Jodhpur

The Mehrangarh Fort is the most prominent and is the largest fort in all of Rajasthan. It was constructed in 1458, to serve as the center of Rao Jodha's new capital. As time passed a city of blue has developed around this fort. In its 500 years of existence, no one has ever been able to take it by force as it has over 3 km of huge fortifications around the edges of a fort which rests on the hill. The top of the fort offers commanding views in all direction and is therefore the perfect place for seeing the whole city of Jodhpur below, with all its blue shops, hotels and houses. Within the palace you will find: 1.    Moti Mahal (English: Pearl Hall). It has pearl-colored insides and colored glass is used for decorating the windows. This was the site where Maharajas held congregations. 2.    Sheesh Mahal (English: Mirror Hall). As the name suggests, this long hold is laden with mirrors of all sizes and color. 3.    Phool Mahal (English: Flower Hall). The flower hall is the most splendid of all. It was the pleasure chamber of the Maharaja. 4.    Zenana Deodi. These were the inner sanctums. It was the place where the wives of Maharaja spent their days. 5.    Chamunda Mataji Temple. This temple is located at the further part of the parapet. The temple was dedicated to Rao Jodha's most favorite goddess.

Blue is not the main colour when it comes to shopping. The bazaars and markets are lined up with very colourful and elaborate stalls. During a Jodhpur Holiday, these bazaars are a shopaholic’s heaven and offer more than just souvenirs. Jodhpuri shoes or Mojari are the most notable of all souvenirs and they come in a wide variety of colors. Even handmade silk and scarves can be found here in huge variety. The main shopping destination in the city is Nai Sadak (New Road). It is lined up mostly with shoe and sari shops. It leads straight into the Sardar Market, which is a bustling lively Indian bazaar, with an un-contained riot of sounds, sights and smells. In the city centre there is the Clock Tower, which is helpful for keeping orientation. Shops selling tea and spices are also present in this bazaar and these are a staple Jodhpur purchase. Different masala mixes are the highlights here; you will find rice, vegetables, fish, meat and much more. You can also find high quality individual spices like cardamom, saffron and vanilla. The most famous tea is that which includes the Kashmiri Khawa which is cinnamon-infused ginger tea.

Located right next to a desert offers you a chance to enjoy a fantastic overnight safari during your Holiday to Jodhpur. The desert getaway nearest to Jodhpur is Ossiyan which is 65 km away. You can experience a thrilling desert safari through the villages and over exquisite sand dunes. You can try the camel safari here and also spend the night in the desert. Jaswant Thada is a spectacular monument to visit during your Jodhpur Holiday.  It is located at the brink of Jodhpur. It was constructed in 1899 and has a beautiful cenotaph made of white marble, which was built in Maharaja Jaswant Singh II’s memory. From here, you will have a birdlike view of some parts of Jodhpur and also a view of the towering fort of Mehran Garh in the backdrop. This cenotaph has a lake in the front, which gives a very surreal forefront to this beautiful monument. This is a welcoming and peaceful place to visit after the ruckus of the bustling city.

October to March is the ideal time span for visiting Jodhpur. The weather usually is moderate, the sun isn’t too hot and the sand storms taper off. You can witness and enjoy many royal events and colorful festivals in the city at this time.

Festivals of Diwali and Dusshera are where the polo matches are held frequently during the month of October. This is a part of the history and tradition of Jodhpur.

Winters: October – February

October is the best time of the year in Jodhpur as the weather turns pleasant. The winters begin in November and continue till February. The temperatures can drop down to 10 °C but never rise beyond 24 °C. This makes it an ideal time for couples on honeymoon to cherish the spirit Jodhpur, enjoy the sites during the daytime and at night head for the activities in the desert. If you’re planning a Jodhpur Holidays in January, check the dates of the Desert Kite Festival to witness the colorful splendor of the kites fill up the sky.

Summers: March – June

Temperature and weather during March are better in comparison with the later months. Evenings are quite pleasant and you can actually consider a Jodhpur holiday during March. The temperature soars up after April and often it rises up to 42 °C. Cotton clothes and sun block are a must if you go for excursion during this season.

Rainy Season: July – September

Jodhpur doesn’t get a lot of rain and the amount varies every year. The temperature during daytime comes down although the humidity increases. This time of the year in Jodhpur is the off season and most hotels offer lucrative accommodation offers and deals. Budget travelers can gain the most from this season. The temperature isn’t high in contrast to the preceding summer season.