Jodhpur, Rajasthan’s second-largest city, is famous for its beautiful blue houses and the stunning Mehrangarh fort making it truly breathtaking. The warmth and cultural heritage present in the city’s soul makes it even more welcoming. Jodhpur is paradise for history lovers as the city has everything from large palaces to incredible forts.
Jodhpur was earlier known as Marwar, derived from maru, which means desert, and war, which means land. Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief in 1459, founded the city. Many places are worth visiting in our beautiful “Blue City of Rajasthan”. A few of them are ancient palaces, royal forts, and crowded bazaars representing the essence of Rajasthan.
Jodhpur always manages to win the hearts of visitors with its rich culture, history, rural yet luxurious lifestyle, and of course the tempting street food. Let’s step into the magic of Jodhpur.
History of Jodhpur
Rao Jodha, a Rajput warrior founded Jodhpur in 1459. The princely state was established in 1212. The state was developed under Rao Maldeo for many years from 1532. Later, the state aligned with the Mughals after Akbar’s takeover in 1561. After that, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb gained the Marwar region in 1679 and forced people there to convert to Islam.
The princely states Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Udaipur allied to prevent the Muslim control over them and eventually they did. Initially, the Jodhpur and Jaipur families lost the right to marry into a Udaipur family because they sided with the Mughals.
But later, they were allowed to marry with one condition. The condition was that the kids of the Udaipur princess would inherit the throne first. However, disputes over this rule finally led to the dominance of marathas.
The Britishers controlled Jodhpur in 1818. Earlier, jodhpur was the biggest princely state in the Rajputana agency, the British administration in the region. Jodhpur covered a huge portion of the middle and southwest of Rajasthan. Finally, jodhpur became an official part of Rajasthan in 1949.
Top attractions of Jodhpur
- Mehrangarh fort
- Jaswant Thada
- Umaid Bhawan palace
- Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
- Chamunda mata temple
- Ghanta Ghar and Sardar market
- Toorji ka Jhalra
- Kaylana lake
Mehrangarh Fort – Jodhpur’s Crown Jewel
The Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur is a jewel of Rajasthan. The fort is one of the largest forts in the world with amazing architectural design and rich history. Rao Jodha built the fort in 1459. The fort strongly represents Rajasthan’s royal culture. The fort covers 5 square kilometers and also 125 meters high hill, outside the city.
The seven majestic gates of the fort celebrate Jodhpur’s victory over the military forces of Jaipur and Bikaner. Every gate represents the story of victory, making it more interesting to explore the amazing history of the castle. Every king or ruler of Jodhpur had a significant role in the making of the fort.
One can take a broad view of the whole city from the top of Mehrangarh fort. It almost feels like watching a blue carpet spread at the foot of a hill. There are many significant places to explore inside the fort too. Similarly, Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Takht Vilas, Phool Mahal, and Jhanki Mahal are some of the beauties of Jodhpur in the fort.
After that, two temples popularly called Chamunda Devi Temple and Nagnechiaji Temple dedicated to goddesses Durga and Kuldevi make the fort more admirable and peaceful. Also, you must visit the museum built in the fort to see the collection of royal costumes, paintings, furniture, musical instruments, etc.
Jaswant Thada – Jodhpur’s White Gem
Jaswant Thada is a white-marbled building, often described as the “Taj Mahal of Marwar”. It was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh in the 19th century in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh. His father was the 33rd leader of Jodhpur.
The architecture of the monument is very fascinating. The temple-like structure is made of white marble. Above all, the memorial looks beautiful as the marble shines and gives a warm effect in sunlight. It also has a collection of paintings of the rulers of Jodhpur.
One can also enjoy morning concerts during music festivals like the World Sacred Spirit Festival and Rajasthan International Folk Festival as the Thada hosts folk music concerts for the enjoyment of tourists.
Umaid Bhawan Palace – Pride of Jodhpur
Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the most visited tourist attractions of Jodhpur. It gives a glimpse of the luxurious side of the city. The massive palace was built after Maharaja Umaid Singh. He is the grandfather of the current owner of the palace.
Umaid Bhawan is one of the largest private residences around the globe. They built it in 1943. The architecture of the palace draws everyone’s attention. The interior is also very magnificent of all the 347 rooms of Bhawan.
Taj hotel groups manage the supervision of the palace. Umaid Bhawan is now a heritage hotel. It was also honored as one of the best hotels globally. Henry Lancaster, a British architect, made the architecture or design of the Bhawan.
The interesting fact about the palace is that it was the last palace built before independence in India. After that, there is also a museum in the palace. In addition, one can see amazing artworks and paintings that beautifully sketch the history and culture of the royal family.
In conclusion, Bhawan has a royal residence, a luxurious hotel, and a museum which is why it is the most celebrated tourist spot in Jodhpur.
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park – The Arid Beauty of Rajasthan
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park is an artificially created park. It is situated near Mehrangarh Fort. The park is spread over a 170-acre area. The famous park was built in 2006. The main goal of this artificial park was to increase the greenery of Jodhpur and to restore the environment of the rocky area.
The park has a collection of almost 80 species of plants from the Thar desert. Also, the place is a lovely home for migratory birds and plants. Earlier, the place was a wasteland. Maharaja Umaid Singh had a wish to make this unproductive land into something useful for nature. Now, his wish is finally fulfilled.
