Thursday, 24 September 2015

Jodhpur - Must visit city in Rajasthan


Jodhpur

Jodhpur is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is called theGateway 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 Blue City of Brahmpur from the ramparts of Mehrangarh Fort

UnderstandEdit

Did you know?
The word jodhpurs owes its etymology to this city. (riding breeches, cut full at the thighs but tight fitting from knee to ankle, usually worn while riding horses or playing polo).

Jodhpur is an historic city whose origin dates to the year 1459 AD when it was founded by Rao Jodha, the Rajput chieftan of the Rathores. The Rathore kingdom was also known as the Marwar and was the largest in Rajputana.
The city was built as the new capital of the state of Marwar to replace the ancient capital Mandore, the ruins of which can be seen near what is now the Mandore Gardens. The people of Jodhpur and surrounding areas are hence also commonly called as Marwaris.
Jodhpur is also known as the Blue City, an apt name as most houses in the old city are shades of blue. This is particularly noticeable on the north side of the town, known as Brahmpuri for the many Brahmins that live there.
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.
  • The Regional Tourist office run by the Government of Rajasthan is located at RTDC Hotel Ghoomar, High Court Road, ☎ +91 291 2545083

Get inEdit

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

By plane

Jodhpur (IATA: JDH) (ICAO: VIJO) is connected to Delhi and Mumbai,; the airport is about 5 km from the city centre. Take a taxi (Rs 200) or autorickshaw (Rs 100) from the airport to your hotel.
  • Air India [1] operates daily flights to Jodhpur from Delhi and Mumbai. Contacts for the airport counter are +91 291 2512617, +91 291 2511516.
  • Jet Airways [2] also operates daily flights from Delhi and Mumbai.

By train

Jodhpur is an important division of the North Western zone of the Indian Rail network . It is well connected by direct trains from all metros and major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai,Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner, Ajmer, Alwar, Agra, Kanpur, Allahabad, Gaya, Kolkata, Indore, Lucknow, Varanasi, Patiala, Chandigarh, Kalka, Jammu, Chennai, Bangalore andHyderabad.
The popular Mandor Express leaves Delhi at 8:45 PM and arrived in Jodhpur at 8 AM the next morning (Rs 1,000 in AC2).Jodhpur is connected to Mumbai by daily train Suryanagari express which departs from Jodhpur at 18:45 hours and from Bandra Terminus(Mumbai) at 13:30 hours and takes 17 hours.
From Jodhpur to Agra Fort : train number 2803. Sleeper AC 3 tiers Rs 500 . Departure at 8PM, and arrival at 6:30AM.
The taxi stand and auto-rickshaw stand are located near the exit of the railway station.
The advance reservation office is on Station Road, between the railway station and Sojati Gate. The office is open from Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm and on Sunday until 1.45 pm IST. If you are a foreign tourist, you can also buy Indrail passes in USD and reserve tickets at the International Tourist Bureau [3]; this counter is located at the advance reservation office. You can also book your tickets online at IRCTC [4], the official booking site on the internet, from 0:30AM-11:30PM IST on all days.

By car

By taxi

Various tour operators and travel agencies offer chauferred car-taxi services; these are charged on a per km, per day basis. You can plan to take one to arrive into the city or take one for sightseeing in and around the city.
  • Car Rental Jodhpur, 40, Ashok Nagar, Mahamandir Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342007,☎ +91 7665454999 / 7665454123, [5].Car Rental Jodhpur offer Jodhpur Car Rental, Car Rental Jodhpur Cab Rental Jodhpur Car Hire Jodhpur Car Rental in Jodhpur Taxis In Jodhpur Car Rental Services in Jodhpur Taxis Jodhpur Car Rentals  edit
  • Car Rental in Jodhpur, Paota Circle, Mandore Road Jodhpur, Raj 342006, ☎+91-9351502472, [6]. Car Rental in Jodhpur offer Car Rental Jodhpur Cab rental Jodhpur Car Hire Jodhpur Cab Hire Jodhpur Taxi Services in All over Jodhpur (Rajasthan).  edit
  • Taxi in Jodhpur, 16, New Panchwati Colony, Behind Ratan Vilas, Ratanada, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342004, ☎ +91-9610348007, [7]. Car Rental Jodhpur offer Car Rental in Jodhpur Car Rental Taxis Jodhpur Cab Rental Jodhpur Car Hire Jodhpur Cab Hire Jodhpur Taxi Jodhpur Car Rental, Jodhpur Taxi Services in All over Jodhpur  edit
  • taxiGUIDE.in (Jodhpur Car Rental), ☎ +91 888 023 4455 (), [8].Enquiry: 7am to 11pm. Jodhpur Car Rental services on taxiGUIDE.in - a Chauffeur Driven Car Rental service in 75 Cities in India. Fares start from Rs.2300 for full day local & Rs.14.5/km for Outstation.  edit

