Jodhpur is the second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan and is located on the border of the Thar desert. As there is sunlight almost every day of the year, it is known as Ciudad del Sol and most of the houses here are painted blue, which is why it is also known as Ciudad Azul. The history of Jodhpur begins in 1459 AD when it was founded by Rao Jodha of the Rathores.
Jodhpur is well connected to other major cities by road, rail and air. Jodhpur has an airport located 5 km from the main city and has regular flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Udaipur. Jodhpur’s railway network belongs to the Northwest Zone and is connected to all metropolitan cities in India. RSRTC buses and luxury private vehicles connect you with the main neighboring towns.
Some of the sights in Jodhpur are Mehrangarh Fort, Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Zenana Deodi, Chamunda Mataji Temple, Mandore, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace and Khejarla Fort. There are some famous lakes here, namely Lake Balsamand, Lake Kailana, Ranisar Padamsar, and Lake Gulab Sagar.
The commercial area of the city is located at Nai Sadak and Sardar Market. The place is popular for its Bandhej saris and clothing materials and Mojris or Jootis, the pointed-front shoes. Here you can also get handicrafts, spices and tea as souvenirs. There are numerous handicraft and handloom shops around the city.
In Jodhpur, the formal restaurants are less numerous, but there are many street food stalls in every corner of the city. They serve samosas and Rajasthani delicacies like Makhaniya Lassi, Mawa Kachori, Panchkuta, Dal Bati Churma, Gatte Ka Saag, Kabuli, Mirchi Bada and sweets like Gulab Jamun, Kabuli and other Jodhpur specialties.
Some of Jodhpur’s popular restaurants are located near Jalori Gate and Sardar Market and serve fish, kebabs, dal, paneer, and roti. There are many good hotels to stay in and some of the old palaces have been converted into heritage hotels. They are expensive but serve as an ideal destination for weddings and other social gatherings. A good hotel is Ranbanka Palace built by Maharaja Ajit Singh. Here Rajasthani cuisine is served and you see processions of dancers, elephants, camels and horses representing the ancient heritage of the land.
If you are looking for a budget hotel, you can find it on the station road, near the clock tower, and near Ummed Chowk. Jodhpur is comparatively a safe city to stay. As it is very hot in the summer season with its desert climate, it is advisable to visit the city in winter. There are nearby exits worth visiting such as Jaisalmer, Mount Abu, Luni Fort, Osiyan, and Udaipur. Please read a reliable Jodhpur travel guide carefully to find the right Jodhpur hotels and restaurants that will make your moments enjoyable during your stay there. The city is warm in climate but warm in hospitality.
