Jodhpur Travel Guide: The Blue City

No other skyline makes itself known like that of Jodhpur. Jodhpur travel guide starts where every traveler's experience of the Blue City of Rajasthan starts too – from the roof terrace, during the early evening time, when the indigo-colored homes of the old Jodhpur city turn dark, while the Mehrangarh Fort gets lit up by the last rays of golden sunlight. It is not just any city that one can visit; this place requires slow entry, revealing itself piece by piece, like its narrow streets lead you to the centuries-old Marwar culture.

The second largest city in Rajasthan has always been the point of intersection between the trade route across the desert, royal ambitions, and artists' patronage. At present days, it is one of the must-see travel destinations for those tourists who want to combine their heritage travel experience in India without making compromises – private forts, luxury palace hotels, and a UNESCO-protected old town, which needs slow investigation. Whatever kind of trip you plan – a honeymoon vacation, cultural tour for solo traveler, or a family heritage holiday – this guide will give you all necessary information – history, architecture, attractions, food, itinerary, and practical details.

Jodhpur was founded in the year 1459 when Rao Jodha, the ruler of Rathore dynasty, founded his capital in Jodhpur from Mandore, a small town near Jodhpur. Fort constructed by him was known as Mehrangarh and the city surrounding this fort derived its name from his name. Since then till today, Jodhpur has served as the capital of the Marwar state for about five hundred years. It has always been the toughest and the most warlike princely state of Rajputana.

The cause for the prosperity of the rulers of the Rathore dynasty was their geographic location in such a way that the trade routes of Delhi-Gujarat and western coastline passed through their capital; Marwar was the only way through which opium, silk, sandalwood and copper could be traded and thus the profits earned by them from these trades helped the rulers of Jodhpur build their palaces and temples. Rulers of Jodhpur have won much fame throughout history for their skills in warfare and horsemanship. Jodhpurs are famous breeches named after Maharaja Sir Pratap Singh of Jodhpur.

Jodhpur is a culturally diverse destination that has plenty to offer besides being a place of tourism. Jodhpur holds folk and world music festivals throughout the cooler seasons of the year. This attracts musicians from the Manganiyar and Langa communities of Rajasthan. Puppet shows, Ghoomar dances, and turban tying can be organized at heritage hotels and other private tourism organizations. If one wants to experience the culture even more, then a walk through the silversmiths' and tie-dyers' workshops in the old town will be highly recommended.

The hospitality of Jodhpur has few equals anywhere in India. The Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel is still the flagship hotel of the city, providing its guests with the feeling of being residents in a living palace of the royalties. Apart from the palace hotels, there are many restored havelis and boutique heritage hotels located in the old town that can provide views of the fort from their rooftops at a much lesser price than what the palace hotels charge. Those who want a desert break can opt for luxury tented camps that are located outside the city where one can enjoy a safari ride in a camel or a jeep along with some excellent dining experience outdoors.