Jodhpur Travel Guide : A Complete Travel Guide to India’s Blue City
All about Jodhpur:
The beauty of Jodhpur is impeccable. The aesthetics of Jodhpur is worldly known, while the entire city represents the Rajasthani culture to its best. The entire city has a blue architecture which is the main reason why Jodhpur is known as the “Blue City”. Founded by the chief of the Rathore clan, Rao Jodha, Jodhpur is the second-largest city in Rajasthan. The city of Jodhpur has a wide and rich cultural history, as it is the princely state of Mewar and contributes a lot to Jodhpur tourism. Jodhpur has significant importance when it comes to business, as it has been the vital trade centre as the ancient silk route between Central Asia and Gujarat Ports. Jodhpur is famous for its beautiful palaces and forts, and these forts are not just namesake, they have intricate artworks and stories carved in detail on their surfaces which represent the facts of Jodhpur. The intricacy of Jodhpur’s architecture showcases the royalty that Jodhpur has been for ages. Jodhpur also is famous for its wide options for shopping lovers. The bustling markets really live up to the mark when it comes to vibrancy and colour to wrap around you. But over everything comes the cuisines of Jodhpur that will just take your breath away. The food that Jodhpur provides takes you down a lane of pleasure that your palette will never forget. Here’s a gist of Jodhpur through the eyes of a Jodhpur tour guide.
Jodhpur India’s Blue City:
Jodhpur is popularly known as India’s “Blue City” and there’s all the good reason why it is so famous with this name. With Jodhpur being called the Blue City, the name raises so many curious questions about how the blue colour is associated with the city, Well, there are multiple myths that connect with the same, one being how the colour blue is associated with Lord Krishna, and with the auspiciousness of Hinduism. But there are scientific approaches too. Considering the extremely hot weather of Jodhpur, the buildings are coloured blue to prevent the buildings from heating up. The blue colour reflects the scorching sunlight creating a cooling effect. The regular blue colour also contributes to an aesthetic factor and gives a vintage outlook to the city. This also became a unique factor from the tourism point of view, driving a significant mass of visitors from all around the world to experience the experience of walking through the lanes of Jodhpur. Although this culture of painting buildings blue has been continuing for a long period of time, a little of it has come to a halt as many buildings got re-designed or re-formed and people have decided to try other colours to their wishes. Well, all these renovations don’t remove the important cultural history it holds and give navigation through the Jodhpur travel guide.
Planning Your Trip:
The trick behind any successful trip is proper planning. Considering the wide area Jodhpur is, it is vital to have meticulous planning before landing on the land of visit. A Jodhpur guide can help navigate through the city. The priority is to plan the trip ahead keeping in mind the weather conditions of Jodhpur, as it is very evident how warm Jodhpur gets with its harsh weather conditions. Well, accordingly the winter months are the best time to visit Jodhpur. It is also very important to book the tickets before to avoid price hikes or cancellations, whether it be via air, train or road. A proper list of where to visit and what activities to experience with a tentative map should be prepared before setting off for the trip. To have a list of cuisines to try is a pretty smart move in order to not miss out on anything. Appropriate clothes need to be packed so that the trip stays comfortable and cosy, and packing essentials like masks, first-aid and sunscreen is important. Over everything, it is so wonderful to carry a camera because there will be so many memories that will last for a lifetime.
Best Time to Visit Jodhpur:
The best time to visit Jodhpur is undoubtedly the winter months. The temperature during that time stays comparatively cooler than in the other months. The months from October to March are considered to have pleasant weather which makes it easier to enjoy the trip with comfort and hassle free from the scorching hot weather. Moreover, the time of these months coincides with many major festivals of Jodhpur like Diwali, Navratri and the Mewar Festival, which brings it into one of the most visited tourist places in Jodhpur. The end of the winter months, i.e. February and March, is typically the springtime which again is the most pleasant time to visit Jodhpur.
- Language: The predominant language used in Jodhpur is Rajasthani. Hindi is another communicable language that is widely used in the city of Jodhpur. Gujrati is also spoken in a wide way throughout. Other than that, English also remains as one of the commonly used medium of language. There are multiple languages that are also used considering varieties of cultures residing in the city.
- Currency: The official currency used in Jodhpur is the Indian rupee. Notes and coins are used in the city for all the transactions. If you are an international tourist, a currency change to Indian is suggested since most of the localities don’t accept international currencies.
