Anyone travelling through the immense sand sea of the Thar Desert might think Jodhpur was nothing more than a mirage. Yet low and behold, right there in the heart of the Indian desert is a pulsating urban sprawl alive with over one million souls and an ever-growing number of appreciative travellers. One of the best things to do in Jodhpur is simply admire the dizzying vibrancy of colours that surround you - be that the azure facades of the old town, the fiery autumnal hues of Jodhpuri attire or the golden tones of turmeric, cumin and saffron in every bazaar. Keep reading to discover the finest attractions this city has to offer.
- Get Lost in the Winding Streets of the ‘Blue City’
- Explore the Ancient Mehrangarh Fort (or Zip Line Over it)
- Shop for Souvenirs at the Bustling Markets
- Discover Ancient Stepwells
- Learn About Local Traditions
Get Lost in the Winding Streets of the ‘Blue City’
While Jodhpur as a whole is often referred to as the ‘Blue City’ - in homage to the blanket of turquoises and indigos that covers the metropolis - the best of the blue is concentrated in the narrow lanes of the old town. The neighbourhood of Brahmpuri is the oldest settlement in the city and home to a fascinating history - today’s residents are said to be descendants of Shrimali Brahmins, spiritual advisors to the kings of yesteryear. You can wind your way through beautiful lanes, past bustling cafes and quirky stores with one of our top local guides leading the way, making sure to snap plenty of shots of the azure facades along the way. And the most interesting thing? No one quite knows why the city is drenched in blue - some say it’s to keep houses cool during the sweltering summers, other say it was to indicate the homes of the priests of the Indian caste system; but legend has it that it is a show of respect for Lord Shiva, who turned blue after gulping down a harsh poison in the hope of saving the world. That’s definitely our favourite theory.
Explore the Ancient Mehrangarh Fort (or Zip Line Over it)
Looming over all of Jodhpur is Mehrangarh Fort, a magnificent sandstone masterpiece that has featured in several Hollywood and Bollywood movies, including The Dark Night Rises. The fort, which took 500 years to construct, between the 1400s and 1900s, is a treasure trove of Indian heritage and beauty. You can relax in sun-drenched courtyards surrounded by elegantly-carved marble facades, meander through resplendent palaces fit for a king and admire emerald-studded armour, beautiful Marwar paintings and traditional Rajasthani turbans in the fort’s many museums. For an extra thrill, we can arrange for you to go zip wiring over the fortress to enjoy a new perspective of the sandstone masterpiece and the ‘Blue City’ below.
Shop for Souvenirs at the Bustling Markets
Markets in Jodhpur stand out from others across India for their sheer pride in locally-made ethnic treasures and their resistance to modernising their products in favour of popular high-street brands. The Clock Market, which is located around the iconic Ghanta Ghar monument, is among the best spice markets in India. You can find any number or pungent spices, including popular Rajasthani spices like cumin and coriander. The charmingly over-saturated colours of bandhej (tie-dye fabric) of the Nai Sarak Market can be spotted a mile away. This is a great place to come in search of the city’s finest saris, suit pieces and other materials. And the markets don’t end there. For silver ornaments and accessories, head to Sarafa Bazaar; for mojaris (bejewelled footwear), Mochi Bazaar is the place to go; and for traditional handicrafts, you have a choice between Tripolia Bazaar or Sojati Gate Market. See the best souvenirs to bring back from India.
Discover Ancient Stepwells
Scattered across the sandy landscapes of Rajasthan are a uniquely Indian phenomenon: stepwells. These architectural masterpieces were built deep into the earth hundreds of years ago, with the aim of providing a year-round water sourse in drought-prone areas. Stepwells were a huge source of pride among Rajasthanis and were decorated accordingly, with hand-carved staircases displaying the finest handiwork of artisans of the time. The desert city of Jodhpur is home to three beautiful stepwells, clustered together in an area close to the Clock Tower Market. The Jodhpur Stepwell - known as Toorji’s Step Well - is arguably the most impressive of the three. The steps are carved out of sandstone and plunge deep down to refreshing cold water that you can even take a swim in. But if swimming isn’t your thing, just admiring the symmetrical beauty of the seriously photogenic stepwell is still one of the best things to do in Jodhpur.
Learn About Local Traditions
Jodhpur is the cultural capital of the Marwari ethnic group, who originate from East Rajasthan and are renowned for their rich heritage. Much of the culture lies in the flamboyant fashion of locals - there is the elegant Jodhpuri coat (a symbol of luxury and aristocracy), the world-famous Jodhpurs (which riding trousers take their name from) and the Jodhpuri style of turbans. You can admire examples of exquisite local fashion on the streets of the city, or visit the Turban Gallery in the the Mehrangarh Fort Museum to admire the city’s resplendent headwear. Another of our favourite things to do in Jodhpur is truck painting, a rich tradition found throughout India whereby homesick drivers cover their vehicles with colourful pictures and slogans that bring good luck and remind them of home while on the road. We can arrange for you to visit the workshop of a local artist, where you can learn all about the symbolism behind his work before trying your hand at a few colourful brushstrokes.