There’s so much to do in the Blue city
While Rajasthan is a wonderfully vibrant state, with its many cities adding different flavours to the experiences of a traveller, one can’t help but fall in love with Jodhpur. The widespread blue city is an enchantress. I travelled there with the plan of spending just one day at the place. However, the one day turned into four and I still didn’t feel like I’d had enough of it. Though you will never fall short of things to do, places to see and food to eat here, if you are time-strapped, here’s what I recommend to do during your visit.
1. SPEND A DAY AT MEHRANGARH FORT
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Don’t make the mistake of keeping an hour or so for your visit to Mehrangarh Fort. This majestic fort should be explored at leisure. I walked in at about 10.30 am and left the fort around 5 pm. It’s a photographer’s dream come true. It is the perfect place to get a glimpse of the rich culture and heritage of this land.
2. GET A BIRD’S EYE VIEW
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The thrill of zipping across from one point of the fort to another while the beautiful blue city is spread out before you is something else. Since you are at a distance from Mehrangarh Fort, it offers you a different perspective of the locations. This entire circuit can take about an hour-and-a-half, and is definitely worth your money.
3. VILLAGE SAFARI
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Here, you have the unique opportunity to witness the rural communities from close quarters. You can sign up for a full-day tour that takes you around the villages and introduces you to the life and culture of the desert and the locals. You can also see art like pottery, weaving, etc, that these villages are famous for.
4. SHOP AT SARDAR MARKET
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Give those city malls a miss. Instead, take a walk through Sardar Market near the famous Clock Tower, which can be easily seen. You will find everything from jutis and embroidered odhnis to silver jewellery here. Also, look out for the lac bangles, which are a speciality of the state.
5. CHECK OUT THE BOUTIQUE HOTELS
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Jodhpur, like other cities in Rajasthan, is hugely popular with local as well as foreign tourists. In the past few years, there has been a noticeable growth in the number of unique boutique hotels that have mushroomed here. Many of these places have wonderful tales behind them. But definitely have a reservation in hand before you land up at one.
6. EAT LOCAL
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While I was head-over-heels in love with Laal Maas, those who are vegetarians can look forward to a visit here, too. You can sample some bajra roti, kadhi, ker sangri, gatta curry, dal bati churma, and a lot of namkeen stuff. One of the most loved places here is Shandar Sweet Home, which is located at Jalori Bari Road. Locals swear by this eatery, and it can often be crowded. To enjoy a traditional Rajasthani thali, visit Gypsy restaurant, which is located at Sardarpura.
7. GIVE GLAMPING A SHOT
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If you don’t really enjoy the camping experience, give its luxurious version a shot. Hotels across Jodhpur have this option. You might have to shell out some money, but the experience sure will be one-of-a-kind.
