Welcome to the rich heritage and culture of Rajasthan. Hello, my fellow travellers, Aditya; this is your travel buddy. Due to my drop year, I felt exhausted and desired a change. In January, I saw a picture of Jodhpur and was captivated by its beauty. I planned a four-day trip, intending to go to Udaipur first, but couldn’t get train tickets. So, I went straight to Jodhpur from Allahabad one night.
Route from Allahabad to Jodhpur:
Started from Allahabad and boarded a train to Jodhpur in the evening. I got an upper berth on the train, and in front of me sat an uncle who was also headed to Jodhpur. We struck up a conversation, and I learned that he loved travelling but couldn’t fulfil his dream in his youth. We had a great time chatting and playing UNO during the journey.
Eventually, I reached Jodhpur at 7 in the morning, and the hotel I booked cancelled it last time, so I started searching for some hostels and found this hostel chain in India named Hosteller, but the problem was that it only allowed check-in at 1 in the afternoon, and I still had 4 hours. When talked to by the person at the reception, he allowed me to keep my bags and freshen up for a while on the terrace café. The hostel was very near Mehrangarh Fort, the main fort of the city, and the view was amazing.
Accommodation in Jodhpur:
I reached Jodhpur at 7 in the morning, but my hotel was cancelled at the last minute. I found a hostel chain called Hosteller, but check-in wasn’t until 1 PM. Thankfully, the receptionist let me store my bags and freshen up on the terrace café. The hostel was close to Mehrangarh Fort, with an incredible view.
After that I had a chat with the hostel manager (Aryan), who was also a traveller. He used to volunteer for hostel companies and explore different cities. Also, he suggested hiring a scooter as the best way to get around, and he recommended nearby places to eat and visit in the city.
While talking to the manager, I met Ajay, who shared that he worked for a jewellery company but grew tired of the city’s routine. He decided to represent the company’s traders in Rajasthan, allowing him to travel and work simultaneously.
Places to visit in Jodhpur:
1. Mehrangarh Fort: Blue City
It was already late, and since I had to return the rented scooter by 8 in the evening, I wanted to make the most of my time. Approaching the fort, a bustling shop by the roadside caught my eye, crowded with locals. Feeling hungry, a decision was made to stop for breakfast. I ordered a cup of chai and asked the shopkeeper for some authentic Rajasthani dishes. He suggested various food items. After a heartfelt breakfast, explore the grandeur and history of this majestic fort, marvelling at its architecture and breathtaking views of the Blue City.
Its history:
The fort stood tall and impressive, dominating the city’s skyline. Arrived around 2 in the afternoon and bought a Rs. 100 ticket. Parking my scooty far from the entrance, I had to walk up a steep slope to reach the main gate. Locals told me it was designed to deter enemies who faced rolling rocks from the top. Inside, I marvelled at the palaces, temples, and museums, reflecting the grandeur of the Rathore rulers’ legacy from the 15th century. The fort boasted seven gates, each with its own story. The most famous was the Jai Pol, or Victory Gate, built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806 to commemorate his triumph over the Mughals.
The palaces were stunning, adorned with intricate carvings, paintings, and decorations. Notable ones included the Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Moti Mahal, and Takhat Vilas, each showcasing the royal lifestyle and tastes of the rulers. Museums displayed artefacts like weapons, armour, paintings, textiles, coins, and musical instruments, with the audio guide providing insights into their history and significance, offering a glimpse into the Rajput dynasty’s culture and heritage.
The fort also offered a breathtaking view of the city, known as the Blue City for its predominantly blue-painted houses, believed to keep them cool in summer and denote residents’ caste. Contrasting with the fort’s golden hue, the blue houses created a stunning visual effect, especially at sunset. Capturing the beauty of Jodhpur through photos and videos, I was mesmerised by its charm.
The fort in Jodhpur provides a stunning view of the Blue City, renowned for its blue-painted houses. This colour choice isn’t just for aesthetics but also for practicality, keeping homes cool in the summer and denoting residents’ caste. The contrast of blue houses against the fort’s golden hue is visually striking, especially at sunset. Captivated by Jodhpur’s beauty, I couldn’t resist capturing countless photos and videos of its charm.
2. City Market (Ghanta Ghar):
After four hours at the fort, hunger struck, prompting me to head to the city market. By 7 p.m., I arrived at Ghanta Ghar, the market’s bustling centre. Roamed the vibrant streets, had local cuisine, and experienced the lively atmosphere of the market. In the evening, eventually, I returned the scooter and headed back to my hostel.
3. Desert Safari:
The next morning, I began with a simple breakfast of tea and bun maska before heading to catch a bus to a nearby village. Locals had mentioned a desert safari there, which sounded too adventurous to pass up. By noon, I arrived at the village and found several jeeps offering safari rides. Despite the high cost of Rs. 700 per person, the experience of true off-roading and descending steep dunes made it all worthwhile. After visiting a nearby ancient temple, I had some lunch and decided to go back and explore the blue part of the city.
4. The Blue Streets of Jodhpur:
Surprisingly, only some parts were truly blue, and upon asking, I was told it was to repel bugs. The blue streets and houses, adorned with beautiful paintings, were mesmerising. I even found a really cute dog during my exploration.
5. Baoli:
It was already evening by now, headed to a nearby Baoli near my hostel. It offered a breathtaking view and was serene due to its age. After spending some time there, I began feeling a bit chilly, so returned to my hostel and called it a day.
Food to Try in Jodhpur:
- Dal Pakwan and Kadhi Chawal: Savoured authentic Rajasthani breakfast at a local eatery, enjoying the flavours of crispy flatbread with spicy lentil curry and yoghurt-based gravy with rice.
- Ghewar: Ghewar is a renowned sweet dish made of flour and sugar syrup. After hearing various opinions, I opted for a small shop in a narrow lane. I indulged in Malai Ghewar, topped with cream, devouring nearly 500 grams of it. The shop owner, hospitable as ever, treated me to some delightful local chilli pickles, prompting me to purchase 250 grams to bring back home.
- Sangria with Bajre ki Roti: delight in the true Rajasthani flavours of Sangri paired with traditional millet bread.
- Tea and Bun Maska: Start the day with a light breakfast of tea and bun maska, a perfect way to kickstart the morning.
Best time to visit jodhpur :
The best time to visit Jodhpur is from November to February. Despite being cold, with temperatures occasionally dropping close to 0 degrees Celsius in January, this period offers ideal weather for exploring the forts of Jodhpur, at the same time I visited. October and March also provide pleasant weather for a trip to the city.
Necessary Things to Pack:
- Protect yourself from the harsh desert sun with sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Pack lightweight and warm clothing suitable for visiting in January.
- Also, keep a proper backpack while travelling, with snacks, a water bottle, and first aid.
- Comfortable footwear for travelling.
Travel Tips:
- Opt for renting a scooter to explore the city, offering convenience and flexibility in navigating through the narrow streets and attractions.
- Engage with locals to discover hidden gems, gain insights into local culture, and receive valuable recommendations for authentic experiences.
- Make sure to make prior bookings from trusted sites.
- Carry sufficient water, stay hydrated, and snack.
Everyone should visit Jodhpur alone because when you travel solo, you can explore more.
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Happy travelling, guys!!!
