Jodhpur
Dubbed the "Blue City" thanks to the old city's ocean of blue-colored houses (best seen from the Mehrangarh Fort), Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 and is located in the parched western pocket of Rajasthan. Apart from its massive fort, Jodhpur is also the site of an enormous palace, part of which still houses the current maharaja and his family.
How to Get There
You can get to Jodhpur by air, with domestic carriers flying from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Udaipur. State-run and private buses travel here from various Rajasthani cities including Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Ajmer, Jaipur, and Bikaner, as well as Delhi. There are train connections to Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Delhi.
How to Get Around
Taxis and autorickshaws are widely available in Jodhpur.
Attractions
Atop a rocky hill overlooking the city is the mighty Mehrangarh Fort, one of Rajasthan's most impressive fort complexes. Within the fort is a clutch of historic palace buildings and courtyards, as well as an interesting museum exhibiting royal memorabilia. About 0.62 miles (one kilometer) away is the finely sculptured Jaswant Thada, a marble memorial built in 1899.
Take a wander through the old city's lively Sadar Bazaar (easily spotted by its tall clock tower), which has meandering lanes lined with little shops selling everything from spices to bangles.
The gigantic Umaid Bhawan Palace took more than 15 years to finish (construction started in 1929). It has an austere charm, with large sandstone domes and a rather impersonal—but suitably palatial—interior. Part of it has been converted into a luxury hotel as well as a museum, the latter housing some particularly impressive antique clocks.
Places to Eat
Jodhpur's range of restaurants is not bad, with something to suit all budgets. The better places are usually found in hotels.
Open for dinner, the open-air Mehran Terrace is superbly situated on a terrace of the Mehrangarh Fort. The Rajasthani thalis (all-you-can-eat meals) are recommended. Advance reservations are required (call tel. +91 [0]291 254 9790). Mehrangarh Fort.
The Garden Restaurant is, as the name suggests, set in a garden, which is lit up at night with twinkling candles. The menu offers a good range of tasty Indian and continental food at fair prices. Airport Road, near the Ajit Bhawan hotel.
If you can't afford to stay at the Umaid Bhawan Palace, you can at least treat yourself to dinner at either the Pillars or the more formal Risala. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Palace Road.
Places to Stay
Be wary of taxi and autorickshaw drivers who urge you to stay at a hotel of their choice, as it often means you'll end up paying a premium for the room, due to the commission paid to the driver by the hotel.
Built in 1847, the family-run Pal Haveli is a popular mid-priced choice, with just 12 rooms, all full of old-style charm. There's a small museum on the premises, as well as dining facilities. Gulab Sagar; tel. +91 (0)291 329 3328.
Also in the mid-range price bracket is the small, colonial-flavored Newtons Manor, which has just five rooms, each very comfortable and furnished with antique pieces. Hearty meals are available. 86 Jawahar Colony, Ratanada; tel. +91 (0)291 243 0686.
Another atmospheric mid-range possibility is Ratan Vilas, a lovely family-run villa set in a green garden. The rooms are cozy and well kept, and the kitchen prepares some of the tastiest home-cooked Indian food you'll eat in Rajasthan. Old Loco Shed Road, Ratanada; tel. +91 (0)291 261 4418; e-mail ratanvilas_jod@rediffmail.com.
General Tips
One of the best places to sample Jodhpur's famous makhani lassi (a creamy saffron-flavored, yogurt-based beverage) is at the simple little Shri Mishrilal Hotel, near the clock tower in Sadar Bazaar.
For More Information
Tourist Reception Center RTDC Hotel Ghoomar compound, High Court Road; tel. +91 (0)291 254 5083.
Rajasthan Tourism
