Jodhpur, Rajasthan: Tourist Guide to the Blue City and Mehrangarh Fort

Jodhpur sits on the edge of the Thar Desert and is often called its gateway. Rao Jodha of the Rathore clan founded it in 1459, and it became the capital of the Marwar kingdom. It's known as the "Blue City" for the indigo-washed houses of its old town, which spread out below the great fort of Mehrangarh. It's also known as the "Sun City" for its bright, sunny weather. Jodhpur is about 335 km from Jaipur, 285 km from Jaisalmer and 260 km from Udaipur, so it fits easily into a Rajasthan circuit. Two days covers the main sights.

Mehrangarh Fort: The Citadel of the Sun

Mehrangarh is one of the largest and best-preserved forts in India. It stands on a cliff about 125 m (roughly 400 ft) above the city, with walls up to 36 m high and 21 m thick. Rudyard Kipling is commonly credited with describing it as the work of "angels, fairies and giants". Cannonball marks near the Loha Pol gate are reminders of old battles.

Palaces and courtyards. Inside are richly decorated rooms, each with its own character:

• Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace): The royal audience hall, with polished shell-lime plaster and coloured glass windows

• Phool Mahal (Flower Palace): A gilded hall of private celebration and music

• Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace): Walls and ceilings set with mirrors and painted panels

• Takhat Vilas and Jhanki Mahal: Painted ceilings, royal apartments and finely carved screens

The museum. One of the best in India, covering royal palanquins, elephant howdahs, weapons, textiles, costumes, musical instruments and Marwari miniature paintings. The audio guide is excellent and included with the ticket.

Views and extras:

• The ramparts give views over the blue houses, and the city's best sunrise and late-afternoon light

• A lift helps visitors who don't want to climb the steep approach

• Mehrangarh Zip-lining (Flying Fox) offers ziplines along the fort walls

• The Chamunda Mataji Temple in the fort is an active place of worship

The Blue City: Exploring the Old Town

The old town spreads in a labyrinth of lanes below the fort. The blue colour is traditionally linked to Brahmin households, though locals also say it helps keep houses cooler in the summer heat and may repel insects. The best way to see it is on foot, ideally in the morning.

• Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) and Sardar Market: The lively centre of the old city. Sardar Market sells spices, textiles, handicrafts, silver jewellery, antiques, and mojari (jutti) footwear.

• Navchokiya and Brahmpuri: Some of the most photogenic blue lanes, with rooftop cafés that give good views.

• Toorji ka Jhalra: A beautifully restored 18th-century stepwell near the Clock Tower, now surrounded by cafés.

Jaswant Thada and Umaid Bhawan Palace

• Jaswant Thada: A white marble memorial built in 1899 for Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The carved Makrana marble is so thin that it glows when sunlight passes through. It is sometimes called the "Taj Mahal of Marwar". It's a cenotaph and memorial for Jodhpur's rulers, set in peaceful gardens with a view of Mehrangarh. Visit in the morning.

• Umaid Bhawan Palace: Built between 1929 and 1943 by Maharaja Umaid Singh, partly as a famine-relief project, and designed by the British architect Henry Lanchester in an Art Deco style with Indian elements. The palace is one of the world's largest private residences. It is part royal residence, part luxury hotel and part museum. The museum displays vintage cars, clocks, weapons and royal memorabilia.

Other Places to See

• Mandore Gardens: The ancient capital of Marwar, about 9 km north, with royal cenotaphs and a leafy garden

• Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park: A restored volcanic rock landscape beside Mehrangarh, with walking trails

• Kaylana Lake and Balsamand Lake: Peaceful lakes near the city, good for sunset

• Bishnoi Village safari: A half-day trip to see village life, pottery, weaving and wildlife such as blackbuck, run by the Bishnoi community, known for their reverence for nature

• Osian (about 65 km): Ancient Hindu and Jain temples in the desert, with a camel safari on offer

• Machia Safari Park: A small zoological park for a short nature break

Food to Try

Jodhpur's food culture is rich, spicy and often very sweet:

• Mirchi vada: Large green chilli stuffed with spiced potato, battered and fried

• Pyaaz ki kachori: A flaky pastry filled with spiced onion

• Mawa kachori: A sweet, syrup-soaked pastry filled with mawa and nuts

• Makhaniya lassi: A thick, saffron-flavoured lassi, famous near the Clock Tower

• Laal maas and gatte ki sabzi: Classic Rajasthani curries

• Kabuli (Jodhpuri) pulao and ghevar: Seasonal and festive favourites

Stick to busy, clean stalls and drink bottled or filtered water. Rooftop restaurants around the fort are good for dinner with a view of the illuminated walls.

Best Time to Visit

• October to March: The most pleasant time, with sunny days around 10 to 30°C. Peak season is November to February.

• Late October: The Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF), held at Mehrangarh Fort around the full moon (Sharad Purnima), is a highlight, with music from Rajasthan and around the world. Check dates, as they vary each year.

• April to June: Very hot, often above 40°C. Plan sightseeing for early morning.

• July to September: Monsoon is limited here, with occasional rain.

Getting There

• By air: Jodhpur Airport is about 5 km from the centre, with flights to Delhi, Mumbai and other cities. Check current schedules.

• By train: Jodhpur Junction connects to Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur and Mumbai. The overnight Delhi trains are popular, and booking in advance is recommended.

• By road: Buses and taxis link Jodhpur with Jaipur (about 6 hours), Udaipur (about 5 to 6 hours) and Jaisalmer (about 5 to 6 hours).

• Local transport: Auto-rickshaws and taxis are easy to find. Walking is the best way around the old town, though some lanes are steep.

Practical Tips

• Start early: Visit Mehrangarh at opening time to avoid crowds and heat. Allow 3 to 4 hours.

• Footwear and dress: Wear comfortable shoes for the steep paths and cobbles, and dress modestly for temples.

• Sun protection: Bring a hat, water and sunscreen.

• Bargaining: Expected in the markets. Agree on auto and taxi prices beforehand.

• Photography: Allowed in most areas with a camera fee in some. Ask before photographing people.

• Stay: Heritage havelis and guesthouses in the old town have the best atmosphere, and many have rooftop views of the fort.

• Entry fees, timings and festival dates change, so check official sources before you go.