Set in the striking landscape of the Thar Desert, the blue-city of Jodhpur reflects the rich history and culture of Rajasthan and is popular among travellers. Fondly called the ‘sun city’, the city’s ancient ruined temples, grand palaces, the majestic forts and the beautiful endless span of desert makes for a perfect vacation. Whether it is taking a stroll around the spectacular Mehrangarh Fort, binging on mirchi vada and pyaaz kachori, or shopping for exquisite bandhanis and mojris, you can never get enough of this beautiful city.
Best time to visit Jodhpur:
The months from October to March are the perfect time to visit Jodhpur. Let us take a look at the various seasons round the year to help you plan your trip better.
Most spoken languages in Jodhpur:
How to reach Jodhpur:
The Gypsy restaurant is popular pure vegetarian restaurant in Jodhpur. It serves a special traditional thali comprising of 29 dishes. Along with the great quality of food, this restaurant will win your heart for its warm ambience and friendly staff.
This restaurant situated at the Mehrangarh Fort offers a romantic setting. It is the perfect spot to celebrate any occasion with live performances and delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices of food.
This roof-top restaurant offers a stunning view of the blue city along with multi-cuisine menu including delicious desserts. You must order for pancakes on your visit to this restaurant.
This place is a must visit for traditional pure ghee sweets and Indian snacks. You must try out Dahi Wada, Gatta Curry, Lehsun Dal, Dal Malai Kofta and Gulab Jamun Sabzi at this typical Rajasthani restaurant.
Similar to the other cities in Rajasthan, Jodhpur has one of the most colourful marketplaces with plenty of skilled craftsmen. From unique fabrics to chic mojaris, jewellery and handicrafts, you cannot bid adieu to Jodhpur without checking out the bustling bazaars of the city. Here is a list of popular places to shop in Jodhpur along with tips on what you can splurge on.
Clock Tower Market: Locally known as ‘Ghanta Ghar’, this market is famous for its variety of spices (especially Mathaniya’s red chilli), handicrafts, embroidered fabrics and other antiques.
Nai Sarak: A visit to Jodhpur is incomplete without buying the traditional tie and dye (Bandhani or Bandhej) fabric. The place is a must visit on your trip to Jodhpur and is the best market in the city to pick up souvenirs on your way back home!
Sojati Gate Market: This market is thronged by tourists for beautiful fabrics, handicrafts and jewellery. Remember to stop at one of the stalls to get your hands adorned with traditional henna designs.
Sarafa Bazaar: This market is famous for silver accessories, trinkets, fabrics and other artefacts. Do brush up on your bargaining skills before you hit this bazaar.
Mochi Bazaar: Shop for chic mojaris in myriad colours and patterns at the Mochi Bazaar. You can also find lac bangles and junk jewellery at affordable rates at this market.
Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace If you believe in living life King size, then this is the perfect pick for you. This luxurious hotel offers its guests several facilities such as swimming pools, recreation rooms, ballrooms, lounge bar, a marbled squash room and a wellness spa. The royal family continues to share the mansion with its exclusive guests.
RAAS The Luxury Boutique Heritage hotel’s architecture comprises of red sandstone walls, stunning rooms, grand courtyards, and manicured lawns. The hotel offers a perfect combination of modern and traditional amenities in its 39 premium rooms. You can enjoy a stunning view of the Mehrangarh fort from this hotel.
Singhvi’s Haveli This 500-year-old Haveli has 13 rooms adorned with traditional decor and other nostalgia. The suites in this heritage haveli are easy on the pocket and offer a stunning view of the blue city.
Ratan Villas This heritage hotel offers 15 rooms with modern amenities. Old family portraits fill the drawing room of the mansion, which is also at present occupied by the descendants of the maharaja who built the haveli. If you are lucky, you might run into one of the owners who could fill you with fascinating stories of the royal family.
Jodhpur forms a symbolic knot between the Thar desert and the Aravali forest. If the magnificent forts and landscape of Jodhpur are not enough reasons for you to plan a trip, then the amazing local festivals surely are! Winter festivals such as Marwar festival, Nagaur Fair, and Jodhpur International Kite Festival will give you a taste of the rich culture and heritage of Jodhpur. Plan a visit during winter seasons of November to January to witness these festivals.
Ever wondered why Jodhpur is termed the blue city, even though not all of the city is painted blue? According to folklore, the Brahmin community painted their houses blue in order to differentiate themselves from the lower communities. Speaking with the locals will give you a host of new theories and reasons - some say the blue colour keeps the termites away, while others believe that the colour keeps the houses cool! Well, we are yet to find out, however, the blue in our airline surely makes us the coolest airline in India!