Jodhpur goes by more than just one moniker; it’s also called Suncity and Blue City. A wall with many gates surrounds Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, and the residences in the area are painted a bright blue tint. This is why the city is also known as Blue City.
Jodhpur is the second-largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Temples, castles, and forts dot the desert terrain of Jodhpur, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.
History
The Rathore Clan is crucial to Jodhpur’s history. Jodhpur, an Indian city, is said to have been founded by Rao Jodha, a leader of the Rathore clan. In 1459, he established Jodhpur. His name is the only one in the city. Its former name was Marwar. Learn more about Jodhpur, Rajasthan’s history in the paragraphs that follow.
The Afghans forcibly removed the Rathores from Kaunaj, their ancestral country. They escaped to Pali, which is close to modern-day Jodhpur. A local prince’s sister was Rathore Siahaji’s bride. In doing so, they aided the Rathores in solidifying their position in the area. They eventually drove out the Pratiharas of Mandore, which is located within 9 km of modern-day Jodhpur. Although Mandore had functioned as their capital for some time, the Rathores began to feel the need for a more permanent location by 1459. As a result, Rao Jodha established Jodhpur, often known as the Sun City.
Except for Aurangzeb, the Rathores got along well with every Mughal. Even in his fight for the throne, Maharaja Jaswant Singh backed Shahjahan. Maharaja Ajit Singh, who succeeded Aurangzeb, expelled the Mughals from Ajmer and annexed the city to Marwar (modern-day Jodhpur). During Maharaja Umed Singh’s rule, Jodhpur flourished into a sophisticated metropolis.
Jodhpur was the biggest Rajputana state in terms of land area during the British Raj. The British Raj was a boon to Jodhpur. Its traders, the Marwaris, thrived indefinitely. Eventually, they came to control much of India’s commerce. The state became a part of the Union of India when India gained its independence in 1947. The second city of Rajasthan, Jodhpur, came into existence.
Culture
Attractive and distinctive, Jodhpuri culture is a sight to see. The people of Jodhpur are known for their stunning traditional attire, which includes garments like the ghagra and the hip-length Kurti for ladies. The men of Jodhpur, in contrast, find turbans utterly mesmerizing.
Jodhpur is home to three main languages: Marwadi, Rajasthani, and Hindi. Gangor Puja, the kite festival, Navratri, Holi, Diwali, and other Jodhpur celebrations are intriguing as well.
Climate
Temperatures in Jodhpur may fluctuate wildly, making it a city with severe weather. Jodhpur has a normal desert season with a modest annual rainfall of around 31 cm, contributing to its dry and hot environment.
The summertime high is around 43 degrees Celsius, while the low is about 38 degrees Celsius. The weather in Jodhpur is at its most pleasant from March to October, making that time of year ideal for a visit. Over the winter, you can expect highs of about 28 degrees Celsius and lows of around 16 degrees Celsius.
Language and Religion
The residents of Jodhpur mostly speak Hindi, Marwari, and Rajasthani. Their primary means of communication is language, and the cadence and vocabulary of the Jodhpuri people are very remarkable. The majority of Jodhpur’s population adheres to Hinduism. Jodhpur is a wonderful city with people of many religions, including Jainism, Islam, and Sikhism, but it is also home to members of many more faiths.
Food
Wandering around Sojati Gate, one of the few areas remaining unspoiled by the outside world, is a great way to sample the unique Jodhpur cuisine culture. Pyaz ki Kachori and Chaudri ke Mirchi Vade are must-try dishes if you don’t want your visit to go in vain. Jodhpuri people start their meals by eating anything sweet, even when everyone else ends their dish with something sweet. Jodhpur is known for its warm friendliness, which is impossible to avoid. Sweets like “Mave Ki Kachori,” “Besan Ki Chaaki,” “Maakhan Vade,” and many more have made Jodhpur renowned.
Things to do
A trip to Mehrangrah Fort
One of the top things to do in Jodhpur is to visit Mehrangarh Fort, which is among the country’s most impressive man-made landmarks.
The palace, where the royal family formerly resided, is a sight to see; no one can deny the stunning architecture and dramatic design of this magnificent structure.
Among the many stunning parts of the palace are the Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Moti Mahal, which showcase the finest examples of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture, respectively.
Rao Jodha declared the palace he had constructed in 1458 as his new capital.
Hanging on the Flying Fox
The private ropeway from the Mehrangarh Fort, the flying fox, is such an exciting and thrilling experience that no visitor would dare pass up the chance to ride it while taking in the breathtaking panorama of Jodhpur.
One of the must-dos in Jodhpur is gliding over the picturesque landscapes, where you’ll get a different perspective on the fort and the two desert lakes. Alternatively, you may hike through the Rao Jodha eco-park and get the greatest view of the fort from there.
Visiting Balsamand Lake and Lake Palace
Tourists may enjoy themselves at the picturesque Balsamand Lake and its associated castle, which is situated on its arena. The lake is also a great place for picnics.
Trip to the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
The Rao Jodha Desert Park is a stunning rock garden that showcases desert flora and fauna. Designed in a combination of natural and man-made styles, it boasts a breathtaking view of the Mehrangarh fort and several man-made ponds that visitors are sure to adore.
Visiting the Jaswant Thada
As a monument dedicated to the monarchs of Marwar as their burial site, Jaswant Thada is regarded as one of the most distinctive architectural features of Jodhpur. This might be an essential activity to partake in while in the city.
In addition to its historical significance as a military cemetery, the monument is well-known for its beautiful architecture, which draws many visitors to Jodhpur. The tranquil setting, complete with a garden and a lake, allows visitors to relax and appreciate the intricate stone carvings.
Going for Desert Safaris
Tourists may experience the golden sand dunes of the Thar on jeep or camel safaris departing from Jodhpur, which is famous as the Gateway to Thar. The city also has excellent tour operators that can tailor a trip to each individual’s needs.
However, travelers must take into consideration the weather while making their decisions. The desert nights are illuminated by stars, making them perfect for a romantic evening spent on the dunes, and the days are hot and bright, so the weather choice becomes crucial.
How to reach
By Air
Jodhpur Airport is just 5 km away and the city is well-connected to other major cities in Rajasthan with its regular air connections. Flights to Jaipur, Udaipur, Mumbai, and Delhi depart every day.
By Train
Jodhpur has excellent rail connections. You may simply get a train to any of these cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata. ‘Palace on Wheels’ makes a stop in this regal metropolis as well.
By Road
Traveling by vehicle is another easy way to reach Jodhpur. Agoli and Pokaran are major thoroughfares on the road from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer. Buses run frequently along the route and stop in many cities, including Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur.