also the time of the year which brings many festivals and events.
Being close to the Thar Desert, Jodhpur can get extremely hot in the months of April to June making it less ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, hotels and travel costs may be lower during this off-peak season. The activities and sightseeing can be planned during cool hours of the morning and evening.
Receives moderate rainfall, bringing some relief from the summer heat. The landscape becomes more lush and green, but humidity can be high with occasional heavy rains.
