Jodhpur blue city is known as the Sun City maybe because the Marwar Royal families were worshipers of Lord Sun and because the Sun shines for long hours every day. Some houses being painted blue for a long makes it Blue City. The reason they were painted blue has varying versions. One version says that Blue is the reflector of sun rays thereby keeping homes cool. One version says that the copper sulphate used in paints to make walls blue could be afforded by Brahmins in those times and thus it became a symbol of Brahmin identity and connection with the Royal Families. Later it became the identity of non-brahmins too with time. One legend has that many people here were Lord Shiva bhaktas and that sacred blue color is associated with him. The copper sulphate and limestone paint helped keep bugs and insects away.

Being born here makes this place very special to me. It is my Nanihal (maternal grandmother’s place) and I was born at Umaid Hospital.

This Blue City is popular for its traditional roots, food, and culture. It was founded by Rao Jodha of the royal Rajput Rathore clan in 1459 and is named in her honor. It is the second-largest city in Rajasthan state. Historically, it was the capital of Marwar territory. Mughal Emperor Akbar annexed the Kingdom in 1581 after Rao Chandrasen Rathore's demise.

The blue city Rajasthan is a hub for handicrafts and handlooms which are exported globally. I know Mr. Manish Abani proprietor of Ganesh Handicrafts who deals in handicrafts and handlooms and vintage items and exports to developed nations. His artisans are world-class and so are his product qualities. Ganesh Handicrafts is situated near Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar) market at New Road in Jodhpur. You can find wooden handicrafts, statues, carpets, sarees, shawls, oil paintings, vintage furniture, vintage jewelry and ornaments, home décor, and a lot more.

Pyaaj Kachori, Mawa Kachori, Mirchi Bada, Samosa, Makhani Lassi, and Dal Bati are the local cuisines you must try. You will love every bite of them.

Here are the places to visit in Jodhpur for Instagram-worthy pictures and beautiful memories:

• Mehrangarh Fort: Established by Rani Rao Jodha it is the pride of Jodhpur. It is an architectural and historic beauty and many Hollywood and Indian movies have been shot here. You would need 3 to 4 hours of time to visit it properly to explore the heritage and cultural glory. At Mehrangarh Fort, you can also visit the Chamunda Mata Temple, Sheesh Mahal, Café, Chokelao Bagh, and other places. You can see the blue city and some nearby portions where homes are painted blue from the high walls of this giant fort. Many Bollywood and Hollywood flicks have captured this fort in their lenses. At this place, there is an option of zipping and flying fox activity.

• Umaid Bhavan: A portion of this heritage is home to the royal family; a portion is a luxurious hotel property owned by Taj Hotels and a portion is a museum. Many foreigners and celebrities wish to get married at this beautiful property. Many corporate events of major organizations happen here. It is a must-visit place that stores vintage cars, some paintings, and the architectural beauty made with Jodhpur stone.
• Jaswant Thada: Jaswant Thada is a monument built in the pride of King Maharaja Jaswant Singh in the 19th century. It’s a royal architectural cenotaph beauty worth praising. The entry ticket costs less than 50 bucks. The nearby lakes and gardens will relax your mood. This monument is in the proximity of Mehrangarh Fort.

• Mandore fort and garden: This place has a reference and significance from Ramayana. It is considered to be the sasural of Raavana, ie his wife Mandodari belonged to this place. It is an ancient historic town 10 KMs from Jodhpur. Before Rani Rao Jodha, Mandore was the capital of Marwar kingdom. The fort here is ruined but has a high historic and cultural significance. The gardens here are picnic spots and hold significance in heritage tourism. The cenotaphs here are built-in red sandstone replicating temples. The entry ticket costs 100 bucks per person.
• Jain Mahavira temple: At 70Kms from Jodhpur is the ancient village of Osian, a significant temple of Jains. The devotees visit the pilgrimage from across the country. It was built in 775 AD by King Vatsa out of love and devotion.
• Balsamand Lake: Built in 1159 AD as a water reservoir infrastructure, this artificial lake consists of a green garden and lake. At times you can spot peacocks here. It is a good picnic location.

• Kailana Lake: This was built by Maharaja Pratap Singh as a water facility for the Jodhpur kingdom in 1872. The scenic landscape along with boating and birdwatching activities makes it a great picnic spot.

• Clock Tower: Clock Tower or Ghanta Ghar has an old-world charm along with the local market nearby. You can see the giant Meherangarh Fort on one side of this place landmark place. You can shop for spices, garments, and other items at the market. Near this place is the Nayi Sarak or New Road of the main market of Jodhpur and the railway station is within walking distance. You can shop for world-class handicrafts and handlooms products at Ganesh Handicrafts near the clock tower at New Road.

• Machiya Safari Park: If you like animals, wildlife, and birdwatching, then you can visit this destination near Kailana Lake. You can spot desert foxes, wild cats, deer, monitor lizards, mongooses, monkeys, blue bulls, and exotic birds.

Winters are the best time to visit Jodhpur. The heat and summers here are not favorable timings. September to March are the good months to have a great experience out of which October to January is the best. Be prepared with the winter garments in the chilly months.

Jodhpur is well-connected by Road, Railway, and Air. It attracts tourists across the globe. Many Hollywood, Bollywood, and South Indian movies have been shot in Jodhpur. Jodhpur has a rich significance for Polo sports and Polo players.

About Devesh:

Devesh Purohit is a Mumbai-based PR Professional. He likes sharing his navigation experiences out of hobby.