The Best of Jodhpur: Blue City’s Top Tourist Attractions

Jodhpur, the second largest city of Rajasthan was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha. The city is known as Blue City because of old houses that are painted blue from the outside. Sun City is another name given to Jodhpur because the place is always sunny.

Jodhpur has everything that attracts a tourist- magnificent buildings, vibrant markets and delicious food. Plan your next vacation in the beautiful city and you will be enchanted. You shouldn’t miss these experiences when in Jodhpur-

Mehrangarh

The most breathtaking fort in Jodhpur is the mighty Mehrangarh Fort. It is situated on a 150m high hill. Rao Jodha constructed the fort in 1459. You will be amazed by its grandness. There is also a museum within the fort that showcases armors, robes, jewellery, palanquins and other royal artifacts. Other attractions of the fort include palaces, galleries, and temples.

You have to try zip-lining at Mehrangarh. Zooming across the fort while you are suspended from a rope will give you the ultimate adrenalin rush.

 

Jaswant Thada

Jaswant Thada lies to the left of the Mehrangarh fort complex. It is a royal cenotaph made up of white marble. It was built in 19^th century to commemorate Maharaja Jaswant Singh. The Mausoleum glows in the sunlight because of the thin marble used in its construction.

 

Sadar Bazar

This is the place to get your shopping fix. The market has the traditional Jodhpuri Leheriya print in colors you might have never seen before. Jutis in a wide variety of designs from Jodhpur are also must buys. Shop for spices too especially the hot red chilies.

 

Clock Tower

While in Sadar Bazaar, you should not miss the functional clock tower. Amid the hustle bustle of the market, the century old clock is still ticking to glory.

 

Sardar Government Museum

You will find a lot about the history of the Blue City here. The museum built in 1909 has a great collection of miniature paintings, sculptures, ancient inscriptions, terracotta artwork, ancient coins, metallic objects, arms and stuffed toys.

You will also find a zoo and a library in the museum premises.

 

Osian Temples

The temples are located in Thar Desert about 65 kilometers from Jodhpur. Osian is also known as Khajuraho of Rajasthan and has temples dating back to 8^th and 11^th centuries. There are 18 temples in total and the most famous are- Sun Temple, Jain Temple and Kali Temple.

 

Mandore Gardens

Mandore is another ancient town near Jodhpur. It is believed that demon king Ravana got married here. There is also a temple dedicated to Ravana in the town.

You have to visit Mandore Gardens to see the Temple of 33 Crore Hindu Gods. The garden also has artistic cenotaphs, high rock terraces and memorials.

 

Lakes

There are also some picturesque lakes in the Sun City. Rajsamand Lake, Kaylana Lake and Takhat Sagar Lake are popular among tourists.

 

Marwar Festival

The Marwar Festival is held in memory of the chivalrous heroes of Rajasthan. Originally known as the “Maand Festival”, Marwar Festival is devoted to music and dance of Marwar region of Rajasthan. The festival is celebrated for two days starting from Sharad Purnima. Dance and music of Marwar region is the main attraction of the fest. Various games are also organized here for spectators. You can enjoy are horse polo, horse rides and cattle games.

 

Jodhpur RIFF

Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) is organized at Mehrangarh Fort every year on the occasion of Sharad Purnima. The four day festival has been endorsed by UNESCO as a “People’s Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development”. The festival is organized in October and you can enjoy dance, music and other folk performances of not only Rajasthan but from all around the globe.

 

Mawa Kachori

A visit to Jodhpur is incomplete if you do not tickle your taste-buds with the sweet Mawa Kachori. It is a puffed pastry made of flour which is filled with sweet condensed milk and dry fruits.

 

Umaid Bhawan

One of the most fascinating palaces of Jodhpur is the Umaid Bhavan palace. Maharaja Umaid Singh constructed it in 20th century. A part of the palace has now been converted into a hotel and a museum.

Book your tickets now!

Rajasthan to celebrate Sawan Teej festival on 5th-6th August!

Festivals are synonymous to Rajasthan. The vibrant culture of fascinating state of Rajasthan can not be experienced if you have not witnessed one of its many festivals!

The most beguiling is the Sawan Teej Festival celebrated in Jaipur with great pomp and show every year. This year it will be celebrated on August 5th and 6^th 2016!

About Teej Festival though is fêted all over the state, but celebrated at its colorful best in Jaipur. The festival is celebrated to welcome the advent of monsoon, also dedicated to Goddess Parvati and commemorates the day when she was united with Lord Shiva after a penance of a hundred years. The mesmerizing procession of Goddess Parvati winds magnificently through the Old City of Jaipur with chariots, elephants and dancers for two days.

Other than the traditional procession of Goddess Teej, to showcase the charm and culture of Rajasthan this year ‘Taal Katora Ki Paal’ will also be the hub of a large number of folk and cultural events, where locals and tourists can enjoy the cultural activities. Later the Teej idols will be submerged at Taal Katora pond.

The tempting aromas of Ghewar being cooked on sweet shops, colourful lehariyas, and blossoming flowers and women folks decked up in their traditional best and henna on hands add more colours to the essence of jovial season.

Travel Tip

The government of Rajasthan state arranges a special sitting area for foreign tourists, for comfortable viewing and to photograph the procession from the terrace of the Hind Hotel opposite Tripoliya gate.

If you are in India around that time of the year, you should try to make arrangements to attend and experience this festival.

Must Carry– Camera to capture elaborated Teej procession

Street Eats–

You must try the special Teej sweet, GHEVAR and Feeni

Must Shop– Special tie and die pattern, called LEHARIYA, is must buy.