Jodhpur – The Land of Kings

Jodhpur is well known for its heritage and royal families. Being my birthplace, I always look forward to coming to the city for our family reunions and the local delicacies! For those who aren’t familiar with the city, here is a list of musts if you ever visit Jodhpur.

Local Delicacies

Jodhpur has the best sweets in the world! Do visit Jodhpur Sweets in Sardarpura(9th C Road) and try their Finni, Rabri Ghevar, Besan Chakki, Mawa Kachori, and Jalebi! You’ll find the best Gulab Jamuns and Ras Malai at Ras Sagar in Sardarpura (10th C Road). Don’t forget to take back sweets like Dal Badam ki Chakki and various katlis for your friends and family back home.

Another must-try snack in Jodhpur is the Mirchi Badas (a fried snack made of green chili and potatoes coated with gram floor) from Chaudhary Namkeen on B Road and Surya Namkeen at Jalori Gate Circle. Spice alert here, but your Jodhpur trip isn’t complete without the Mirchi Badas.

The Blue City

The old city in Jodhpur is literally painted blue. Due to the scorching summers, people paint their houses blue to give a soothing effect. If you are a heritage lover, a walk through the old city will be a pure delight.

The Umaid Bhawan Palace

Awarded with the Travelers’ Choice Award, The Umaid Bhawan Palace was named the best hotel in the world in 2016. The hotel has three parts. One portion has been converted into a museum displaying various palanquins, war tools and many other artifacts from the era of the kings. The second part is the hotel run by the Taj Group and consists of 347 rooms. The third portion is where the royal family of Raja Gaj Singh Ji resides. It is the largest private residence in the world!

As the palace is built on a hill named Chittar, it is also well known as Chittar Palace among the locals.

The Mehrangarh Fort

Also addressed as Kila by the locals, Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India. It was built by Rao Jodha in around 1459. Built at 410 feet above the city, the city looks picturesque from the fort. The Kila museum is well stocked with royal palanquins, arms, costumes, and paintings from the decorated period. The pink stone fort looks mesmerizing and spells nothing but royalty.

You can also zip line at the fort with Flying Fox. The 1-1.5 hour activity consists of 6 zip-lines up to 270 m. Glide over the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, stunning blue city of Jodhpur, two desert lakes and Rao Jodha Eco Park.

Jaswant Thada

Jaswant Thada is a cenotaph built by Maharaja Sardar Singh Ji in 1899 in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh Ji II and serves as the cremation ground for the royal family of Marwar. Also known as the Taj Mahal of Mewar, the walls and pillars of the marble monument are adorned with delicate carvings which bear paintings and pictures of the deceased rulers.

Mandore

Located 9 km from Jodhpur, Mandore is another heritage place famous amongst tourists. The main attractions here are the unique royal cenotaphs or the Chhatris. Mandore garden also has a Hall of Heroes built in the honor of the Rajput heroes. The walls are mounted with colorful paintings and rock craft representing the great kings and rulers. You will also find a unique temple here which has pictures of 33 crore gods preached in the Hindu culture.

Shop for Bandhani

Bandhani is a highly skilled art involving dyeing a fabric tied tightly with a thread at several points, producing a variety of patterns. This fabric is then used for making shirts, kurtis, sarees, etc. Shop for authentic bandhani at Tripolia market or at Sosti Gate (B Road).

Handicraft

If you wish to take back souvenirs from Jodhpur, shop for handicrafts at National Handloom or various shops near Circuit House. Handicrafts range from small wood showpieces to handbags, to traditional Indian vintage furniture.