Jodhpur: The blue city of India

Jodhpur, another popular tourist destination which narrates us the epic of the bygone era, is second largest city of Rajasthan. As the name suggests, Jodhpur was founded by then Maharaja Rao Jodha in the year 1459. While browsing the city, you’ll find countless houses painted in blue color. That’s why Jodhpur is also known as “The Blue city”. According to a myth, the blue color is related with the priestly caste of India known as “Brahmins” who have been living here since first stone of the city was laid. Although, some say that the blue color was used here to save the structures from being damaged by the attacks of termites. Whatever are the reasons, the blue hue indeed, made the city scenic and mesmerizing. In addition to these panoramic views, the city also attracts the architecture lovers. Be it Mehrangarh fort or Umaid Bhavan palace, the city presents the excellent examples of stunning structures.

Attractions of Jodhpur

The city has something extraordinary for everyone. If you are an architecture lover, you can visit the stunning structures like Mehrangarh fort, Jaswant Thada and Umaid Bhavan. For the shopping addicted, Jodhpur is not less than a blessing. From the famous embroidered Rajasthani dresses or adorned jewelries to fragrant spices and crafts & handlooms, the city provides every magnificent thing associated with the bygone era. Briefly, you can say that Jodhpur has everything for everyone which make it a perfect getaway.

Mehrangarh Fort: Regarded as the most splendid and stunning fort of Rajasthan, Mehrangarh fort was built by the founder of city Maharaja Jodha Rao in year 1459. The fort stretches to a length of 5 kms and is located on approx 125 meters high elevated land. The best and unique thing about the fort is that, it was constructed in such a way that it was nearly impossible to the rivals to invade the fort. Reaching at the highest point of the fort, the panoramic view of city will surely mesmerize you. On one side, you will witness Jaswant Thada houses beautiful cenotaphs and on another side, proudly stand Umaid Palace showing its lavish structure. While roaming the fort, you’ll find some cultural performers sitting at the corners by presenting the fascinating music. It is their magic that every passerby is easily influenced and the whole atmosphere is echoed on the versions of the bygone era. I would suggest not to forget your camera to capture these moments.

Jaswant Thada: Houses the elegant cenotaphs of the royal families, Jaswant Thada was built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II in the year 1899. Constructed in white marbles, this structure presents a fine example of magnificent architecture. Inside the central cenotaph, you’ll find the portraits of many Rajput rulers who had served Jodhpur.

Umaid Bhawan: The luxurious, lavish and extravagant Palace ever constructed in North India, Umaid Bhavan is an example of the early modern period architecture. Built in early 20th century, the palace is divided into 3 major parts. In first part is resident of the royal family which is one of the world’s largest private residences. The second part are now occupied by the esteemed group of Taj hotels and the third one is converted into the museum and the opens for the general public. There is an interesting fact behind construction of Umaid Bhavan. It was actually built to provide the employment to famine struck population of Jodhpur which took over 16 years to complete.

A culinary city

You may be aware that Rajasthani people are food lovers! While the popular dishes like ker-sangri, gate ki subzi, dal-bati churma and badi ka saag are available almost everywhere in Jodhpur, head to some fine local restaurants to savour a variety of cuisines. Within the city, you’ll find some good and value for money eateries offering a great variety of food. These include Jodhpur Coffee House which is also famous for good South Indian snacks, Uttam Restaurant, On the Rocks that offers variety of both veg and non-veg food. How can one forget the famous sweets of Jodhpur! If you were born with a sweet tooth, Jodhpur offers a great variety of sweet delicacies. For the traditional age old recipes, head to Mishrilal, Janta Sweet Home or Jodhpur Sweet Home for mouth watering Mave ki Kachori, Makkhan Vade, Moong Dal ka Halwa and Makhania Lassi which is made from yogurt with saffron.

Best time to visit to Jodhpur

Although there is no particular condition or time for a traveler to plan out, but if you don’t like summers and like others wish to plan out during winters, I would suggest you to visit during the months from October to March.