- Travel Tip: While travelling to Jodhpur and enjoying its popular destinations, it is advised to catch the time of morning or the afternoon, as most of the spots are less crowded during that time. It is advised to take heritage walks through the city to enjoy the beautiful architecture that is predominant in the city and is the major attraction of the city.
Popular Tourist Attractions in Jodhpur:
Jodhpur has a lot of tourist attractions that pull people from around the world towards its beauty. According to the tour guide of Jodhpur, the popular amongst these are:
- Mehrangarh Fort: Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India, and is on the top of a hill which gives a panoramic view of the city from above. There is a museum inside the fort which has a collection of interesting artefacts, paintings and showpieces. This fort stays open for visitors to visit and enjoy the royalty that it serves. This fort also houses courtyards, palaces and galleries that can be enjoyed while enjoying the view from the above.
- Jaswant Thanda: A beautiful white marble-based memorial which was built due to the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, Jaswant Thanda is located very near to the Mehrangarh Fort. The memorial is an aesthetic state-of-art where it is adorned with jali artworks, marble carvings and domes, and is set in between gardens which increases the beauty of the memorial all in all. Jaswant Thanda is truly an artistic splendour that just surpasses all imagination.
- Umaid Bhawan Palace: Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the most popular palaces and is one of the largest private residences that gives visitors the experience of royal living. There is a palace museum that showcases several artefacts, memorials, and vintage collections, which define the royal living and give a sneak peek into the lifestyle.
- Clock Tower and Sardar Market: Situated at the heart of Jodhpur, Clock Tower is one of the major landmarks in the city of Jodhpur. Clock Tower provides beautiful aesthetics for visitors to enjoy while providing several markets and bustling surroundings. The Sardar Market is near the Clock Tower, a place providing for all the things you need, starting from spices, and textiles to authentic Rajasthani products. It is a place to visit if you are on a tour of Jodhpur.
- Mandore Gardens: Mandore Gardens is a historical site that is famous for its intricate carvings an aesthetic architecture.
- Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park: Rao Jodha Park is a unique ecological park that preserved several antique showcases which represent the ecosystem of the desert. This is a wide park that offers a wide panoramic view of the surroundings and serves trails for people to have guided heritage walks. Rao Jodha Park is the famous and ideal spot for visitors who love bird watching and has an interest in learning about natural phenomena.
Top Things to Do in Jodhpur:
There are so many activities that can be enjoyed and experienced. Among these top things to do in Jodhpur, taking a desert safari tour is such an interesting activity to experience. Taking heritage walks along with the Jodhpur city travel guide around the historical areas can be experienced to enjoy an insight into the royal living and have a glance at the carvings and the architecture. As Jodhpur is called the Blue City, the city can be explored for its iconic uniformity and aesthetic representation. Considering the wide dimension of Mehrangarh fort, the complex is a must to explore as it gives such a great experience of historical experience. Dining at rooftop restaurants while experiencing the panoramic view of the city can be quite exciting. Last but not least, shopping is a must while in Jodhpur. The vibrancy of Rajasthani products will just put anyone in awe.
Top Restaurant in Jodhpur:
Jodhpur is not just famous for its forts and blue aesthetics; it also has great cuisines to try at the top restaurants in Jodhpur. A few that can come under the best restaurant in Jodhpur include Indique, On the Rocks, Gypsy Restaurant, Darikhana, Pillars Restaurant, Jhankar Choti Haveli etc. These places cater to several cuisines which has the capacity to make you drool. They have all variety of dishes, ranging from authentic Rajasthani cuisines to international dishes to lure you into the world of food. And it is not all just about the food, there are rooftop cafes in Jodhpur that provide the best of ambiences to set your mood. The culinary journey in Jodhpur will definitely be set in your memory as you go up the lane.
Top Hotels in Jodhpur:
Jodhpur has a lot of options when it comes to accommodation, ranging from luxury to budget-friendly. While touring in Jodhpur, the place of accommodation plays a vital role in the experience of the visit. There are a few luxury hotels in Jodhpur that will truly escalate your living and time in the Jodhpur trip. The top five among them are Umaid Bhawan Palace, Raas Jodhpur, Ajit Bhawan Palace, Indana Palace Jodhpur, WelcomHotel Jodhpur, several resorts in Jodhpur etc. These hotels are renowned for the comfort and luxury they provide to the visitors as they are the top hotels in Jodhpur, ranging from pools to wellness services, to large buffets and added experiences. Staying in these hotels alleviates the experience of touring in Jodhpur with all the hassle-free services and comfortable stays.
