Jodhpur Overview
Architectural delight
Best time to visit (High & peak months) :
Mid Oct - mid March
Experiences :
Heritage monuments and museums
City calling code :
+91-291
Recommended no. of days for a tourist :
1-2 days
Best buys :
Antiques and handicrafts
Essentials to be carried along :
Glares, sun blocks, woolens for winters (Nov-Feb), other wise light cotton wear
All about the city :
Standing on the threshold of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the second biggest city in Rajasthan after the capital city of Jaipur. It was founded by Rao Jodha, leader of the Rathore clan in 1459. The city seems to be capped by the rugged Meherangarh fort that rises majestically above the town area suggesting the turbulent past of Marwar. The old city is encircled by a 10 km long wall. The distinction between the old and new city is evident from the fort. While the old city has the impressive fort the new city has a large defense contingent, as it lies near Pakistan border, indicating that times may have changed but the military importance of it has not.
From the fort it appears as if there is a blue sea beneath - a sea of blue buildings. The houses washed in blue, once painted so as to distinguish the residences of the Brahmins who formed the upper strata of the society from the others, have now become the hall mark of Jodhpur and earned for it the sobriquet of The Blue City. The famed city has been the shooting venue for Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book that features Sam Neill and John Cleese. The tight fit trousers worn for horse riding get their name Jodhpurs from Jodhpur city.