By bus

Jodhpur can be reached by RSRTC [9](Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation) buses and private luxury buses which operate from all major towns and cities in Rajasthan as well as the cities of Ahmedabad and Delhi.

Get aroundEdit

Means of transport include:
  • Cabs (Taxis) - Currently only Suncity Cabs [10] provide cab service in city. They charge as per distance traveled.
  • Mini buses - Public transport is available but chaotic and not advisable except when on a shoestring budget.
  • Car Rental - There are many car rental companies available. The narrow lanes of the inner walled city of Jodhpur can not reasonably be traversed by cars without creating major havoc and posing a severe risk of damage to the rental car for the unpracticed driver, but should best be explored on foot, by bicycle, Auto Rickshaw or motorcycle/scooter. Talk to any local travel agency and book your cab in advance. Usually, hotel reception maintains a list of available cab operators with contact details.
  • Auto Rickshaws (unmetered) - They do not operate on meter and you have to negotiate and fix fare before you get on board. They are the most common mode of public transport in Jodhpur and are readily available on all tourist spots or can be easily hired from any major road of city by showing hitchhiking thump's up sign.
  • Tongas horse driven carriages. They operate in very limited region near the Clock Tower.

SeeEdit

Blue City, Jodhpur

Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort
Moti Mahal
Zenana Deodi
Mehrangarh Fort [11] dominates the city and is the largest fort in all Rajasthan. Founded in 1458 as the site of Rao Jodha's new capital — hence the name, Jodhpur — the city has grown around it, and in the 500 years that have passed the fort has never been taken by force. It's easy to see why: it occupies the entire top of a 150 m hill with commanding views all around, with some three kilometers of massive ramparts built around the edges. An English owned company 'Flying Fox' operates a zip tour out of the beautiful Chokelao Gardens within the fort. As for July 2015: it is possible to go up to the fort and see the views of the city for free, but to enter the palaces and museum you do need the tickets that are sold at the entrance, Rs 500 for foreigners (see below all price details).
The name "Fort" belies the size of the complex, which houses the Maharaja's palace, several temples and, tucked away in the back, an extensive garden still farmed to this day. Highlights within the palace include:
  • Moti Mahal (Pearl Hall). Pearl-colored inside and decorated with colored glass windows, this is where the Maharaja held his audiences, with the five alcoves on the far wall allowing his queens to listen in.
  • Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Hall). Just what the name says.
  • Phool Mahal (Flower Hall). The most extravagant of them all, this was the Maharaja's pleasure chamber, for dancing girls and revelry.
  • Zenana Deodi. The inner sanctum of the palace once guarded by eunuchs, this is where the Maharaja's wives whiled away their days. The delicate sandstone screens and carvings are exquisite.
  • Chamunda Mataji Temple. Tucked away at the far end of the battlements, this temple is devoted to Rao Jodha's favorite goddess and remains a local favorite to this day.
A number of people are employed here and there to add flavor by dressing in period costume and doing photogenic things like playing traditional instruments and smoke opium (yes, the real thing). Snap away, but they'll appreciate a tip if you do. The museum also includes galleries devoted tohowdahs (elephant-mounted seats), palanquins, fine arts, weaponry, and the inevitable Turban Gallery.
An audio tour is included in the entry fee of Rs500 (for foreign tourists, Rs400 for foreign students, a deposit of Rs2000, passport, credit card or drivers license is required). Usage of video is Rs200, still camera is Rs100. (July 2015). The audio guide is actually quite good, and gives you information you otherwise wouldn't get from signs within the fort. Some audio guide devices have poor batteries, which may run out within minutes. Just take it back to the ticket office and they'll give you another one.
Entry to the fort is free each year on it's birthday (about the 12th of May), and is not as crowded as you would think.
The fort is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00.
There is a set of stairs leading down to the city below, tucked away between the entrance gate and and the car park. Easily walked and shorter then the winding road.
Tips:
  • Explore the fort: If you have the time, also venture deeper into the fort (outside the palace) which will give you a more complete idea of it's size. You will also see the Chokelao Gardens, which are located outside the inner wall and accessed through a gate to your right (follow the signs for the FlyingFox). Cool and relaxant.
  • Eagle spectacle: Daily from around 15:30 to 16:00, there is a person (young boy, sometimes a man) feeding the eagles leisurely cruising around the tower opposite the Chokelao Garden entrance by throwing pieces of meat from its top. Quite a spectacle, if you have never seen 200plus eagles in one place.
  • Outside walk: You can also walk outside the eastern side of the walls (to your left as you face the entrance gate) on a sometimes overgrown path. It will eventually bring you to a small temple on the southern end of the rock and will give you great views of the walls towering above and the city below. Especially nice for early morning photography. Police, though, warn of 'naughty boys' there and the area shows evidence of evening/night activity. Also, dogs roam the area. At the temple are two sets of stairs leading down to the old market area.

