Jodhpur is one of the largest cities in Rajasthan and located on the edge of the Thar desert. The city is also called The Blue City, because of the brightly painted blue houses, but there is more to see. The history of Jodhpur goes back more than 500 years and the city is full of culture and history. My base is the cozy Govind Hotel , a great base near the train station and a favorite spot among backpackers. Below I have listed the highlights and sights in Jodhpur.
Jodhpur is the blue city of Rajastan, named after the blue houses in the old town. The color symbolizes the highest caste of the Brahmins, but in the meantime a lot of normal residents have painted their houses in this striking color. You can wander through a network of blue alleys and your camera is guaranteed to work overtime. Jodhpur looks a bit like the blue town of Chefchaouen in Morocco, but I have to admit that Chefchaouen wins in beauty.
During your stay in Jodhpur you must have eaten a sandwich at the legendary Omelette Shop. To the north of the Sardar Market you will find the stall where a sweet Indian man has been baking omelettes every day on the corner of the street for 30 years. No less than 1000 eggs go through it every day and his Masala Cheese Omelet is heavenly tasty. Recommended.
In the heart of Jodhpur you can stroll through the Sardar Market. A colorful market with stalls full of fruit and vegetables, but also jewelry, clothing, leather bags and spices. A great place to just take a look around, but you can also definitely buy a nice souvenir.
The Mehrangarh Fort towers high above the Jodhpur and can be seen well from almost the entire city. This immense fortress was built in 1460 and includes a labyrinth of corridors, gardens, palaces and temples. The fort is at least as beautiful inside as outside, so be sure to take a look inside the thick walls. You can admire colorful paintings and houses various museums, but especially the view over the city and the many blue houses in the distance is incredibly beautiful.
It usually takes a long time to find a quiet place in India, but in Jodhpur you have to set course for Toor Ji Bawari. This huge well (called stepwell) can be reached via various stairs and is a characteristic building for this region. The most famous and oldest stepwell in the world can be found in the village of Abhaneri, but this one in Jodhpur is also very beautiful. You can sit quietly on the steps to enjoy the sun and the activity at the bottom of the well.
All places you can visit with cab from taxi in udaipur. They will help you reaching these places. they are best tour operator in udaipur
It is a five-hour train ride from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer. This is a pleasant desert town with as eye catcher the fort that can be seen from all over the city. Jaisalmer is almost on the border with Pakistan and the Islamic influences are everywhere. Here you will hear the singing of the mosque every now and then and sometimes you will feel more in the Middle East than in India. I sleep 2 nights in the Tokyo Palace Hotel and then move to a more central location, a guesthouse directly opposite the fort. Below I have listed the highlights and sights in Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer is a famous base for an excursion to the desert. One of the nicest things you can do here is to spend a night under the bare starry sky. Desert safaris come in different forms and for every budget: from luxury tented camps with comfortable beds to back-to-basic on a thin rug in the sand. I experience the latter and despite the physical discomfort it is an experience I will never forget. Read the extensive article about this desert safari in Rajasthan here.
The fortress of Jaisalmer is one of the best preserved forts in the world. Despite its age - the fort was built in 1156 - it is still inhabited. Good reason to take a look. You can wander for hours through the network of narrow alleys and be amazed by the many beautiful temples and Havelis (a traditional house with façade in Indian style).
By bhang is meant the seeds and leaves of the cannabis plant and the material plays a major role in Indian culture. According to local stories, the god Shiva brought bhang from the Himalayas. The sale is regulated by the government and is not permitted in all places, but you can taste a sip in the Bhang Shop in Jaisalmer. The portions are generous, so if you're not used to that, it's best to order a baby lassi.
Everywhere in Jaisalmer you will find rooftop bars with a view over the fort. You eat delicious curries, but you can also have a drink with Kingfisher beer and crispy papadums until late in the evening. The view is especially great during sunset, so make sure you have a spot on time.
I mentioned it above, but in Jaisalmer the havelis are choking. These handmade facades are packed with details and are incredibly beautiful to see. While walking through the fort and the surrounding streets you regularly come across one. It pays to stand still a bit longer and study the details.
The province of Rajasthan is located in northwestern India, on the border with Pakistan. I myself travel from Agra by train to Jodhpur and by train to Jaisalmer. Traveling by train in India is a great adventure. I can therefore recommend it to anyone to travel a bit by rail, but I can also imagine it if you opt for comfort. From both Mumbai and New Delhi you can fly to Jodhpur in a few hours. I have good experiences with the domestic flights of Jet Airways, but you can also choose Air India. The center of Jodhpur is fairly compact and easy to explore on foot, and so does Jaisalmer.
TRAVEL TO INDIA
I visited India on my own and did not record anything in advance. I determined my route on the spot and selected my accommodations at the destination. Are you also planning a trip through India? All information about traveling independently through India can be found in this article . Would you rather leave the planning of your trip to the experts? Take a look at the website of VNC Asia Travel , where you can book fully arranged tours through India.