What to Eat and Drink:
Jodhpur is famous for its culinary varieties but there are a few dishes that can cause regret if not tried, for at least once, if you are in Jodhpur. Dal Bati Churma is a famous dish of Rajasthan that is popular among the localities. Laal Maas and Gatte ki Sabzi are other cuisines that can blow your mind with their authentic taste. Other popular dishes are Mirchi Vada, Mawa Kachori, Lassi and Masala Chai.
Where to Stay:
While choosing your stay, it is important to look at the proximity of the places you want to visit from your place of stay. Considering all the factors regarding where to stay such as budget, type of experience and luxury, there are a few places which can be considered, such as Old City (Near Clock Tower), Umaid Bhawan Palace Area, Circuit House Road etc. There are budget-friendly options as well, such as the RTDC Hotels that provide guesthouses with comfortable stays on a tight budget. Yet for an exquisite experience, Homestays and Heritage Havelis are excellent choices if you are someone who wants to experience the heritage first-hand. Heritage Havelis also gives you access to authentic home-cooked Rajasthani cuisines and indulges with the localities of Jodhpur.
How to Reach Jodhpur?
Jodhpur can be travelled via air, train and road as it has great access to all the major cities.
- By Air: Jodhpur can be easily reached via air i.e. Jodhpur Airport which relates to major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Udaipur and Ahmedabad. Regular domestic flights are available to Jodhpur with easy connectivity, and the Jodhpur Airport is just 5 km from the main city, which can be reached easily by taxi or cab.
- By Train: Jodhpur is connected via train through the Jodhpur Junction and is well connected across India through major cities. Jodhpur is easily accessible through both regular and super-fast trains.
- By Road: A network of national and state highways is connected to Jodhpur by road and can be reached through private cars, cabs and taxis. Rajasthani State Road Transport Corporation also provides buses that can be availed in order to reach Jodhpur.
How many days do you need in Jodhpur?
Although it depends on how many days one can dedicate to have a tour of Jodhpur, a minimum of 3-4 days is required to cover all the famous spots and places for which Jodhpur is known.
Money Saving Tips:
A few tips to have a budget-friendly tour in Jodhpur include travelling during the off-season, opting for budget accommodations and planning for the same in advance, using public transportation, negotiating prices and being careful about the extra costs.
About JCR Cab (Taxi, cab, tempo, bus, luxury bus):
JCR Cabs is a cab service company that caters to the needs of visitors be it for a solo traveller or a large group. JCR cabs are easy to access, and they provide services such as taxi services in Jodhpur, cab services in Jodhpur, tempo traveller in Jodhpur and bus service in Jodhpur, and luxury bus services in Jodhpur, all the way to make it easier and hassle-free for the visitors on their tour. They have a proper itinerary and well-trained staff who take care of the needs of the passengers. JCR Cabs takes away the burden of exhausting travelling and makes it easy for visitors to make their holidays memorable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best time to visit Jodhpur?
The best time to visit Jodhpur is undoubtedly the winter months i.e. from October to January. The temperature during that time stays comparatively cooler than in the other months. However, the months of February and March can also be considered as Jodhpur experiences spring during that time.
- How do I reach Jodhpur?
Jodhpur can be travelled via air, train and road as it has great access to all the major cities. Jodhpur Airport, Jodhpur Junction and National highways, respectively, are well-connected routes which help connect Jodhpur in an accessible manner.
- What are the must-visit attractions in Jodhpur?
Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thanda, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Clock Tower, Mandore Gardens and Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park are popular spots that should be visited to enjoy the aesthetics of Jodhpur.
- What is the significance of the blue houses in Jodhpur?
Since Jodhpur is an extremely warm place, the buildings are coloured blue to prevent the buildings from heating up. The blue colour reflects the scorching sunlight creating a cooling effect. The regular blue colour also contributes to an aesthetic factor and gives a vintage outlook to the city.
- What are some popular dishes to try in Jodhpur?
Dal Bati Churma is a famous dish of Rajasthan that is popular among the localities. Laal Maas and Gatte ki Sabzi are other famous foods in Jodhpur that can blow your mind with their authentic taste. Other popular dishes are Mirchi Vada, Mawa Kachori, Lassi and Masala Chai.
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