Jodhpur in Rajasthan is located at the western part of the state and happens to be a very iconic city. The history of the city goes back hundreds of years and it was an important stronghold for the Rajputs. If you are planning a trip to Jodhpur, then there are definitely a few things you must try so that you have the full experience of the place.
To start with, begin your day with a cup of Masala Chai. There is nothing more refreshing and invigorating to wake you up and prepare you for the entire day than a cup of steaming spiced tea. The locals prepare it with an assortment of spices like cardamom and cinnamon and extracts from fresh ginger. The tea is made from thick milk and it is said that camel milk is also used to make the tea, which is quite authentic and unique. The cups are also mostly earthenware and so completely sustainable. The most popular tea stall is the Bhati Tea Stall and this small shop is always teeming with tourists and locals alike.
Jodhpur city has a number of tiny hamlets and villages strewn around it and the best way to see them and experience the way of life of the rurals is to opt for a Overlander safari. This is not like a desert safari where you get to see sand dunes and tourist places. Instead, this safari will take you deep in the heart of rural Rajasthan. On the way, you will be able to see black bucks and migratory birds. The landscape starts to change and you get to see things that most tourists miss out on. You will come to know about rural Rajasthan and the locals also provide insight on the way of life here. The communities living around Jodhpur are mostly Bishnois, who are a sect that promote eco- friendly way of living. When you are hungry, you will get to eat Bajrey ki Roti, with desi ghee and fresh butter, and all of that is completely homemade. The best thing is to see the Rajasthani womenfolk in action who clean spices, dye clothes and churn grains. Depending on where you are booking your overlander trip from, the proceeds mostly go to the upkeep of the villages and provide them with electricity. So this trip will also leave you with feel- good sensation and it is an adventure activity in Jodhpur which is also very informational.
The Mehrangarh Fort is the symbol of Jodhpur so to speak and happens to be one of the largest forts in India. You just have to explore the fort and it will leave you awestruck with every twist and turn you take. The fort complex is massive and you will have an audio guide which will lead you through this amazing fort. The fort has many havelis and palaces within it and the royal apartments are a sight to behold. Do not forget to check out the Phool Mahal, that was once the room for merry making and pleasure for the Rajahs and their aristocrats. The gold filigree ceiling and the stained glass windows deserve special mention and this will give you an idea what Indian royalty and oriental opulence was all about. The rooms are decorated with motifs of peacocks, flowers and birds and the windows are cut in such a way, with strategic placements of mirrors that the entire room is lighted till late into the evenings. Once you have seen the interiors of the fort, head to the back or to the top ramparts, and you will see Jodhpur city sprawled in front of you. On your way back, you also have to stop at the Jaswant Thada, that was a memorial made of white marble for King Jaswant Singh.
The Indique Restaurant at Pal Haveli is rooftop restaurant and after you have been out all day, this is the best place to eat some mouthwatering food. Rajasthani cuisine is known for its spices and flavors and this restaurant gives you the full experience. The Mehrangarh Fort can be seen from here and you can have a great view of the fort as you sit here enjoying your meal. The location of the Pal Haveli is strategic because of this. The ideal way to ensure the best view is to reserve a table, one with a view of the Fort and there would not be a better end to your day. Since the mornings can be hot in summers, it is a great thing to do in Jodhpur in summer.
If you are looking for some offbeat things to do in Jodhpur, then participating in the Amal Sabha, or the Opium ceremony might be right up your alley. It should be mentioned that this activity is a little illegal because opium is banned in India. However, the authorities look the other way when this ceremony happens and are mostly participated in by the locals as it is an intrinsic culture of the state. The ceremony is said to be over 1000 years old and is said that it was started by the soldiers who wanted to increase camaraderie and friendship between them. This is quite a revered tradition in these parts. The ceremony is however, meant for men and filtered opium water is first offered to Lord Shiva. Next, everyone drinks the water from the palm of the eldest member of the group.
Lassi is a very popular drink in northern and western parts of India but the Makkhani Lassi that you get in Jodhpur at a place called Mishrilal Hotel will make you marvel at this humble drink. The drink here is legendary and one has to go near the clock tower of Jodhpur to find it. It is very popular with the locals and the tourists alike and apart from Lassi, you will find a number of other authentic Rajasthani dishes here. The lassi here is thicker and creamier than ordinary lassi, and has whipped cream, yoghurt and sugar, topped with saffron. In fact, it is more like a dessert and not like a drink at all. But it is still unique and you will not find anything like it anywhere else.
Rajasthan juxtaposes royal hospitality and rural pleasures like no other place and in Jodhpur you will find both. While the palace turned five star hotels serve you royalty on a plate, you can still tinker your taste buds with the mouthwatering street food of the region if you are on a budget. Pyaz Kachori, Jodhpuri Mirchi Vada, and Mawe ki Kachori are the top picks here, along with a number of pickles. The food and desserts here have a lot of dry fruits in them so they all taste surreal.
Jodhpur is known as the Blue City and it is because of the blue houses that are still there in the older part of the city. Although it seems that the Blue Houses are strewn all over Jodhpur and it will be quite easy to find them, it is actually not so simple. The blue houses were once probably out in the open but later constructions have pushed them deeper and deeper in the older parts. You have to make your way through alleyways and marketplaces to reach the houses. They are indeed quite iconic when you see them all together and even if you are a little lost, the locals will help you.
You cannot leave Jodhpur without a healthy dose of shopping. Locals create all kinds of wonderful things and turbans and bandhni duppattas are the hot favorites here. They are as colorful as they can be and they are mostly colored in natural dyes. You will get jootis and jholas and do not forget to buy the exquisite handmade silver jewelry, studded with precious stones. The best place to shop is the Sardar market and you will find the entire city descending here in the evenings. You have to put your bargaining skills to practice though but if you do not want to do that, you may simply head to the National Handloom Cooperation where clothes and clothes and accessories are available at fixed prices.
Once you have seen the main city yourself, you can explore the regions around the city as well. There are regions like Mandore Gardens, Osian Temples and Khimsir sand dunes and all of them are within a couple of hour’s distance away from the city.
Jodhpur will leave you asking for more and you will come back with a new appreciation for this historic city of India. The city will also inspire you to explore the other areas of Rajasthan and you will soon be planning your next visit to the state.
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