Historical sites

Jaswant Thada
  • Jaswant Thada, 1 km downhill from Mehrangarh (easily walked - ignore the tuk tuk drivers who try to convince you otherwise, or lie about walking not being allowed). Royal cenotaphs built in marble, with a picturesque location next to a little lake. Entry Rs 30, plus Rs 25 for a camera. It is also free on the birthday of the Fort (about the 12th of May). The place is actually kept free of waste accumulating in corners and the lake.
  • Mandore, 7 km outside the city. The ancient capital of Marwar, before Jodhpur was built. It is open to the public free of charge. The lower part consists of small temples and garden areas including a river. Would be nice except for the usual waste. The upper part holds the ruins of the old fort. No charge, but closed from 7pm to 7am. Good views. The little museum does not hold much of interest.
  • Umaid Bhawan Palace. Clearly visible to the south of the city and completed only in 1944, this is the last great palace built in India. The Maharaja of Jodhpur lives here to this day, but half the building has been converted to a 5-star hotel (see Sleep). Only paying guests are allowed inside the hotel. There is also a small museum on the grounds (Rs. 50, open 9 AM to 5 PM). There is not much of interest on display: some old photographs and china place settings. You'll have to take a rickshaw to get here, and it's best to ask them to wait: figure on Rs. 100 for a round-trip with an hour's waiting time.
  • Khejarla Fort [12], located 85 km. from the main city. Situated in a rural setting, the 400 year old, Fort Khejarla is now a hotel rather than an attraction to visit and offers guests an enlivening experience. The stunning red sandstone monument is an example of the Rajput architecture. The Fort offers picturesque settings, latticework friezes, and intricate Jharoka. To reach Khejarla from Jodhpur, head on Jodhpur Jaipur highway for 73 km. You'll cross Bhavi village and a railway crossing. After railway crossing go 3.5 kms and take a left turn. Then go straight for 12 km and you'll find Khejarla fort.

Natural sites

  • Balsamand Lake - now converted to a resort
  • Kailana Lake - a picnic spot and a main drinking water source for the city
  • Ranisar Padamsar - Ranisar was made by Queen Jasmade Hadi, Rao Jodha's wife in 1459. Ranisar is situated near Fateh Pole in Mehrangarh.
  • Gulab Sagar Lake - Gulab Sagar water storage was constructed by Gulab Rai in 1788.

