Located in the Thar Desert in the princely state of Rajasthan, India, the magical city of Jodhpur is sometimes known as the Blue City or the Sun City. Rich in archives, history, and architectural splendour, Jodhpur welcomes tourists from afar with its magnificent forts, energetic markets, and ageless beauty. Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha the leader of the Rathore dynasty, Jodhpur is known as a manufacturing hub of business, commerce, and handicrafts stimulating businesspeople, technicians and tourists across the Indian subcontinent and beyond.
One of the most characteristic features of Jodhpur is its royal blue construction that links to the topography of the previous city. Epic has it that the Brahmins, the spiritual form of Jodhpur, started painting their houses blue to showcase their class and keep houses cool during summer. Currently, the meandering streets of the old city are the perfect location for photo lovers, with their trembling blue facades making charming curtains of colours against the scenery of the desert.
Subjugated to the landscape of Jodhpur is the luxurious Mehrangarh Fort an eye-catching fort located above a rugged peak. Constructed in the fifteenth century by Rao Jodha, the fort possesses magnificent barricades, elaborately moulded verandahs and luxurious quarters providing panoramic views of the city below. Inside the fort quarter, there is a collection of palaces such as Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal. Each is furnished with beautiful illustrations and monarchical artefacts that tell the epic of Jodhpur’s monarchical past.
An icon of the capital and glory, Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the greatest palaces in the world and vital evidence of Jodhpur’s prominent heritage. Constructed in the 20th century by Maharaja Umaid Singh, the palace is a magnificent mixture of Indo-Saracenic design, emphasising decorated towers, stunning enclosures and excellent gardens. Currently, a portion of the palace serves as a shining historical resort enabling visitors to experience the royal facilities of Rajasthan.
The trip to Jodhpur is incomplete without discovering its crowded markets where lights, sounds and the aroma of Rajasthan exist. From the crowded lanes of Sardar Market to the glowing stalls of Clock Tower Market, tourists can embark on the city’s crowded streets, dealing in valuables, ranging from handcrafted clothes and jewellery to perfumed spices and local foods. All year Jodhpur is renowned for its rich cultural history with vibrant ethnic songs, parties, and festivals that add to the city’s jolly atmosphere.
Popular tourist spots
Mehrangarh Fort: Located at the top of a bumpy hill, Mehrangarh Fort is one of the biggest and most admirable forts in India. It's a big walled house with various forts and exhibitions and courtyards such as Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. The fort provides magnificent comprehensive observations of the city and most ritualistic functions and festivals held over the year.
Umaid Bhawan Palace: An icon of luxury and glory, Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the world’s biggest palaces. Constructed in the 20th century, the palace mixes Art Deco and other configurations and houses an exhibition, an exclusive hotel, and the lodge of the royal family of Jodhpur.
Jaswant Thada: Jaswant Thada was a shining white marble mausoleum constructed in the 19th century in tribute to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Covered by vibrant gardens, Jaswant Thada consists of elaborate sculptures, domes and illustrations of the Rathore rulers.
