A Visit To The Blue City Jodhpur to Take Your Blues Away | Experience Rajasthan

March 09, 2019

A Visit To The Blue City Jodhpur to Take Your Blues Away | Experience Rajasthan | StarLit Eyes!

Blue City Jodhpur

Blue City

Royal, Regal, Resplendent Rajasthan! Rajasthan has always been very close to my heart. Both my maternal and paternal grandparents are from Rajasthan. I've spent most of my school summer holidays in Rajasthan, playing with cousins in the gloriously hot summer sun, eating " daal, baati churma and kesar kulfi", being fussed over and spoiled by my grandparents, visiting distant relatives and 2nd, 3rd cousins (meaning meeting cousins of my cousins and so forth!). Suffice to say, Rajasthan is more or less home for me. I never expected visiting Rajasthan to be in this series of firsts! But as they say never say never. So, here we are.

Located near the geographic center of the state of Rajasthan, Jodhpur is the second largest city and the second metropolitan city in Rajasthan, after Jaipur. Being just 250 kilometers from the border with Pakistan, the city's location is also strategically important in terms of defense. It forms a key base for the Indian Air Force. Stepping out from the airport, my first impression of Jodhpur was totally unexpected. I was amazed by the city's meticulous urban design and planning. Well constructed roads, fly overs, clean & green pavements and neat little streets adorned with regal looking stores and shops. Jodhpur has the feel of a quaint little town with the look of a metropolitan city.

My visit to Jodhpur was a short and sweet one! These are the five "starlit" Jodhpur experiences I loved!

1. Mandore Gardens

This was the first tourist spot we visited in Jodhpur. The relics of the ancient capital of the city are seen in these gardens. Surrounded by beautifully regal edifices, temples and little ponds, you feel as if you've transported to a bygone era. I would definitely recommend a visit to these gardens if you're planning a trip to Jodhpur. There are a lot of instagrammable spots in Mandore Gardens, so don't forget your cameras!

Magnificent Mandore Gardens

2. Bhati Tea Stall

If you're a tea lover, do visit the Bhati Tea Stall in Jodhpur. Masala chai is their specialty. Apparently its pretty good according to the reviews given by my family (I don't drink tea so we'll have to take their word for it!💁)

3. Umaid Bhavan Palace

If there's one place in Jodhpur which no longer needs an introduction, its the Umaid Bhavan Palace. Priyanka Chopra's recent nuptials have placed it on the world map and rightly so. The magnificent structure is divided into three parts. One part is the living quarters of the current royal family, second part is the public museum displaying the history of the palace and the third part is the Umaid Bhavan Palace Hotel. Entry to the museum has a nominal fee but if you want to visit the hotel, be prepared to shell out Rs. 6000 as entry fee (so obviously we skipped visiting the hotel😜)

Glorious Umaid Bhavan Palace

4. Antique Car Museum at Umaid Bhavan Palace

The Antique Car Museum at Umaid Bhavan Palace deserves a special mention. Maharaja of Jodhpur Gaj Singh has an extremely exclusive antique car collection that includes a Rolls Royce Phantom II! If you're into cars this is definitely worth checking out.

Gaj Singh's Vintage Car Collection

5. Mehrangarh Fort

Built entirely in Jodhpuri sandstone, the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort is a sight to behold. The roof of the fort gives a panoramic view of the city. The museum inside the fort is well kept and informative. The most beautiful feature of the fort are its intricately carved "jharokas" and its traditional architecture complete with courtyards surrounded by rooms, separate areas for the king and the queens, outside bathing rooms.... This is my favourite Jodhpur tourist spot. A must visit in your Jodhpur itinerary!