Jodhpur: The Blue City of India

Jodhpur, popularly known as ‘The Blue city’ is a Rajwada city in the State of Rajasthan. The Blue City name derives its name from the blue houses present in the old city of Jodhpur. Jodhpur city is a popular destination for tourists desiring to view colourful streets painted with diverse and rich cultures. The Blue City of India is unique and attractive to those willing to experience Rajasthani Culture. It is fondly called ‘The Sun city’ or ‘Gateway to Thar’. Jodhpur is the most appropriate option for people who like to travel places with relation to the country’s hidden past, diversity, and culture.

Brief History

• The City of Jodhpur founded in 1459 AD by King Rao Jodha, the chief of Rathore Clan and the Ruler of Marwar Kingdom credited for its origin.
• Previously known as Marwar, the city derives the current name from him.
• Jodhpur was the largest state during Rajputana in terms of land area at the time of the British Raj.
• During the Independence of India in 1947, the state merged with the union of India followed by becoming part of the Largest state Rajasthan. Jodhpur, the second-largest city preceded by Jaipur.

State/District/Capital

Jodhpur is one of the 33 districts located in the western part of Rajasthan. It is located northwest on the banks of the Luni River. It is the second-largest city in Rajasthan. Jodhpur’s north and northwest areas form part of The Great Indian Thar Desert. The Gateway to Thar (Jodhpur) is located at a distance of 353 km away from the Capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Jodhpur is a major regional road and rail junction and a trade center for crops, wool, cattle, rock salt, and hides. 

How to Reach Jodhpur?

By Air

Jodhpur Airport is a domestic airport with direct flights to large Indian cities. The nearest international airport is Jaipur and Delhi. The Jaipur International Airport is at a 357 km distance.

By Road

The city very well connects to the rest of the parts of the country. There are many convenient options available, such as interstate Volvo buses, Interstate transport buses, interstate taxis, and car rentals. Jodhpur maintains established routes with major cities such as Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Delhi through National Highways.

By Train

Jodhpur has a good connection to the Indian cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata through the rail network. A trip on the luxurious ‘Palace on Wheels’ is also an option to visit Jodhpur. Rajasthan Sampark Kranti, Howrah Jodhpur SF Express, Chennai Jodhpur Express, Suryanagari Express, Jaisalmer Delhi Express, and Yesvantpur Bangalore Jodhpur Express are some of the popular trains that run from Jodhpur.

When to visit Jodhpur?

The duration from October to March is the perfect time to visit Jodhpur. Let us look at the various seasons around the year that will help plan your trip to the city better.

• Winter: Winter is the most perfect time to visit Jodhpur, ranging from mild to cool. The weather is pleasant for tourist activities like desert camping, sightseeing, and attending festivals like the Desert Kite Festival.
• Summer: Summers in Jodhpur can be very tiring and hot. In Jodhpur, peak summer is during April to July, with daytime temperatures lying between 32°C-43°C. Evenings are pleasant to go on sightseeing sprees.
• Monsoon: Jodhpur also receives moderate rainfall from July to August. The temperature ranges between 23°C-37°C making your trip a comfortable experience.

Official Language

The people of Jodhpur generally speak Rajasthani, Marwari, and Hindi. The city also has plenty English speaking guides and locals.

Fairs & Festivals in Jodhpur

Jodhpur is an exposition of splendid and vibrant culture. Jodhpuri culture is full of festivities celebrating throughout the year exhibiting its cultural range and invites people all over India to trade and exhibit their art. During the fairs and festivals of Jodhpur, its beauty turns even more magnetic.

Some Major Famous Festivals & Fairs are:

Marwar Festival

The Marwar Festival in Jodhpur actually for the remembrance of the heroes of Rajasthan. This festival attracts a huge number of foreigners. Classical Folk Music and folk dance make the festival more attractive. The dance postures which involve folk dancer carrying pots on their heads are astonishing to people of foreign culture. The festival is organized at the Mehrangarh fort every year in the month of January which adds to magnify the beauty of the city.

Baba Ramdev Beej & Mela

Baba Ramdev or Ramdev Pir (1352- 1385 AD) is considered a Hindu folk deity of Rajasthan. As folks say he had miraculous healing powers, so he devoted his entire life helping people and travelling. The royal family of Marwar also worships him. Ramdev Pir Jayanti/Baba ki beej, the birth date of Ramdev is a grand celebration on Dooj which falls in August of English Calender. A fair is organized at Masuriya temple present at Masuriya hillock where both Hindu and Muslim devotees pay their homage to baba’s Samadhi. Free food meals are served to the devotees in large feasts called Bhandara.

Accommodation/Stay to prefer

Accommodation to prefer

Hotels

Sun city has lots of luxurious hotels for a leisure and comfortable stay. One of the best hotels is Umaid Bhawan Palace with the best hospitality. Several cheaper hotel options are also available for a comfortable stay.

Zostel

One of the best hostel brands Zostel started its journey from Jodhpur. The rooms are available at an affordable price for budget travellers. Many other hostel options are also available.

Homestays

If staycation and exploring both presents in your plan well then homestay is the best option. Plenty of homestays charging on the monthly basis are available in every part of the city.

Accommodation to prefer

Cabs

Mobile app cab services Ola and Uber are the best options and convenient options for a hassle-free trip. Decorated Auto Rickshaw is also another option to explore the city.

Buses

Public transport in the city has private owners. Locals generally travel within the city by city buses or auto rickshaws.

Rentals

Booking Hourly/daily rentals cars or caravans are a great option if self-driving is an option for you. You can ride freely through the city with the help of google maps.