This place is best for tourists who connect with nature. In other words, the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park flaunts the natural diversity of Jodhpur very beautifully.
Chamunda Mata Temple – The Spiritual Haven
The Chamunda Mata temple is a significant temple for the culture and people of Jodhpur. The temple is built on the southern tip of the Mehrangarh fort. The view from the temple is beautiful to watch. There is a mesmerizing black-colored statue of Maa Chamunda inside the temple. Rao Jodha brought the idol of the goddess from Mandore in 1460.
People of all religions have a great respect for this temple, especially Jodhpur families. Moreover, it is also believed that kings and queens of the city faithfully contributed to the temple every single day.
In addition, one can experience the great Navratri festival in Chamunda Mata temple. The trip to Jodhpur is quite complete with visiting this holistic temple.
Ghanta Ghar and Sardar Market – Exploring Jodhpur’s Heart
Ghanta Ghar also known as the clock tower is one of the most visited spots in Jodhpur. The old Jodhpur originated from this place. Maharaja Sardar Singh was the one who constructed this tower in the 1900s. At that time he was the king of Jodhpur.
The massive tower is built near Sardar market. The well-known market of Jodhpur, Sardar market is full of fun. The cultural and artistic stuff in the market like jewelry, bags, handmade jootis, sarees, and puppets are great examples of local and beautiful bit of the city.
Also, the tower looks even more attractive at night when it is all lit up with beautiful lights. Similarly, the view from the tower’s balcony is amazing.
While shopping in the market, one can taste the delicious and famous dishes of Jodhpur. In conclusion, one can visit both ghanta ghar and the market together and have a great time.
Toorji Ka Jhalra – Jodhpur’s Aquatic Heritage
Toorji Ka Jhalra is one of the most beautiful spots in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The majestic place, made from red stones, is 250 years old. The queen of Maharaja Abhaya Singh built it in 1740. She built this place because royal women were responsible for public water projects at that time.
It is also helpful in providing water to people for their daily use in that region. The depth of the stepwell is around 200 ft. After that, the place is also popular for the beautiful celebration of the Gangaur festival in Rajasthan.
Moreover, the architecture of this place is beautiful. In other words, one must visit this place to take a glimpse of the historic side of Rajasthan.
Kaylana Lake – A Paradise for Nature Lovers
Kaylana Lake is an artificial lake that is very famous in Jodhpur city. The beautiful lake covers 84 square kilometers. Pratap Singh constructed this lake in 1872. The green surrounding of the lake makes this place even prettier. Also, the babool trees around the lake increase the charm of the place.
In the 19th century, it is believed that the two rulers of Jodhpur, Bhim Singh, and Takhat Singh, built the lakes and gardens around Kaylana Lake. The beauty of sunsets and sunrises from this lake is on another level.
The peace on the lake will delight your mood. And of course for photographers, this place is just perfect. Moreover, one can do fun activities like boating, birdwatching, and picnics with friends and family. So, must visit this charming place to have a wonderful picnic experience with nature’s beauty.
Jodhpur’s snack safari – Flavors of Rajasthan
The mouth-watering food of Jodhpur will give you a foodgasm. One can experience amazing Rajasthani flavors in the local food shops. The first thing that comes to mind when considering local Jodhpur food is mirchi bada and pyaaz ki kachori. The mawa kachori is also a must-try. Also, the sweet tooths will fall in love with the jalebi and malai lassi.
Janta Sweet House of Jodhpur serves amazing local food packed with flavors. The blue city can also give luxurious dinner or lunch experiences too. For instance, a few of the famous restaurants that will give a delicious adventure are Gypsy Dining Haul, Risala, and Chokelao Mahal Restaurant.
Discover your dream stay in Jodhpur
One can experience the magic of Jodhpur with its comfortable places to stay. One can choose either fancy hotels or cozy guesthouses for their stay. One thing common between both kinds of places is its warm hospitality and friendly services.
The most luxurious place to live in Jodhpur is Umaid Bhawan Palace. It is the most expensive and largest private residence in the world. Moreover, other grand properties of the city are the Taj Hari Mahal, RAAS Jodhpur, Radisson Hotel, etc.
Some of the affordable guesthouses or hotels of Jodhpur are Stay Inn, Blue Stay Hotel, etc.
How to reach Jodhpur
- By Air – the Jodhpur airport is 5 km away from the center of the city. The city easily connects with Mumbai, Delhi, Udaipur, and Jaipur airports.
- By train – the cheapest way to Jodhpur is by easily available train. jodhpur has well-connected trains to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata as well.
- By road – the main highways to reach Jodhpur by road are Agoli and Pokaran. the buses are connected to Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Delhi, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur.
Wrapping up
Jodhpur, known as the Blue City or the Sun City, is filled with amazing places to explore and tons of fun activities. The blue houses create a stunning sight for tourists. Jodhpur is not just famous for its history but also its food, cultural heritage, architecture, colorful art, and textiles.
Jodhpur’s massive forts, palaces, and landscape have attracted many filmmakers too. This city has been the filming location for many Bollywood movies.
In addition, Hollywood films like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and The Dark Knight Rises were shot in Jodhpur.
In conclusion, The heart of Rajasthan, jodhpur is truly a perfect combo of tradition with modernity. So, jodhpur wholeheartedly invites you to visit, explore, and enjoy its wonders.
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