Top 5 things to do in Jodhpur

Hi everyone!

I am back from a happy hearty vacation with bags full of memories and SD card full of pictures. So be ready for a lot of travelogues. I went to Jodhpur and Jaisalmer (Rajasthan, India).   

Today I talk about the top 5 things to do in Jodhpur.

• Visit Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort is the identity of Jodhpur. I’ve visited a lot of forts, but this majestic fort has become my favorite. 

The grandeur of the fort is unmatched and the view of the city is something I cannot describe in words. Have a look!  

Blue City as seen from Mehrangarh Fort

I am in awe of Mehrangarh Fort and plan to do a separate post on it, so look out for that…. (Shamelessly promoting myself)

• Enjoy Shopping

What’s a vacation without shopping? 

There is a lot to shop in Jodhpur. The most popular being the traditional leheriya and bandhni print fabrics. You can pick up beautiful sarees, dupattas, and dress material. Bright, vivid, and colorful these beauties capture the myriad hues of this royal land so well. 

The city is also famous for choorans. There are a quite a few shops near Sojti Gate that offer choicest collection. You taste some, you buy some!

Next on the list is bangle shopping. Enter Sojti Gate near the clock tower and there is an entire lane of bangle shops. Intricately made lac bangles will make you swoon. Breezy blues, mystic maroons, gorgeous greens...there is so much to choose from that choosing one might become a problem. 

Cannot stop admiring them! 

A special mention to Bibaji Churi Wala. Located at the end of the lane is this quaint little shop. Enter it and you’ll know what bangle paradise looks like.

This 140 year old shop is run by a Muslim family who have been the bangle walas of the royal family since ever. Visit the shop for beautiful bangles, nazakat of Urdu and the stories.    

Shopping is the only therapy we need! 

• Devour local cuisine

You have to dig into the amaazzzing Rajasthani Thali at Gypsy Restaurant. It is phenomenal. Thinking about the Dal Bati Churma, pyaaz ki kachori and Bajre ki Khichdi is giving me midnight hunger pangs.

Food Heaven :)

In the main market there is a small shop called Shahi Samosa. If you cannot guess from the name, visit the shop and the number of people gorging those yummy samosas will tell you why this shop is nothing less than a tourist attraction. 

These delicacies will give you gastronomic pleasures of the highest level. After the burp now….

You cannot miss the sweets and epic jalebis in Jodhpur. Jodhpur Sweets and Janata Sweet House are the two most popular sweet shops. But let me tell you the smaller shops are also very good. 

What breakfast looks like in Jodhpur!

When in Jodhpur you don’t keep a count of calories.

• Visit Umaid Bhawan Palace

The world’s largest private residence and one the most affluent structures of the world, Umaid Bhawan Palace awaits you. 

Royalty is always pretty! 

For the financially rich is the hotel managed by Taj Group. And for the emotionally rich there is the museum. And if you are a part of the Mango People (aam janta) you can just be at the premises and be happy, like I was.

Cheap Thrills

If you’ve stayed in Umaid Bhawan, share your experience. You can also visit the hotel at an exorbitantly priced entry ticket. Of course, royalty comes with a price….

Although I didn’t visit or stayed at the hotel, I was staying at an equally beautiful place – Umaid Heritage Homes aka Massi Home J  

I can do an entire post on their pretty house, warmth and hospitality, but I’ll just say – Much Love, massi and mausaji ! I have to, have to thank Plutoooo for all the love and not making me miss Romeo. I love you little cousin. 

Tea and Plutiii :)

• Soak up the opulent vibe

The world looks a prettier place in walled cities. The new concrete world can never match that vibe. Take a stroll down the lanes and you’ll find stories waiting for you. 

 

Happy Meeee :)

The city has a lot of rooftop restaurants offering a magnificent view of the mighty Mehrangarh Fort. Sit there and admire the sheer brilliance, talk to fellow travelers, sip chai and make memories.

If you’ve been to Jodhpur and have done something that I’ve missed, let me knowww….I’ll be happy to return to dainty blue city, but this time under the winter sun.