Places to visit in Jodhpur

Historical

Mehrangarh Fort

The Mehrangarh Fort was built by Rao Jodha in 1459. It is a popular tourist site in Jodhpur because it is an Architectural marvel and considered a treasure to the city. The fort is spread over an area of 5 km. This magnificent fort is primarily associated with the cultural and historical heritage of the city. The old city of Jodhpur is situated near this fort.

• Ticket for entry is mandatory
• Timing: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day

Umaid Bhawan Palace

Built between 1928 and 1943 the palace is a breathtakingly beautiful piece of Rajasthani Royal Heritage. Furthermore, it is also one of the world’s largest residences equipped with 347 rooms. In addition, it is the principal residence of the Royal family of Jodhpur. A part of the palace serves as a museum that focuses on the 20th-century history of The Jodhpur Royals.

• Ticket for Entry is mandatory
• Timing : 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM Everyday

Balsamand Lake Palace

The lake palace has a heritage lake surrounded by lush greens because of which it is a popular picnic spot. The palace was built later with Jodhpur Red sandstone as a summer palace near the lake. Additionally, this palace also serves as a lavish five-star hotel.

Natural

Kaylana Lake

Kalyana lake is an ideal site for all bird watchers. It is a man-made lake, built by Pratap Singh in 1872. Spread over an area of 8 km, also is the best spot to witness the spectacular sunset in Jodhpur. You can plan a picnic here and enjoy yourself with family and friends.

Machiya Park

Machia Biological Park has located 8.5 km from City Center. It is located close to Kaylana Lake. Since it is home to a variety of bird species, bird lovers will find special interest, and a birdwatching point is there to spot the birds. The Biological Park is home to a rich variety of wildlife animals including Lion, crocodiles, tigers, Bear & Ostrich.

• Ticket for Entry is mandatory
• Timing : 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Everyday

Spiritual

Ganesh Temple, Ratanada

The Ganesh Temple in Jodhpur is on the Ratanada hills. The beautiful location of the temple also offers a panoramic view of Jodhpur City. At special festive occasions, offering of ‘chola’ to Lord Ganesha , which means the sindoor wash. As people say, a human-sized sculpture of Lord Ganesha emerged naturally on this site. The statue stands about 8 feet tall and 5 feet wide. From the temple location spectacular view of Umaid Bhavan Palace and the Mehrangarh Fort.

Baba Ramdeo Temple, Masuriya

Baba Ramdev Temple is located on the beautiful hillock of Masuriya. It is one of the most significant tourist and religious attractions of the city of Jodhpur. This temple is located on the route that functions between Nagori and Jalori gates in Jodhpur. The place is believed to be the last resting place of Baba Ramdev Ji. The temple is a beautiful sculpture building of red sandstone with intricate details.

Cuisines to taste in Jodhpur

Sweets

Mawa Kachori – This delicious sweet is a type of kachori stuffed with a filling of mawa prepared with Kesar and dry fruits. The sweet is served with sugary syrup by piercing a hole in the middle of the sweet.

Besan ki Chakki – It is a traditional sweet prepared traditionally at home and also available at every sweet shop in Jodhpur. It is a diamond-shaped sweet mix of roasted mix of gram flour, ghee, and sugar topped with cardamom powder to enhance its taste.

Hot Savouries

Mirchi Bada – Mirchi Bada is traditionally a deep-fried snack, made using big green chillies, stuffed with a spicy and tangy filling of potato and onion, then dipped in besan batter and fried till crisp and light brown. It is a delicious breakfast food item available at every sweet shop in Jodhpur.

Pyaaz Kachori – Pyaaz kachori is a signature dish and a perfect tea-time snack owing its origin to Jodhpur. Pyaaz kachori stuffed with a tangy mix of onions and potato. Best served with red and green chutney.

Traditional Full Meal Food

Rajasthani Thali – Rajasthani Thali is a traditional delicious meal option where you find have an array of traditional Rajasthani dishes served on a platter. The ‘thali’, a big flat steel vessel filled with different types of sabzis such as gatte ki sabzi, Sangre ki sabzi, pachkuta, and kofta. Sweets like Ghevar, ras malai are also part of this delicious platter. It normally takes two people to finish the whole thali.

Dal-Baati Churma – Dal Bati and Churma is a staple food for the Rajasthanis. Dal preparation is from yellow lentils and Tadka. Bati, a round ball evenly baked made of whole wheat. Churma, a staple dessert of the dish, is a sweet grainy mixture of bati, jaggery, and dollops of ghee.

Souvenirs to buy in Jodhpur

Similar to the other cities in Rajasthan, Jodhpur has one of the most colourful marketplaces with plenty of skilled artisans. From unique fabrics to leather Mojaris, jewellery and handicrafts, you have to visit these bazaars in Jodhpur.

• Clock Tower Market: Locally known as ‘Ghanta Ghar’, this market is famous for its variety of spices, handicrafts, embroidered fabrics and other antiques.
• Nai Sarak: A visit to Jodhpur is incomplete without buying the traditionally dyed fabric (Bandhani or Bandhej). The market is a must-visit on your trip to Jodhpur also considered the best market in the city to pick up souvenirs on your way back home.
• Sojati Gate Market: This market is filled with tourists for beautiful fabrics, handicrafts and jewellery. Remember stopping at stalls to fill your hands with traditional henna designs.
• Sarafa Bazaar: The bazaar is famous for its silver accessories, Payal, dyed and embroidered fabrics and other artefacts. Bargaining skills need to be handy when visiting this bazaar.
• Mochi Bazaar: Shop for leather Mojaris in bright and poppy colours with different patterns at the Mochi market. You can also find lacquer work bangles and imitation jewellery at really affordable rates in this market.

So then, what are waiting for? The Blue City is waiting for you.

Pack your bags and gear up to this ethnic and beautiful place.

Padhaaro Maare Des!

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