Jodhpur Travelogue and Travel Stories – The Blue City of India

Jodhpur is a blue city and one of my favorite tourist destination in Rajasthan as it reflects the past through various ancient places, historical monuments and forts. I have wanted to visit this city for so long but due to being busy in every days life, hadn’t been there. Then one day I have decided to go Jodhpur and took break from the busy schedule. I started my journey to Jodhpur from Old Delhi Railway Station from where I boarded a Madore Express Train and reached Jodhpur next day early morning at about 8:00 AM. Jodhpur is not only called as the Blue City but it’s also called as the beautiful Sun City since the weather of the city remains bright and sunny throughout the year. Weather is the main reason why it is called Blue city because to keep the houses cool so they painted blue color on their houses and that blue paint is a mixture of limestone and copper sulfate. Okay, so from auto stand I took a shared auto at Rs 80 and reached to my hotel which was Desi Nation. On reaching hotel, I was welcomed by the owner of the hotel and he took me to the terrace as most of the hotel in Jodhpur have a rooftop that offers magnificent views of Mehrangarh Fort. I had booked this accommodation only because of the stunning views and this hotel is close enough to the fort. From the terrace of the hotel, I enjoyed panoramic views and I can say that if you want to book a hotel then book accommodation strategically. After some rest, I was back on the lovely streets of Jodhpur and I can say how small Jodhpur is because generally destinations are only 15 walk away. The closest attraction from my hotel was Toorji Ka Jhalra which is located only hundred meters from Ghanta Ghar and that Ghanta Ghar is very popular for shopping.

Toorji Ka Jhalra was built in 1740 by Rani Tawarji, Maharaja Abhay Singh of Jodhpur thus the tradition says that the Royal ladies or queens constructing the public water works. Toorji Ka Jhalra was made of well-known red sandstone and more than 200 feet of depth it was once ornamented with medieval lions, cow water spouts and dancing elephants. There was a system had two level of access and different tank which were planned to get water from the Well and today the Well is viewed as an entertaining place by locals. Apart from, the right time to visit the Well is around midday as the local’s visits mostly at that time for a dive. This place provides an opportunity for photographers because it offers stunning views.

Later, I started feeling hungry and I went in search of best Rajashtani Thali food. I found a nice restaurant and I ate there. After some time, I started walking towards the Mahrangarh Fort which is the biggest sightseeing of Jodhpur. It is believed that the fort dominates the scenery of the city and when you noticed the thing as you approach the old city. As fort is too big so I had already decided I would split my visit into two parts. The first day I discovered the fort complex and the second day I discovered the interior of the fort which is the Fort Museum. There are two main entrances where the first one is widely used and it is located north east to the fort and has a huge parking space as well. This road takes you to the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park and you will also see Jaswant Thada on the way. However, there is another way to reach this fort is staircase that takes you directly to the fort and it is located only hundred meters away from Toorji Ka Jhalra. I took this staircase route for the next day when I visited to explore the fort museum. Besides, the second entrance is situated in the old city means southwest of the fort. If you are staying in that part of Jodhpur then you will feel the pleasure and it is easily accessible to this fort. Next, when I finally reached into the fort so I can say the fort is always looks more gorgeous while viewing from the plains. I clicked photos that will always be remember to me. 

After that, I decided to get back to the hotel for some rest because in the evening I had a plan to go Ghanta Ghar. Well, Ghanta Ghar is also called Clock Tower and is probably a busiest place by way of it is considered as the best place for shopping in Jodhpur. I enjoyed a lot and bought some amazing items from there which are very famous in Jodhpur like wood handicrafts. From Clock Tower you can witness the gorgeous view of Mahrangarh fort. Post shopping, I enjoyed famous street food of Jodhpur and I had Makhaniya Lassi as well which I can say it was outstanding in taste.

The next day, I woke up around 7:30 AM and I had a breakfast in the hotel. Post breakfast, I moved towards the Mahrangarh Fort to explore the fort museum. I chose staircase path which took around 5 min to reach and the entrance ticket was Rs 120 for Indian nationals. There was a guided tour available and the tariff depends on the group size. However, there was an option for an audio guide tour which was cost Rs 180. Well, the audio guide tour repeats information which is already mentioned on the boards so I would highly recommend that take a guide along with you if you are in a group tour. The museum is expansive and lot of information is available that you should know about the history.

After that, I had decided to go for a photo shoot of blue city and that is located south west to the fort. That was my first experience of street photography and I was excited to capture the moments. The tradition of blue painting on the houses originated from the need to convey that Brahmins existed there. However, it was also believed that the blue color prevent from mosquito and provide protection against heat. Post lunch, I decided to go my next destination which was Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park. This park proved an excellent opportunity for wildlife photography and it is also reflect that it is home to a wide range of flora and fauna.  Post enjoyment, I went to the hotel and slept overnight.

Next day, I woke up early in the morning and I enjoyed a breakfast which had become standard during the trip. With my heart and my stomach both, it was hard to left Jodhpur because it was a great experience of my life. I left this destination with some great memories.