Jodhpur is one of the most popular cities of Rajasthan. From the visual delight of blue, scattered houses to the mystical sun, Jodhpur is more than just a metropolis. The untold, unheard tales of the forts, temples and palaces will stir our curiosity and therefore, take us to this city set amidst the scenic beauty of the Thar Desert.
While considering a tourist destination to this Rajasthani city, Jodhpur is statistically third on the list in the order: Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur. However, that hasn’t and never will hamper its popularity. Here are 10 offbeat things to do and places to visit in Rajasthan:
1. A Walk Through The Lanes Of The Blue City
If you are in Jodhpur, then it is imperative to dive yourself into the blues. Jodhpur Heritage Walks are run by many Jodhpur locals who add sense to all the tales of the city. Marching through the labyrinth lanes of the city will unfold myths and history with every step you take. Photography, food and conversations are the essence of a heritage walk and most you can take with you back to your hometown!
2. The Wah! Taj Of Jodhpur
Often referred to as the Taj Mahal of Jodhpur, Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in India. The architecture is defined by intricate carvings and spacious courtyards. The existence of thick walls are a proof of the shielding capabilities of these walls. Built in around 1459, the aftermath of war are still visible in the form of cannonballs that were fired at the ruling kingdom and the subsequent victory gates to celebrate all the endeavours. The well preserved museum of Mehrangar represents the culture and heritage of the Rathores as well.
3. Jodhpur, The Sun City
Sun rises in the east and sets in the west: this a well accepted generalisation. But what if we told you the sun’s favourite spot is Jodhpur? In Suryanagri or Jodhpur, the sun stays for the longest time in the world. Sun stays here for 8.30 hours a day which justifies the use of blue color on houses to keep the inmates cool.
4. Feel On Top Of The World
From scrumptious meals, to scenic views and some music, take a break at the rootftop restaurants. Drink away your tiredness and start the take two of your Jodhpur tour!
5. Play Holi @ Ghanshyam Ji Mandir
While playing Holi at Mathura is considered a thing ticked off your to do list, Holi celebrations at Ghanshyam ji temple are highly underrated and unknown to many. Unlike Lathmar Holi played in Mathura, the celebrations are peaceful here. Holi is celebrated here all around through out the month of phagun and the main celebration takes places on Rang Panchami. The laced lanes of scented flowers and tints of gulaal, the sight of holi leaves you mesmerized by the vibrancy and diversity of festivals here in India.
6. Brunching At The Royal Chokelao Bagh
Who doesn’t want to feel royal and important at least once in a lifetime? The Chokelao Bagh built in Mehrangarh fort will make you fall for the royalty in every bite. The romanticism with menu and the names of the food items will make the experience even better.
7. Time Tracking At The Clock Tower
The clock tower is a popular and antique landmark of the old city. The vibrant Sardar Market is close to the tower. The narrow alleys and lanes lead to a bazaar selling vegetables, spices, Indian sweets, textiles, silver and handicrafts. It is a great place to stroll around.
8. Visit The Queens Land
It was common for the Maharanis, the Maharaja’s wives, to commission and sponsor water structures in Jodhpur. As history confessed the existence of women behind the veil and outside the court, Jodhpur Maharanis got much more. Maharanis had their own land holdings from which they collected income and they had personal accountants within the fort that managed their finances. It was in this way the women of the Maharaja could commission art, architecture, and even temples. A powerful and legendary exemple of this is Gulab Rai’s construction of Gulab Sagar.
9. The Toor Ji Ka Jhalra or Stepwell
The surreal architecture of stepwells in Jodhpur make their existence valuable. Toorji ka Jhalra is a stepwell constructed in the 1740s by Maharaja Abhai Singh’s Queen. It takes its name after the Queen’s surname, which was Toor, deriving from the hindi word meaning tower. The first name was unknown as they were either known by their father’s name or by the name of their husband.
10. Let The Foodie Within You Awaken
Mirchi bada, mawa kachodi, mawa laddoo, malai sandwich, pyaaz ki kachodi, makhaniya lassi: there are so many street food to savour. Overlooking the blue houses, you will find several food joint to satiate your hunger pangs with.
11. Attending the RIFF Festival
With Sir Mick Jagger, front man of the rock band The Rolling Stones as the International Patron of Jodhpur RIFF (Rajasthan International Folk Festival), this not-for-profit roots music festival endorsed by UNESCO as a “Peoples” Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development”. HH Gaj Singh of Marwar-Jodhpur is the Chief Patron of Jodhpur RIFF.
Also Read: 30 Famous Movies Shot in Rajasthan
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