When in India’s state of Rajasthan, experience Jodhpur. The labyrinthine medieval Blue City nestled beneath the towering Mehrangarh Fort ensures a lasting first impression. Treat your senses to a colorful culture of bustling streets and bazaars, majestic palace and temple architecture, a renowned handcraft trade and delightfully delectable cuisine. Stay in friendly guesthouses or luxury hotels fit for a maharaja as you explore the old town, do business in the modern city or plan excursions into the surrounding villages, lake landscapes or Thar Desert.
Jodhpur is known as Sun City for its hot desert climate, as well as the Blue City for the vibrant blue painted houses woven into the maze of the walled old city. Explore the mighty Mehrangarh fortress high above the old town for excellent panoramas and orientation of the city below. The late-medieval fortification is an impressive amalgamation of stark defensive architecture and ornate palatial wings, filled with period artifacts, paintings, costumes and arms. Nearby, the intricately ornamented marble Jaswant Thada mausoleum, which glows in the sunlight, is well worth a visit.
Wander the lively if not hectic maze of the old city starting at the Ghanta Gar clock tower square and Sardar Market. The stalls and tiny shops are colored with various handcrafts such as silk and fabrics, rugs, jewelry and ornaments, and the aromas of spices, fresh produce and food stands abound. Take in the scene, eat or buy a few wares and meander, while navigating around speeding rickshaws, slow carts, sacred cows and zealous but friendly merchants. Guesthouses are plentiful around Sardar, but explore further for quieter and quainter options.
Namaste! The greeting with palms pressed together and a bow of the head mirrors the warmth of India. That zealous merchant certainly wishes to sell you something, but stopping for a chat or even a cup of tea gives you a closer impression of local hospitality. Stay in one of the myriad guesthouses, usually family run, ranging from inexpensive to very inexpensive. Hire a driver or guide either through your guesthouse or otherwise to get a more personal, inside view on the Blue City.
Sun City is a prosperous place renowned for its artisan handcraft industry such as fine hardwood furniture, dyed silks, fabrics and decorative ornaments. Have a handmade suit fit, relatively inexpensive, by Jodhpur’s illustrious tailors. Opt for the less chaotic, modern part of Sun City for a taste of luxury. Live like a Maharaja, literally, in the Taj Palace Hotel located within the Umaid Bhawan Palace; the private residence of the Jodhpur royal family.
Jodhpur is a mere overnight sleeper train ride away from Delhi, and part of the popular Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Jodhpur circuit. Rajasthan contains the Thar Desert, ideal for wilderness excursions like trekking, camelback or jeep safaris. Head east towards Pali and surrounding lakes and stay at the luxury marquee-tents of the Wilderness Camp, or west toward Jaisalmer (the "Golden City") and the Desert National Park.