Temples

  • Baba Ramdev Temple, Masuria Hills.
  • Ganesh Temple, Ratanada.
  • Mahamandir Temple, Mahamandir Chauraha.
  • Pal Balaji Temple, Pal Gaon.
  • Santoshi Mata Temple, Lal Sagar.
  • Isqkiya Gajanan Ji Temple, Juni Mandi.

DoEdit

  • Rajasthan International Folk Festival,[13]. International music festival held annually during October at Mehrangarh Fort.
  • Bishnoi village tour, Poly Travels-10-D, Near Govt. Bus Stand, Paota, Jodhpur. Phone 9829147470. www.polytravels.com Hours from 8.30 a.m. A true insight into the Bishnoi villages for making connections with people from different cultures in an authentic way. Gorgeously clad womenfolk and head geared charming men are compellingly and invitingly interesting for a dialogue. Meet them in their homes and talk to them. A vegetarian community, they are the best friend and protector of the flora and fauna, conceding spiritual allegiance to twenty and nine tenets of the 15th century legendary Guru Jambheshwar (Jambhoji). Spot herds of black buck around the Bishnoi settlements freely and fearlessly running. A half-day jeep drive through the countryside – @ RS. 650.00 per person. Also, jeep tours can be arranged through your hotel.

LearnEdit

There are many options for education, learning and research organisations.
  • Jai Narain Vyas University (JNVU) offers undergraduate, graduate/postgraduate and doctoral courses. Formerly University of Jodhpur, estd 1962, took over 4 state run colleges Jaswant College, Shri Maharaj Kumar College, Kamal Nehru Girls college and M B M Engineering College.
  • Indian Institute of Technology(IIT) is a world level technical education established back in 2008. IIT Jodhpur currently offers five BTech and three MTech courses. IIT Jodhpur has been declared center of excellence in the field of Energy, ICT and System Sciences. IIT Jodhpur also hosts its annual techno-cultural festival Ignus which is unique in itself throughout Jodhpur. The institute is currently running in it's transit campus near Ratanada Sabji Mandi. The construction for the permanent campus is on which is spread in 800 plus acres near Karvar on Nagaur Highway.
  • Personalized Yoga by Yoga Guru Karan Singh (Personalized Yoga by Yoga Guru Karan Singh), Near Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls School, Rai Ka Bagh, (), [14].Experience of teaching personalized yoga for more than 8000 hours. Learn Yoga asana and Pranayam Step by Step, interactive from Basic to Intensive, Practice Yoga asana and pranyama be Prevented.  edit
  • National Law University (NLU) is a national level law school established in 2001 and offers five years and three years in law as well as post graduate courses intelligently combined with other streams such as science, technology, commerce etc. to provide a complete professinal degree. The campus of NLU lies just outside the periphery of city on NH-65, at Mandore, spread over an area of 50 acres and complete with state of the art infrastructure.
  • Arid Forest Research Institute
    Arid Forest Research Institute Jodhpur
    (AFRI)([15]) situated at Jodhpur. One of the institutes of the Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education (ICFRE ) working under the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. of India. The Objective of the Institute is to carry out scientific research in forestry and provide technologies to increase the vegetative cover and to conserve the biodiversity of the hot arid and semi arid region of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Dadara & Nagar Haveli union territory. The campus covers 66 ha. on the New Pali Road, Jodhpur. The institute is also a centre of FRI University. The institute also offers training in Biotechnology and other disciplines to the bachelors and masters students.

