Jodhpur, The Blue City – Just Get Lost!

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajsthan

Do not even try to read a map when strolling the Old City of Jodhpur, simply useless in this maze of narrow streets lined with shops, street vendors and houses that were once blue. Add honking auto-rickshaws, motorbikes, bikes, pedestrians, men pushing heavy carts, cows, dogs and you realize – Jodhpur is a city to stroll aimlessly.

No matter what, you will get lost as well. Just follow your inspiration and enjoy small shady streets, shops selling just about anything you can imagine, women dressed in colorful saris, old decrepit buildings and new ones almost as decrepit. An old Indian city as you remember it from your childhood books!

Jodhpur, The Blue City, Rajasthan

In the streets of Jodhpur, the Blue City, Rajasthan

In the streets of Jodhpur, the Blue City, Rajasthan

But Jodhpur is not only about getting lost. Here are our 6 Highlights for Jodhpur:

1. Mehrangarh Fort

This mighty Fort was never conquered. By sitting high up on a hill, its 36 meters high walls make it an impressive landmark of the Blue City. A breathtaking sight! The excellent audio guide took us through palaces with intricate carvings, expansive courtyards with elaborate balconies, arched galleries and heavily ornamented private residences. The tour also provided great background information about the dynasty that ruled over Jodhpur and the role of the Maharana in today’s society. The Fort’s sheer size and the delicate architecture of the buildings inside make it one the most magnificent forts of Rajasthan.

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

2. Jaswant Thada

This very delicate milky-white marble memorial to Maharana Jaswant Singh II is an array of fanciful domes. Best visited in the morning, when you have an amazing view of nearby Mehrangarh Fort! The nickname “the Taj Mahal from Jodhpur” might be slightly exaggerated, but it is a very refined monument nevertheless and a peaceful retreat after the racket of the city.

Jaswant Thada, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Jaswant Thada, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Jaswant Thada, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

3. Getting Away From Tourist Groups

This is probably the best news about Jodhpur… You will see very few tourists, and none of the big groups that haunt most of Rajasthan’s highlights. Even in the more popular places, you will be amongst locals.

In the streets of Jodhpur, the Blue City, Rajasthan

In the streets of Jodhpur, the Blue City, Rajasthan

In the streets of Jodhpur, the Blue City, Rajasthan

4. Flying Fox

Flying Fox Jodhpur is a zipline tour located inside the property of Mehrangarh Fort and the tour comprises 6 separate ziplines. With the mighty Mehrangarh Fort in the background it was really awesome, a nice change to our daily visits of historic monuments. More good news, it is cheap! Book online for 1.350 Rupees (20 Euros). Safety standards are excellent!

Flying Fox at Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Gilles @ Flying Fox at Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Alain (at 77 enjoying a new experience) @ Flying Fox at Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

5. Strolling The Maze of Jodhpur’s Old City

The Old City is big – you can spend days just wandering around and keep on discovering new places, new backyards, new traditional Havelis, new shops, new anything! The narrow, shady streets allow enjoying the old city at any time of the day and escape the scorching sun, something quite unique in India!

Jodhpur, The Blue City, Rajasthan

In the streets of Jodhpur, the Blue City, Rajasthan

In the streets of Jodhpur, the Blue City, Rajasthan

6. A Cocktail With A View

Rajasthan is a great place to splurge a bit. Either by staying in one of those gorgeous Havelis or by enjoying a drink and / or dine in places offering amazing views. The rooftop terrace of Singhvi’s Haveli overlooks the Blue City and the Fort from an unusual perspective, the perfect place for a cold beer. For great dining and cocktails head for Pal Haveli’s rooftop restaurant. Book ahead!

Jodhpur, The Blue City, Rajasthan

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajsthan

Clock Tower, Jodhpur, Rajasthan