10 Things You Must Do While in Jodhpur

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Distance from Delhi: 474 kilometers

The city is sprawled below in a chaotic maze of alleys snaking around houses awash with blue. From your vantage point atop the imposing fort, you almost feel like royalty looking over your subjects. Welcome to Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan and truly a traveller’s delight. While in the ‘blue city’, don’t miss out on our pick of 10 must-dos.

Mehrangarh Fort

The magnificent fort forms a picturesque backdrop to the city, rising 400 feet above old Jodhpur. Thick walls enclose several palaces with intricately carved interiors. The Sheesh Mahal or Hall of Mirrors is particularly impressive as is the museum housed within the fort. Mehrangarh hosts several cultural festivals including the annual Rajasthan International Folk Festival in October and the World Sufi Spirit Festival in February.

 

Umaid Bhavan Palace 

Home to Maharaja Gaj Singh and the royal family of Jodhpur, this palace was one of the last ones to be built in India. The Taj Group operates a part of the palace as a hotel and a museum is located in another. Don’t miss seeing the automobile gallery displaying several royal vintage cars.

 

Mandore Gardens

Home to scores of monkeys, Mandore, the erstwhile capital of the Marwar region, is replete with old temples, cenotaphs and several other monuments. A walk around the gardens showcases the rich architecture of a bygone era. Climb up a small hill and explore the old palace as well. It’s like taking a trip back in time.

Jaswant Thada Mausoleum

Close to Mehrangarh Fort is the beautifully carved marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh built in the 19^th century. The marble is extremely thin and when the sun rays fall on the monument, it is aglow with a golden light.

 

Osian Temples

About 65 kilometres from Jodhpur lies the ancient desert town of Osian. 15 beautifully sculpted Hindu and Jain temples dating back to the 7^th and 8^th centuries are proof of the architectural prowess of ancient India. In fact, no two temples are alike. The oldest amongst these temples is the Sun Temple.

 

Lakes

The artificial Balsamand Lake built in mid-12^th century is a popular picnic spot. Located near the Takhat Sagar Hills, about 10 kilometres from the city, the Takhat Sagar Lake is also worth a visit, especially to see the Siddhnath Shiv Temple.

 

Sadar Bazaar 

The traditional bazaar in the bustling old part of the city is a must-visit. See the still-functional clock tower in the heart of the market. Then shop for some colourful leheriya saris or fragrant spices or classic jootis.

Janta Sweet Home 

A sweet shop on the list of must-dos? Why not, when it serves the most delicious mawa kachori. A dish that originated in Jodhpur, sink your teeth into this sweet puffed pastry or try the savoury pyaaz ki kachori with a spicy onion filling.

 

 Marwar Festival

Try coinciding your visit with this annual festival held in October in honour of Rajasthan’s heroes. The two-day revelry includes folk song and dance, polo events and camel shows.

 

 Zip-lining

 Adventure seekers will love the thrill of zip-lining above Jodhpur with the majestic Mehrangarh Fort in the background. The circuit takes about 90 minutes and is open between May and July.

 

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