Jodhpur
This bustling desert city is the second largest in Rajasthan after Jaipur. It was founded by Rao Jodha, the leader of the Rathore clan, in 1459 AD. The mammoth, imposing fortress (Meherangarh) dominates the rocky ridge with its eight gates leading out of the fort. Sprawling below the fort complex, cornflower blue houses cluster around a network of alleyways and bazaars. Jodhpur has character and charm in abundance and I absolutely loved it!
Highlights
Bishnoi Villages
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The arid country side south of Jodhpur is dotted with villages, the mud and thatch huts inhabited by the 450 year old Bishnoi tribe with its distinctive way of life. The villagers practice many traditional crafts including pottery and weaving (using cotton or camel hair).They are environmentalists in the fundamental sense, preserving the wildlife in scientific and logical routines evolved over the centuries of living with nature.
Jaswant Thada
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The Jaswant Thada is an architectural landmark located in Jodhpur. It is a white marble memorial built by Sardar Singh in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh. The monument, in its entirety, is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when the sun’s rays dance across their surface. Within this cenotaph, there are also two more tombs. The Jaswant Thada is a traditional cremation ground of Jodhpur rulers. The grounds also include exquisitely carved gazebos, a beautiful multi-tiered garden, and a small lake.
Blue Washed Houses and Markets
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Surrounding the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort lies the city of Jodhpur with its blue washed houses and fascinating markets. Actually painted blue to ward off insects, this is the reason why Jodhpur is often referred to as the ‘Blue City’. This is a great place to wander through the maze of alleyways and experience the many curious aspects of India that make it so compelling. Impromptu barber shops, dentistry taking place on the pavement and a swathe of colour provided by huge numbers of saris for sale in the market place. When it’s time for a break, treat yourself to a Lassi at the world famous Lassi Hotel. Delicious.
Mehrangarh Fort
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Rising out of a sheer 125 m high rock, Mehrangarh Fort is perhaps the most majestic of Rajasthan’s forts. Its forbidding ramparts are in sharp contrast to the flamboyantly decorated places within. The sandstone fort was built mainly between the mid 17th and mid 19th centuries, some years afterr the city was founded in 1459.
Lungs
Umaid Bhavan Palace
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This immense palace, built of creamy-pink sandstone and marble was designed for the Maharaja in the late 1920’s. Interiors are opulent, with Art Deco touches, gilded furniture and colored murals. The Palm Court, with a soaring 105-foot cupola, stops many visitors in their tracks, as do the royal suites, the former residences of the Maharaja Umaid Singh.Hotels
Discover the wonderful variety of places to stay in Jodhpur including some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, intimate boutique hotels bursting with local character, charming homestays where you’ll have a chance to interact with local families, converted forts & palaces, fabulous lodges and heritage havelis.
Tours
Below are a selection of our favourite sample itineraries that we have created based on our experiences of travelling extensively throughout India. As with all our tours, every aspect can be tailor-made to your individual requirements.
