Jodhpur Travel Guide
Impressive Fort Overlooking the Blue City
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Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan after Jaipur. A climb to Meherangarh Fort reveals a vivid blue colour-washed city spreading out from the foot of the hill, one of the most spectacular sights in Rajasthan. With palaces, temples, bazaars and more to explore Jodhpur is an understandably essential stop on everyone’s Rajasthan itinerary.
Founded by Rao Jodha a chief of the Rathore clan in 1459 and dominated by the massive Meherangarh Fort which tops a sheer rocky ridge the old city of Jodhpur is ringed by defensive walls some 10 km long, pierced by eight gates.
Known as Marwar - the Land of Death - a reflection of the harsh climate and remote location by the reign of Maharaja Umaid Singh, Jodhpur had grown into a fine city known for the equestrian skills of its inhabitants: indeed polo has been the traditional sport of the Jodhpur nobility since medieval times.
Within the walls of the old city are a network of narrow streets the walls of the buildings are painted a vivid blue. This is a fascinating place to wander around with the focus of the bazaar radiating out from the famous clock tower.
Attractions in Jodhpur
Jodhpur has many attractions with Meherangarh Fort taking top spot. The relatively new Umaid Bhawan Palace (in part a hotel) is a fine museum whilst the Jaswant Thada is peaceful white-domed memorial. The Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi Folk Art Museum is well worth a visit to see its display of puppets.
Those with more time should head out of town too, to places such as Mandore, the old Marwari capital famous for its chattris, and the temple-village of Ossian. The region hereabouts is also famous for the villages of the Bishnoi people whose eco-philosophy is not a 21st century whim but dates back hundreds of years.
Activities in Jodhpur
Allow 2 days in Jodhpur to see the main sights and wander the backstreets of the bazaar. 3 days will allow a visit to Mandore and Ossian with, perhaps, a night spent in one of the Bishnoi villages.
Relaxing
There are a couple of top-class hotels in Jodhpur in which to relax in a wicker chair on a manicured lawn with a cool gin and tonic. For great places to eat try the Mehran Terrace inside the Fort where you can look out over the city.
Getting Around
The city can largely be explored on foot with taxis or auto-rickshaws being used for getting around within the city. For visits to outlying sights and places of interest it’s worthwhile having your own transport, perhaps a driver-guide, as public transport connections are unreliable.
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