The Blue City of Jodhpur...

City of Jodhpur, also known as Blue City has been a travelers delight since times. City of Jodhpur has something which is very unique to Jodhpur only. Mighty Mehrangarh Fort and royal grandeur of Umaid Bhawan Palace has made Jodhpur frequently being listed as most extraordinary places to visit and stay, most recently in 2014 by Lonely Plant. Check Mehrangarh Fort on top of the Hill:

And the majestic Umaid Bhawan Palace:

To explore the royality of Jodhpur, we landed up in Jodhpur one fine morning and first destination on the list was "Umaid Bhawan Palace". One can book an auto for Rs. 500 and a taxi (AC) for Rs. 1100-1200 for a complete city tour.

One of the largest private residences in the world, this huge architectural giant has 347 rooms and is still the main residence royal family of Jodhpur. In sync with the name this was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh (1929 – 1942). Built in local sandstone, this is one of the finest examples of fusion of Indo-western architecture. A unique feature of this palace is that the sandstone blocks have been put together in a special system of interlocking without any mortar binding.

A portion of the palace now serves as a luxury hotel, frequented by renowned dignitaries and celebrities from every part of the world. Another portion is now an exquisite museum which houses model aeroplanes, weapons, antique clocks, watches, crockery, hunting trophies and variety of antiques. Check out a wall painting depicting devil Ravana kidnapping goddess Seeta. This palace is full of such antiques...

After cherishing the grandeur of Umaid Bhawan it was the time to feel the might of "Mehran Garh".

Situated on a 150 m high hill Mehran Garh Fort is a fort, which is formidable as well as magnificent fort in Rajasthan. Rao Jodha ladi the foundation for this fort on 12 May1459, but the fort has been groomed by subsequent rulers of Jodhpur ever since. As with most of the forts this fort too is associated with legends, like:

• The hill was known as Bhakurcheeriya (Mountain of birds) and Cheeria Nathji, an old hermit used to reside here in the cave which is situated just at the entrance of the fort. Disturbed by the construction of the fort he left his cave and cursed the invaders of his solitariness,” Jodha, May your citadel ever suffer a scarcity of water” In order to appease the gods, a house for Cheeria Nathji in the new city and a temple in the fort very near the cave the hermit used for meditation was constructed by Rao Jodha.

• To make the site auspicious, Jodha buried a man, Rajiya Bambi (Meghwal) alive in the foundations in lieu of promise to look after his family forever. The promise has been honored by Rathores till date.
• What is not established truly is that along with Rajiya Bambi, three more were buried alive in the foundations.

Lets leave the legends and enjoy the grand fort.

With constricted entrance roads paved with boulders/ barriers, narrow staircases and concealed positions for soldiers to attack the incoming enemy, this Fort is a classic example of warfare architecture.

Carved panels and porches, elaborately adorned walls and brilliant stained glass windows make for the brilliant splendor of royal residence. Its walls, which are up to 36m high and 21m wide have protected some of the most beautiful and historic palaces in Rajasthan

While walking around do not miss to appreciate the delicately carved palace walls.

Jodhpur is also known as “Blue City”, reason is visible apparent. All the houses near the vicinity of Mehrangarh fort have terraces painted in blue.

Breathtaking view of the city from Mehrangarh Fort

Coming down from the Mehrangarh fort on left is Jaswant Thada, the royal marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Also known as Taj Mahal of Marwar, it was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh, son of Jaswant Singh - II. The main memorial has been built like a temple with intricately carved marble stone.

Passing through a secluded road, the passage itself presents a mystic aura. Apart from the main cenotaph there are some more cenotaphs adjacent to this, looks like Stonehenge of Jodhpur.

Last spot in the itinerary was Mandore Gardens. Mandore was the former capital of Maharajas of Marwar and is located about 5 miles north of Jodhpur. Mandore Gardens house Cenotaphs of Jodhpur's former rulers, ancient Hindu temples carved in red sandstone and “hall of heroes” dedicated to various deities and Rajput folk heroes. These cenotaphs are set in beautiful landscaped gardens.

Read more about Mandore Gardens.

Trip to Jodhpur is incomplete without a visit to the legendary "Ghanta Ghar". This is one of the most happening places in Jodhpur.

Not only the above-mentioned attractions, city of Jodhpur is in itself an experience to cherish. Do not forget to savour the delicacies like Pyaz Kachori, Mirchi vada, Kair Sangri ki subzi, Gulab Jamun ki subzi, Makhaniya Lassi, sweet MAWA KACHORI (special delicacy of Jodhpur), Matka Kulfi and everything which comes your way. Do try snacks from local shops, they will make your taste buds go ga-ga. And there are Jodhpuri Jutis (shoes), Suitings and do not forget to shop handicrafts and souvenirs from shops, which are too many in Jodhpur. 

Next morning it was the time to visit Bishnoi region, which is around 22 km. from Jodhpur City. Bishnoi villages are a self-sustained village where 363 people have sacrificed their lives to preserve trees. Here people are happy with whatever they have. We were lucky that we kept one extra day in Jodhpur. Next morning, we had to catch the early morning train (No. - 14659, DLI JSM EXPRESS) to our next destination, from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer, Golden City, Jaisalmer.

Also, around 65km. from Jodhpur city is Ossian Temple complex of around 100 temples. Worth visiting for more than thousand-year-old temples. 300 Km. from Jodhpur is the city of Bikaner, known for Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace and immensely sacred one of its kind Karni Mata temple, house to numerous rats.

Early Morning trains from Jodhpur (JU) to Bikaner(BKN):

0405 AM: Train No. - 22498, SGNR HUMSAFAR SF 

0100 AM: Train No. - 16587, YPR BKN EXP

Keep travelling Guys...