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Offbeat recommendations to explore The Blue City beyond the tourist hotspots
Rajasthan is the quintessential Indian destination with hospitality at its heart. Tourists often return home with stories of the state’s rich culture and traditions. When planning a visit to this western state, you will come across guided tours that cover major cities in Rajasthan in 8 to 10 days. You may spend 1-2 days each in Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Jaisalmer, etc., but you may not be able to experience the cities beyond the tourist hotspots.
Jodhpur is a city in Rajasthan with a lot to offer off the popular tourist trail. A typical travel package will give you only a day's tour of Jodhpur. You may start with a trip to the Mehrangarh Fort with 3-4 hours of exploration. You may visit the other popular sights such as Jaswant Thada, Umaid Palace, Toorji Ka Jhalra (Stepwell), and end the day at the Clock Tower and Sardar Bazaar. These are the must-visit places in Jodhpur. But, here are a few recommendations beyond the regular list to urge you to explore the Blue City up close and personal.
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The best way to discover Jodhpur’s charming culture is by heading to the old city. You can go on a heritage walk or a cycle tour through the narrow alleys. You'll see that most of the houses and shops here are painted blue. You can also get first-hand insights into the city’s culture and traditions. You can interact with the locals, try local delicacies and wander like a local. The heritage walk will take you to traditional homes, shops, and factories, where you can experience everything up close.
The Bishnoi community of Jodhpur is famous for fighting the case of Black Buck hunting against a popular Bollywood actor. When you visit this village, meet the people, and hear their stories, you'll know why they were so driven to fight. The community lives by a sole principle: nature is the only religion. They protect their natural surroundings with all their might. They nurture the trees and animals like their own children.
There are tales of Bishnoi women breastfeeding the animal younglings when the mother was weak or died after giving birth. The Bishnois lead a minimalist life with basic means. They make butter with traditional tools and sell that for a living. Visiting this village and getting to know the life principles of this indigenous community will be a wholesome experience.
Rao Jodha Park is an expansive park with multiple terrains. Even though it is less popular among tourists it is a must-visit if you like geology and calming natural surroundings. It is interesting to know that the park contains four hiking trails, named yellow, green, red, and blue. Each trial is distinct, with varying difficulty levels. You can also take a naturalist guide to help you learn about the ecosystem. You'll come across a variety of birds, plants, and rocks around the park. It is a soothing place to spend time in nature.
Dhudali village is home to a community of potters and other handicraft artisans. When you visit the village, you’ll see live demonstrations of pottery. You can also participate with guidance from the artisans. They also have pre-made goods you can purchase as souvenirs. Buying directly from them is a win-win for all parties as you can avoid the middleman fee, and the artisans get paid on the spot for their hard work. You will be spoilt for choice with a variety of clay goods such as pots, pans, decorative pieces, lamps and much more.
Mandore was initially the primary power seat and the capital of the then Marwar city. Since the location is outside the city, the Mandore Gardens are often overlooked. But the architecture of the temples and cenotaphs, the ruins, and the entire landscape will leave you spellbound! The monuments here house intricate, stone-carved figures. You must also hike to the top of the fort to get a 360-degree view of the glorious garden landscape. The park has been beautified with fountains and bridges, making it an ideal place with a blend of historical and contemporary experiences.
Your trip to Jodhpur is incomplete without spotting a Black Buck. The rare species of the black antelope is found in the Thar desert area of Jodhpur. You can hop onto a 4x4 jeep and go for a safari in the wilderness t spot the Black Buck. These safaris are usually conducted by experienced professionals who know the best places to spot this rare animal in its natural habitat from afar, without disturbing or alarming it. They also share stories about the characteristics and traits of the antelope. You may also spot other desert animals on the safari, along with antelope sightings. It is indeed a thrilling experience that you must have in Jodhpur.
The Mehrangarh Fort is massive and elaborate! It is predominantly visible from most parts of the walled city. The fort trust has done a stellar job of maintaining it. When the lights come on, the fort transforms into a masterpiece across the city’s horizon and is a sight to behold! Many restaurants and homestays in the old city have open rooftops so that tourists can enjoy the view of the fort while dining. You should head to one such restaurant for dinner and you'll be in awe of the view before you.
Palace stays are the talk of the town in most cities of Rajasthan. Most tourist attractions were once palaces. In Jodhpur, there is a palace converted into a hotel with the king and queen residing within the same compound. This palace is The House of Rohet and is located in the interiors of Jodhpur in a village named Rohet Garh. The king is down-to-earth and often greets the visitors in the common dining area during dinner. The hospitality at House of Rohet is top-notch and you'll also be treated to the best of traditional experiences like folk music, local Marwar cuisine, and much more when you stay there. You'll experience royalty
Speaking of cuisines, the Rajasthani thali is a festival of flavours. One of the best places to try an authentic and wholesome Rajasthani thali in Jodhpur is the Gypsy Dining Hall. They serve unlimited thalis, consisting of a variety of local delicacies like Dal Bati Churma, Ker Sangri, Gatte ki Sabzi, Bajra Roti, Kadhi, and more. The flavours are exceptional and you would wipe your plates clean. Eat here and you'll never forget this wholesome gastronomic experience!
While tourist spots are perfect for learning about Jodhpur and its past, the real flavour of the city lies in its raw outskirts and offbeat trails. You can slow down and learn more by asking and listening. You can connect with the locals and learn their ways. The amount of cultural exchange and satisfaction you will receive is enormous. You'll take back stories that will stay with you for a lifetime. When narrating these experiences with your friends and family, you'll get to relive them all over again. Pictures at the popular tourist spots will be great memories for sure, but on-ground stories of your offbeat trails will stay etched in your heart forever!
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