Maharajas' Express Blog

Exploring the Blue City of Jodhpur

The ancient city of Jodhpur, set against the stunning landscape of Thar, has an almost mystical feel to it. No doubt, it has caught the fancy of many wandering souls who penned colourful poetries and some fascinating stories with majestic Jodhpur as the imposing backdrop. There was a time when the blue buildings of this princely kingdom were occupied by the Hindu Brahmins and this is how the city has earned its titular fame of being the Blue City of Rajasthan.

It is one of the most frequented places of Rajasthan. Jodhpur’s beauty and charm appeals to its tourists who wish they could return to this city every now and then. The people of this place are quite friendly and if you are a fan of North Indian food, you are more likely to fall in love with it. Winters are ideal for exploring this place, since the temperature is pleasant enough and you can comfortably explore the historical attractions.

Here are a list of the places you should visit when travelling to Jodhpur:

Meherangarh Fort

This stunning fort reminds you of the epic scenes from ‘The Dark Knight Rises’. Your Jodhpur trip will almost always start with the Meherangarh Fort. Considered to be one of the largest forts in India, the view from the top is spectacular- the city looks like a kaleidoscopic frame of azure hues.

Hire a guide if you wish to, and get to know the compelling history of the Rathores as you explore the fort. Get to the fort top and you will witness the feeding of eagles and kites. The entry fee for Indian tourists is 100 INR, whereas for international tourists, it is 600 INR (this includes an audio guide as well).

Jaswant Thada

Once you are done exploring the Meherangarh Fort, you may choose to visit the Jaswant Thada, a striking architecture made of white marbles. It was built by Jaswant Singh II in the loving memory of his father. The marble work is intricately done and the soothing greenery that surround this memorial is a great place to sit and relax after a tiring walk. The cenotaph overlooks a small lake which further enhances the beauty of this place.

Old City Markets

If you are a shopaholic then you would definitely be needing a retail therapy after a hectic sight-seeing. Head straight to the Old City, located at a short distance from the Meherangarh Fort. The Clock Tower is the iconic landmark here and the Sadar Market is located just next to it. You get everything here- from saris, handicrafts to spices. The silk scarves and carpets are quite popular with tourists.