Left behind the unreal days of Jaipur, we ride a train back to our next destination: Jodhpur, the blue city of Rajasthan. In this post we will tell you everything there is what to see and do in Jodhpur, the essential visits and some practical advice.
You don't have to be a genius to understand the reason for your nickname: most of the little houses are dyed in a smurf color. That here, with Gargamel's permission, it’s called brahmin blue, because of this color the houses where these Hindu priests lived were painted, although later, all the rock was aimed at fashion! We had been told that Jodhpur has no charm, but we disagree: there are many things to see and do in Jodhpur and so far we found the most pleasant Indian city.
advice: nothing better to get to know Jodhpur than to do a local hand tour 🙂 This one is free (although it is always good to leave a tip).
And it is to lose yourself in its winding streets, take photos in every corner, find a beach bar that only prepares tortillas in a thousand different ways, walk through the bazaar between fruit vendors, scissors, cupcakes (which are by the way dead), dodge cows, donkeys and goats, explore remote alleys, greet the old ladies who spy on us from their homes with a "namaste", enjoy the Mughal architecture that reminds us so much of Morocco ... It has made our day: in the end there is little to be happy!
If you come to Jodhpur, it is not only because of the color of their houses or the kindness of their people ... There is something that does not go unnoticed: the Mehrangarh, the fort that stands 120 meters above the city. The truth is that it left us breathless, and not only because of the cost to climb: the fort is immense and full of details, it also offers wonderful views of the city.
It is an old palace of the royal family of this city, built over 500 years ago on a huge stone elevation that watches over the city from above. After the independence of India over British rule, the Maharajas no longer have political power in what their territories have historically been, but they retain properties such as this fort, one of the best in Rajasthan without a doubt.
Entry costs 600 rupees, well spent. Much of this money is reinvested in the conservation and improvement of the fort, and soon you will realize that it is super well cared for. There is even an elevator that takes you to the top (50 rupees)! Inside there are many rooms, where endless objects used by the Maharajas and their wives, such as saddles elephants, weapons, costumes, pictures of miniatures that are a real treasure ...
Although the great treasure is undoubtedly the "pleasure room", let's go, where the Maharaja had fun with his many women. The decoration in gold and the details of the walls and ceiling are amazing! By the way, at the entrance you can request a audio guide included in the price (also in Spanish) quite complete and interesting.
We also visited the Jaswant Thada, the place where the Maharaja Jaswant Singh II was cremated, and next to it its impressive mausoleum built with the same marble as the Taj Mahal. And as usual here we had to do a “paparazzi” session for a family (great-great grandmother included) who was on an excursion! Namely in how many houses of strangers are our faces :-p
On this first trip we had to give up seeing the Umaid Bhawan Palace because just this day it was closed for a wedding celebration… and wedding piece: we could see fireworks and everything! But a few years later we approached, although we only saw it from the outside. This huge palace, which can be seen from almost anywhere in Jodhpur, is the residence of the current Maharaja, and is divided into three parts: the area of your home, a hotel and celebrations area that can be rented, and a museum with several rooms (100 rupees).
Mandore Garden
About 20 km north of Jodhpur are the ruins of these beautiful temples, which was the ancient dynasty capital that ruled these lands before moving to Jodhpur. Spread over these gardens there are different cenotaphs and constructions of red rock very well preserved, which you can climb to explore in more detail its details and reliefs (and freak out!). We did not meet any tourist on our visit, just a group of monkeys (of the good ones) at the entrance. If you can take a little while in Jodhpur (or you are traveling by car with a driver) we recommend you to go through the Gardens of Mandores, a very relaxing and enjoyable visit (a, and free!).
These are the three great attractions of Jodhpur, in addition to the central square with the clock tower, always lively. But other things to do in Jodhpur are for example buy spices, because this city is famous for them. There are many stores where to do it, although we were recommended M.V. A family business with a lot of years of experience. The owner died a few years ago and his 7 daughters are in charge of moving it forward now. There are several stores scattered around Jodhpur.
We also recommend finishing the day in some rooftop restaurant, such as Gopal, 360 Panorama or The Curry's. At night both the fort and the Clock Tower or the Maharaja Palace are illuminated and the blue city has a special glow. We also saw that there were people going up to the area of the Jaswant Thada to see the sunset from there, he sure is very handsome!
We set foot in dusty and we start beating the Thar desert, where a wild adventure awaits us ...
Do you know more stuff what to see and do in Jodhpur?
USEFUL INFO
How to get to Jodhpur: we arrive from Jaipur by train (Sleeper class 200 INR, about 5,30h). From the station we had free pick up to our hotel (the station is very close to the center).
Where to sleep in Jodhpur: We stayed at the Haveli Inn Pal. There are many backpacking options in the center, in the area of the clock tower and surroundings. Out of curiosity we ask prices at Hill View GH and they are 150 INR for bedroom and 400 INR for double.
Mehrangarh Fort: If you only want to see the views from the fort, you do not need to pay admission (the ticket is to visit the palaces and pavilions) even if they tell you otherwise. We visited them and we thought it was worth it. Admission, which includes audio guide (you have to leave money or passport as a deposit) costs INR 600 (student discount costs INR 400). The camera is included.
How to get to the fort: you can do it in tuk tuk (about 100 INR) or walk up ... You have to go to the hill view gh and from there there are about 300 meters of slope until you reach the entrance of the fort.
Jaswant Thada: the entrance costs 50 INR with the camera included.
How to get to Jaswant Thada: in tuk tuk it costs about 100 INR, but if you want you can walk from the fort (it will be about 10 minutes to leg).
