Apart from the big attractions, a great tourist destination in India, is Jodhpur, a city with a history of itself that has everything a traveler could wish for. From amazing palaces to beautiful forts and temples, with six huge gates and a thick stone wall to surround the old city, you’d better not forget your camera and make sure you explore every little corner.

Located on an arid spot close to the Thar Desert which borders Pakistan, Jodhpur is renowned for its urban sea of indigo washed buildings, that gave it’s name, the Blue City. The reasons to chose blue was the belief that it can keep insects away, especially mosquitoes and termites, and that it defers heat from the sun.

Originally built for Brahmins, the highest ranking priests and teachers in the Indian’s society, the spectacular blue buildings are contrasting with the open sewers and cow droppings mazed-streets, attracting the active travelers looking for a thrilling experience.

Some of the places you shouldn’t miss while in Jodhpur…

Umaid Bhawan Palace

A great example of Indo-Saracenic architecture the Umaid Bhawan Palace is among the most imposing palaces in India.

Built during a long period of drought using special Chittar sandstone (that’s why the locals call it the Chittar Palace) the whole area is now divided into three segments including the royal residence, a museum and an elegant five start heritage hotel with antique furniture.

Mehrangarh Fort

Atop of a 125 meters hill, the iconic Mehrangarh Fort is among one of the largest and most solid structures in India, that offers a breath-taking view over the blue city. Enclosed by thick walls that are 36m high and 21m wide, there are a few amazing palaces within the fort, including the Pearl Palace (Moti Mahal), the Hall Of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal), the Palace Of Flowers (Phool Mahal) or the Maharaja Takhat Singh’s Chamber.

The Mehrangarh Fort is also famous for the excellently preserved cannons or the exquisite collections of palanquins, howdahs and royal cradles.

Jaswant Thada

Built entirely of extremely thin entangled carved sheets of white marble, the Jaswant Thada used to be the place where Jodhpur rulers where reduced to ashes. Erected in 1899 by Sardar Singh, the memorial was dedicated to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Other than a stunning design, there are also two other tombs and a wonderful multi-tiered garden with a lake.

Loved these great structures, what about the street musicians or the military fanfares that put up shows from time to time?

Images copyright 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Popularity: 3% [?]