Explore the beauty of Jodhpur, discover its fascinating culture, and enjoy the local cuisine by staying at the Pratap Niwas Palace Jodhpur Resort hosted by Club Mahindra
An imperial city in every sense, Jodhpur, popularly known as the ''Sun City'' or the ''Blue City'', echoes the tales of the valour of the Marwar rulers in the emptiness of the Thar Desert. The city, founded by Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathore Clan, in 1459 A.D., is the second-largest city in Rajasthan.
An imperial city in every sense, Jodhpur, popularly known as the ''Sun City'' or the ''Blue City'', echoes the tales of the valour of the Marwar rulers in the emptiness of the Thar Desert. The city, founded by Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathore Clan, in 1459 A.D., is the second-largest city in Rajasthan.
Located close to the Thar desert, Jodhpur boasts of captivating forts, majestic lakes, imperial palaces, and other architectural wonders, making it one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan. One of the highlights of Jodhpur city is the houses. The houses painted in vivid shades of blue are conspicuous and are a cynosure to the eye. The city is every tourist's delight, and the various historical monuments testify the state's rich cultural heritage and the legacy of the Marwar rulers.
Located close to the Thar desert, Jodhpur boasts of captivating forts, majestic lakes, imperial palaces, and other architectural wonders, making it one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan. One of the highlights of Jodhpur city is the houses. The houses painted in vivid shades of blue are conspicuous and are a cynosure to the eye. The city is every tourist's delight, and the various historical monuments testify the state's rich cultural heritage and the legacy of the Marwar rulers.
Culture of Jodhpur
The Jodhpuri people are known to be the most hospitable people in India. The sense of hospitality has been passed on from one generation to another and is only a homage to the legendary erstwhile Rajput royals. Most locals speak Marwari, and most people have a thick Marwari accent even when speaking Hindi.
Jodhpuri men and women wear colourful attires, with women donning wide gathered skirts and hip-length jackets with three-quarter sleeves. The local women also have a long-standing love affair with jewellery, and they wear a peculiar kind of jewellery on the neck, forehead, arms, ears, feet, hands, and waist. The men wear simple clothing, and almost all adults wear a colourful turban, which the locals call ''safa.'' These turbans give Jodhpur residents their unique identity.
Like the rest of Rajasthan, the city of Jodhpur is known to celebrate various Indian festivals with great fanfare and pomp. The famous Marwar festival brings out their festive spirits to the fore. Another great way to learn more about the Jodhpur culture is to take a stroll through the various bazaars, which are generally a riot of colours.
The bazaars have a range of locally produced items like embroidered leather shoes, clay figurines, miniature camels, elephants, and silver jewellery with intricate designs.
Best places to visit in Jodhpur
Once the capital of the Rajput rulers, Jodhpur has a long history of traditions, which are followed to date. Apart from its rich culture and unique traditions, Jodhpur has many tourist attractions that will leave you bewildered. While you may spend a lifetime exploring the many famous and hidden gems of the city, here are some of the best places to visit in Jodhpur that you must not miss seeing during your holiday.
• Mehrangarh Fort
The shining gem of the city, this magnificent fort sits comfortably on top of a 400-ft-high hill. Built over 500 years, the fort is a shining example of the glorious Rajput dynasty.
• Umaid Bhawan Palace
A palace as grand as it can be, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is the true definition of grandiosity. Built in 1929 by Maharaja Umaid Singh, it is one of the world's largest private residences. It currently houses a royal residence, a family museum, and a luxury hotel.
• Balasamand Lake
A lake so beautiful that it gives you an impression of being from another dimension. A popular tourist attraction, it is an artificial lake that was built as a water reservoir in 1159 AD. The lush green surroundings and the charming natural scenery provide the perfect setting for a picnic.
• Machiya Safari Park
A paradise for birdwatchers and nature photography enthusiasts, Machiya Safari Park is a wonderful place to get up close and personal with the local wildlife. Here, you can spot various birds and animals, including monitor lizards, blue bull, desert fox and the critically endangered blackbucks.
• Mahamandir Temple
Located on the city's outskirts, the Mahamandir Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in 1812, it is an architectural masterpiece; the shrine is supported by 84 intricately carved pillars that feature detailed designs and figures depicting different Yoga poses.
Things to do in Jodhpur
From its majestic forts to its vibrant markets and delicious cuisine, there is something for everyone in this beautiful city. Here are some of the things to do in Jodhpur to discover the culture and heritage:
When you go on a holiday to a royal place like Jodhpur, you would want to get a taste of the royal life, won't you? This is precisely what you get at the Pratap Niwas Palace Jodhpur Resort hosted by Club Mahindra. Located amidst the splendour of the Thar Desert, most travel guides to Jodhpur rate this resort as one of the best resorts in Rajasthan.
Apart from its grand and alluring exteriors and even better interior décor, the warm traditional welcome you get when you set foot on the premises will surely make you fall in love with this place. The grand welcome also gives you a sneak peek into Jodhpur's cultural extravaganza.
Like the locals, the staff wear traditional Rajasthani attire, including the safa, i.e., turbans and give a royal treatment to all guests that will leave you delighted and feeling like royalty yourself. During your stay at the resort, every day, you get to enjoy a delicious breakfast like the erstwhile royals did, as the menu includes a range of local delicacies and other popular dishes from India. No matter what your dietary preferences are, you will surely find something to suit your palate.
After a hearty meal, you can fill the rest of the day with as many adventures as you want, thanks to the many signature Club Mahindra experiences curated just for you and your family. The warm hospitality, lip-smacking cuisine, royal architecture with modern amenities sets this place apart from other resorts in Jodhpur.
Explore the beauty of Jodhpur, discover its fascinating culture, and enjoy the local cuisine by staying at the Pratap Niwas Palace Jodhpur Resort hosted by Club Mahindra. It is your gateway to a delightful vacation!
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