Jodhpur, the second largest desert city of Rajasthan after its capital, Jaipur is one of the most beautiful cities in the state. Like Jaipur, Jodhpur is also quoted with a specific name, ‘the Blue City’ of Rajasthan. The city has been named so due to its unique characteristic with blue painted houses, located in the proximity of the Mehrangarh Fort. Moreover, Jodhpur is also referred to as the ‘gateway to Thar’ because it is situated very close to the border of the Thar Desert. This captivating city was founded in the year 1459 by “Rao Jodha”, the leader of Rathore family. Earlier, this city was known as ‘Marwar’, but the present name was given after the city’s founder, ‘Rao Jodha’, who was also a Rajput chieftain apart from being the leader of Rathore family. Leaf through this page and know more interesting facts about this blue city.
Traditional Delicious Food & Shopping!
Apart from being known for its royal significance, Jodhpur is renowned for its mouthwatering traditional dishes like the famous “Makhaniya Lassi” (a sweet dessert drink made with curd and sugar). Besides the Lassi, Mirchi Bada, Mawa Kachori and Pyaaz Ki Kachori are few of the other delicious food items served here. Apart from the ethnic Rajasthani cuisine, you must also indulge in shopping for traditional handicrafts, antiques, bandhini, gifts and embroidered shoes (called Mojaris) in the colorful markets. Some of the popular markets are, Sojati Gate, Station Road, Nai Sarak, Tripolia Bazar, Mochi Bazar, and Clock Tower. Apart from everything, Jodhpur is known for having the biggest market of red-chillies (Mathaniya’s Red Chilli) throughout India.
Tourist Places In & Around Jodhpur
This ancient city is dotted with various old monuments and shrines. The Mahamandir Temple, Rasik Bihari Temple, Ganesh Temple, Baba Ramdev Temple, Santoshi Mata Temple, Achal Nath Shivalaya and Chamunda Mata Temple are some of the popular shrines of Jodhpur. On the other hand, some famous tourist places include Jaswant Thada (significant and intricate marble carvings), Chokelao Bagh (laid out by the King Abhai Singh), Zenana Mahal, Loha Pol, Ghanta Ghar, Government Museum, Rai Ka Bag Palace and Umed Gardens. Apart from that, you can go for excursion trips around Jodhpur to the ‘Guda Bishnoi Village’, unique and rare tribal village.
Indulge in Fairs and Festivals!
The Blue City – Jodhpur is also known for its vibrant festivals that are held here throughout the year. Starting the year, the ‘International Desert Kite Festival’ is held on the 14th of January every year at the Polo Ground in Jodhpur. This kite festival is a three day festival, during which kite flying competition is organized amongst various competitors who come from different countries from across the globe. Moreover, during this occasion, the sky of Jodhpur is filled with colorful kites that are released by helicopters of the air force. In addition, ‘the Nagaur Fair’ of Jodhpur held during the months of January and February is the second largest cattle festival in Rajasthan, after Pushkar fair. Besides, one can also enjoy “the Marwar festival”- a two day festival during which you can enjoy the folk music and dance, organized in the month of Ashwin (September-October).
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