Embarking on the Journey to Jodhpur

Welcome to Jodhpur, a city where the mystical hues of blue paint a vivid picture against the Thar Desert's brown rocks. As part of the Northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan's most enticing destinations, Jodhpur promises a mix of historical opulence, cultural intricacy, and culinary delights. After completing the iconic Golden Triangle and visiting Udaipur, our journey in India took us straight into the heart of this captivating city.

Our accommodation in Jodhpur was the centrally located Khamma Heritage Hotel. Known for its traditional decor and hospitable service, the hotel offered more than just a place to rest. From its expansive rooftop, the panoramic views of the Mehrangarh Fort captivated us, making it a delightful choice for any traveler. The heritage status by the Rajasthan tourism department assured quality and authenticity.

Delicious Beginnings at Gopal Rooftop Restaurant

Craving a taste of local flavours, we headed to Gopal Rooftop Restaurant. Known for its warm hospitality and delicious cuisine, this restaurant offers a menu filled with local delicacies and a scenic backdrop with fantastic views over the Blue City. Whether you're a spice novice or a seasoned pro, the diverse array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options cater to every palate, ensuring a memorable start to your culinary adventure in Jodhpur.

Stroll Through the Blue Streets until Sunset

We were so excited to explore the vivid Blue City. Walking along its narrow winding streets is like a travel back on time. Beyond aesthetics, there are different theories that explain why the houses were painted with blue pigments. One historic reason mentions that back in medieval times, the Brahmins or priestly class, painted their houses with blue to distinct their social status, and to symbolise their connection to the divine. Others refer to the reflective blue colour as a way to cool down the buildings during the extremely hot summer months. To end the day, we climbed up to the rooftop over the Chai Shai café for an unforgettable sunset over Jodhpur.

Discovering the Best Attractions of Jodhpur

The following morning commenced with an invigorating guided walk at the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park. Known for its restoration efforts, this park breathes life with diverse flora and fauna, made possible by diligent conservation work. It provided us rugged charm and remarkable sunrise views over the city, setting a reflective mood for the day. 

After breakfast, we couldn't miss the Mehrangarh Fort. This is the most important monument in Jodhpur, and one of the best preserved forts in India. Its construction started as part of the foundation of Jodhpur in 1459 by Rao Jodha, but most of the current structure was built by its successors along the 17th century. Its location on a hilltop, rising more about 120 meters over the surrounding terrain, gave this fort a privileged position and quickly became the most important fortification of the kingdom of Marwar. Beyond its outstanding defensive architecture, the fort is also home to some of the finest palaces in India.

Located very close to the fort, the Jaswant Thada is a cenotaph surrounded by charming gardens. It was originally built by Maharaja Sardar Singh in 1899, to honour and remember his father. The Jaswant Thada is often referred as the “Taj Mahal of Marwar”, due to the white Makrana marble used to build both monuments. The detailed carvings in the exterior of the building are wonderfully crafted, and the whole architecture of the cenotaph has a truly harmonious balance. But the most special part of the Jaswant Thada is to experience its interior and witness how its extremely thin marble irradiates a warm glow when the sun illuminates it.

The Beauty of Water Storage

We continued our itinerary by the visiting the Toorji Ka Jhalra. This ancient stepwell, built in the 1740s, was a very important source of water for the population and at the same time one of the most beautiful architectural works in Jodhpur. During our visit, and unlike in other cities, it was still allowed for visitors to climb down the stairs of this stepwell. 
As serene as it is picturesque, the nearby Gulab Sagar enchants with its vivid reflections of surrounding architectures, with the Mehrangarh Fort standing elegantly in the background. We wandered along its central walkway, soaking in the landscape under the golden glow of the sunset.

Time Stands Still at Ghanta Ghar

Famous as one of Jodhpur's iconic monuments, Ghanta Ghar stood tall, watching over the bustling market. Its timeless presence connects past and present, serving as a symbol of the city's rich history. Although crowded with trade in the market around the tower, it summons a sense of nostalgic wonder, calling every traveler to soak in its dynamic essence.

A Culinary Farewell from Jodhpur

Returning to our hotel, sunset embraced us at the rooftop of Khamma Heritage. Its homemade vegetarian foods, cultivated from their organic farm, delivered a fitting end to our Jodhpur journey. The warm view of the receding sun carried a promise of more adventure and discovery in the continuation of our India's trip towards the Golden City of Jaisalmer.