If you’re planning a visit to India then you must add the Rajasthani city of Jodhpur to your list of places to visit. Often called the ‘Blue City’, ‘Sun City’ and the ‘Gateway to the Thar’, Jodhpur is a popular draw card for both local and foreign tourists alike. With the magestic Mehrangarh Fort towering over opulent palaces, colourful bazaars, and the sands of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur epitomises all the romance and splendour of Rajasthan. Read on for interesting facts about Jodhpur as well as important information to help you plan your trip to this desert city.

 

 

Fun & Interesting Facts About Jodhpur

  • Jodhpur is the second largest city in the north Indian state of Rajasthan
  • It was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the Rathore ruler of the kingdom of Marwar
  • Strategically located on the overland trade route between Delhi and Gujarat, it soon became a flourishing trade centre for the traffic of opium, copper, silk, sandalwood, dates, and coffee
  • The special riding breeches, known all over the world as ‘jodhpurs’, were designed here
  • Jodhpur is more popularly known as the “Blue City”, an apt name as most houses in the old city are shades of blue
  • Traditionally, blue signified the home of a Brahmin, but non-Brahmins have got in on the act too
  • As well as glowing with a mysterious light, the blue tint is thought to repel insects
  • Jodhpur is also called the “Gateway to Thar”, as it is literally on the edge of the Thar desert
  • It is also called the “Sun City” as the sun shines (very bright and hot!) almost every day of the year
  • The forts and palaces, temples and havelis, culture and tradition, spices and fabrics, colour and texture, a booming handicrafts industry, all add up to make this historic city worth a visit

 

 

Key Statistics of Jodhpur

Population: 1.26 million (2013)

Area: 112 sq. km.

Elevation: 231m (758 ft)

Area code: 0291

Primary language spoken: Hindi

Primary religion: Hindu

 

 

Best Time to Visit Jodhpur

The blue city of Jodhpur experiences extreme climatic conditions which are categorised by very hot and dry summer and cold and chilly winters. The best time to visit Jodhpur is between October and March.

 

  • Winter (October to February) is pleasant with a mild and cool atmosphere. Temperature levels during winters range between 10°C to 24°C. This is the perfect time to enjoy Jodhpur tourism at its best.
  • Summer (March to June) are severely hot and humid with temperature levels ranging between 36°C and 42°C making it impossible to enjoy outdoor activities. Sunstroke is also a very common occurrence.
  • Monsoon (July to September) offer low to medium rainfalls in Jodhpur. Though the temperature settles down to a more comfortable level, excessive humidity makes it difficult to travel outdoors.

 

 

Events & Festivals in Jodhpur

In Jodhpur, winter is the best time of year to enjoy local sightseeing and indulge in activities like desert safari. Winter months are also the time when the most popular festivals are held. The famous Desert Kite Festival is held here in the month of January.

 

 

Jodhpur Transport Options

Getting to & from Jodhpur

Jodhpur is well connected by road, rail and air to all major cities and towns.

By Air – Jodhpur airport is located 5 km from the city centre; it connects the city to Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai and Udaipur. A taxi or an auto rickshaw will get you to and from the airport with ease.

By Train – One of the easiest and cheapest ways to travel to and from this town is on a train which connects Jodhpur to all metro and major Indian cities.

By Bus – Another transport option is the bus – RSRTC bus and private luxury bus – which connect Jodhpur to all Rajasthan cities as well as Delhi and Ahmedabad. Private taxis with chauffeurs can also be hired from the local hotels.

 

Getting Around Jodhpur

Getting around Jodhpur is easy as most of the Jodhpur attractions are within walking distance of the town centre. Auto rickshaws and taxis are readily available although in most cases you will need to bargain hard with them. Private cars with chauffeurs can also be organised from local hotels.

 

 

Tell us what you think. What attracts you to Jaipur? If you’ve already visited Jaipur, what did you like best about this city? 

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