The arrival to Jodhpur during a trip to Rajasthan is always spectacular. The Mehrangarh fort is very majestic and imposing, seems to watch over the city since always. At the base of this architectural masterpiece comes the old city repainted in an intense blue color, that of the Brahman caste. The heart of the old town is a chaotic labyrinth of medieval streets where it is good to get lost.
Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan, will dazzle you. Read here about what to see in Jodhpur and nearby destinations.
1. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort
The impressive fort of Mehrangarh is one of the largest forts in Rajasthan. It stands a hundred meters above Jodhpur, perched on a steep cliff. Imposing and invincible, however, it releases a strange beauty that captivates travelers. This titanic structure has seven monumental doors. Some of them have been named after the famous victories of the Jodhpur region
For more than 500 years, the thick walls of Mehrangarh Fort have housed a group of well-preserved palaces. Transformed ever since into a museum, you will discover many fascinating objects, including a collection of weapons of all times, with swords of emperors in jade, rubies and emeralds as well as paintings representing the most beautiful examples of art Marwar.
2. Visit the Cenotaphs of Jaswant Thada
From Mehrangarh Fort, a rocky trail crosses sandstone hills and provides access to a beautiful mausoleum away from the hustle and bustle of Jodhpur. The cenotaph of Jaswant Thada is designed as a jewel! Pavilions, domes and delicate pillars were carved in immaculate white marble. The result is an architectural masterpiece.
3. Visit the Old Blue City of Jodhpur
In the old town of Jodhpur, a sea of indigo blue houses stretches for more than 10 kilometers along the fortified walls of the city. This coating of blue pigment indicated that a Brahman (caste of priests) resided there. Over time, the inhabitants of Jodhpur took the color blue and the identity of the owner of the house was no longer involved.
4. Visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace
The gigantic palace of Umaid Bhawan, a fantastic avant-garde building, was the residence of the Maharaja of Jodhpur. Built between 1928 and 1943, it is undoubtedly one of the most extravagant palaces of Rajasthan. The palace is still home to the descendants of the royal family of Jodhpur as well as a luxury hotel known worldwide. Part of the Palace has been turned into a museum, an opportunity not to miss.
Best Places to Visit Near Jodhpur
1. Meet the Bishnoi People
Discovering Rajasthan is a unique opportunity to meet a myriad of peoples with distinct traditions and rites. This is why a meeting with the Bishnoi people should be included in your trip to Rajasthan. For more than 500 years, the Bishnoi have been the strict protectors of the fauna of their region. On these lands, abandoned animals are breast-fed by the women of the tribe who consider them their own children! This indestructible link between man and nature is rare and precious!
2. Visit the Cenotaphs and Mandore Gardens
Mandore was the seat of the kings of Marwar until the 6th century before the displacement of the royal palace in Jodhpur. The beautiful gardens of Mandore are located on a hill punctuated with ponds, temples and cenotaphs. They attract families in search of tranquility as well as a large colony of Black-headed Langur monkeys.
