Jodhpur (Hindi: जोधपुर) is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan. It is called the Gateway to Thar, as it is on the edge of the Thar desert. It is also called the Sun City as the sun shines (bright and hot) almost every day of the year.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Jodhpur is a historic city and the origin dates to the year 1459 AD when it was founded by Rao Jodha, the Rajput chieftan of the Rathores. The Rathore kingdom was also known as the Marwar and was the largest in Rajputana. The city was built as the new capital of the state of Marwar to replace the ancient capital Mandore, the ruins of which can be seen near what is now the Mandore Gardens. The people of Jodhpur and surrounding areas are hence also commonly called Marwaris. Jodhpur is also known as the Blue City, because most houses in the old city are painted in shades of blue.
Local government-run bus services are readily available from bus stops at every single landmark for transportation. However, some people consider public transport in Jodhpur to be chaotic and only for those on a shoestring budget. Taxis ply on a minimum distance/hour per day basis. Various tour operators and travel agencies offer chauffeured car-taxi services; these are charged on a per km, per day basis. You can plan to take one to arrive into the city or take one for sightseeing in and around the city. Autorickshaw taxis are common in the city.
1 Mehrangarh Fort. Dominates the city and is the largest fort in all Rajasthan. Founded in 1458 as the site of Rao Jodha's new capital — hence the name, Jodhpur — the city has grown around it, and in the 500 years that have passed the fort has never been taken by force. It's easy to see why: it occupies the entire top of a 150-m hill with commanding views all around, with 3 km of massive ramparts built around the edges. An English-owned company 'Flying Fox' operate a zipline tour in the beautiful Chokelao Gardens within the fort. ₹ 600.
Rajasthan International Folk Festival. International music festival held annually during October at Mehrangarh Fort. Hike the wall around the city. Visit the fort. Wander around the market near the clock tower.
Restaurants as you find them elsewhere are somewhat hard to find in Jodhpur, except for around the tourist areas such as in front of the Fort. Otherwise, especially for lunch it's stand-up street food such as samosas. Rajasthani delicacies include: Mirchi Vada, Samosa and Pyaaj (Onion) Kii Kachori. These are famous Jodhupuri delicacies and here is the best place to eat this, Raju Namkeens (Manak Chowk), the Arora Namkeens, Surya, Janta, Pokar and many more. Makhaniya Lassi — lassi (yoghurt drink) spiced up with cardamom and butter. Best place to have this is at the Mishrilal within the clock tower (Ask anyone there for directions.) Mawa Kachori.
This is a comparatively safe city, however it is advisable not to venture out late in the night alone. Only take advice on directions, travel and other things from the concierge desks at the hotel where you are staying or from some other reliable and trustworthy people. Local district administration is extremely helpful, so they too may be contacted in case the need arises. While travelling in trains or buses, avoid any snacks offered by seemingly well meaning strangers. There have been some incidents where tourists or even locals have been drugged and robbed after consuming narcotic-laced biscuits or tea.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Jodhpur typically sees ~33°C daytime highs and 14 rainy days.
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