BuyEdit

Fabrics for sale, Sardar Market
The city's main shopping area is Nai Sadak, lined mostly with sari and shoe shops and leading straight into Sardar Market, a full-on bustling Indian market with a barely contained riot of sights, sounds and stinks. The clocktower in the center is a useful orientation point. Best to head into the different shops by yourself, as rickshaw drivers and other locals will do their best to direct you into certain shops where they can earn a commission for sales; you can expect to get better prices if the shopkeepers do not have to pay a percentage to these other guys. And be prepared to spend a good hour or more in a shop chatting with the very friendly owners over a cup of masala chai. This is the true highlight of Rajasthani hospitality. You will find Rajasthan (and especially Jodhpur) to be full of amiable and kind people who will be quick to offer you chai as a symbol of genuine hospitality first and foremost (not at all significant of an attempt to coerce you to buy). It is not uncommon for them to turn their shop upside down to show you all of their goods, as many are quite proud of their business. Popular souvenirs include:
  • Bandhej sarees and dress material
  • Mojris or Jootis. Shoes with a pointed front, a must-have accessory if you plan on dressing like a Rajput Maharaja.
  • Handicrafts these are handmade wooden showpieces(made to look like old antiques). The handicraft industry is a booming industry in this city.
  • Spices and Tea Expect to pay 100-150rps for each 200g packet of spices or 150g packet of tea. Among the highlights are the various masala mixes: different one for vegetables, rice, meat, fish, etc.; individual spices: especially cardamom, vanilla, and saffron - very high quality for a fraction of what you pay back home; tea: including the cinnamon-infused Kashmiri Khawa, masala mix to add to assam/darjeeling, and ginger tea. Be sure to stop in various different shops as each store has their own recipe for mixing their own blend.
  • Textiles Far better prices here for rugs, scarves, duvet covers, etc. than buying in Delhi. Scarves are the top sales item with prices varying from 50rps to 3000rps depending on the material (pashmina, silk, kashmir, blends,e tc.)
There are numerous shops around town:
  • National Handloom, Nai Sadak (and ten other outlets around the city): A four-story air-conditioned shop easily identified by their logo of a gloriously mustachioed and turbaned man, the jumble of items inside is authentically Indian. Prices are cheap, clearly marked, and hassle-free. The fourth story houses handicrafts and art, with most of the rest devoted to clothes and groceries.
  • Thar Handloom, Gol Building Road: is a common place for purchase of traditional cloths and sarees. Its a kind of store with premium quality with premium pricing. Contrary to their naming, they do not sell anything apart from cloths.
  • Ganesh Handicrafts, 84-85 Nai Sarak(near Clock Tower), ☎ 0291-2624165(), [16]. The owner (Mahesh) typically invites customers for a cup of masala tea and engages in friendly chats. The shop sells jewelry, textile, clothes (can be tailored-made), and furniture. Prices are fixed so you don't need to bargain. Some scarves are as cheap as 200rps. They offer international shipping for bulky items. The owner dose not allow the guides or comission people as they hate paying commission.  edit
  • Nitisha,Located at Raikabad, Near Rajmata School. The store does readymade garments for both men and women, silver and semi precious stones jewellery, cushions, bedsheets and bedcovers, fragrances, gift items, souvenirs, candles, gift packing material, show pieces and handicrafts, gift packaging accessories at great rates. All prices are clearly marked on the items and thus there is no chance of quoting high prices.
  • Rajeev's - Grasim Exclusive Showroom,42-43 Nai Sarak (about 1km from the Clocktower on left side (walking towards Sardar)), ☎ 0291-2627638(). One of the higher end fashion lines (higher than Raymond). Buy custom-made men's clothing here at much more economical prices than in Delhi; for suits expect to pay ~2000rps for labor, materials are extra with a series of different qualities (all prices negotiable). Suit construction takes 1-2days after fitting.  edit
  • Suncity Spices, 112 Nai Sarak (on the right hand side towards Sardar, about 1km from the Clocktower), ☎ 0291-5102155(). One of the top spice/tea shops where the friendly and honest owner Mohammed will quietly offer you lower prices than on the list if you come in without a driver (i.e. no commission) - a very reasonable 120rps for each packet of spice/tea, and 100rps per gram of saffron. Wide selection of teas from "Ost" brand that include flavors such as lemongrass & cucumber, lychee, and guava.  edit
  • Bishnoi Village Art, Shop No. 10, Near Police Station (Past the clocktower on the left hand side after entering Sardar, next to an internet shop), ☎ +91-80037-13901(). One of the better places to buy scarves, and share stories for a few hrs with the owner Papu over masala chai and pakora. Papu is very honest and will give you a fair price for his wide assortment of high quality materials. edit
  • Via Bishnoi Village Craft, Jhalamand Circle, Near CTC Petrol Pump, Pali Road.,☎ +91-291-2720485 ().One of the better places to buy old and new handmade traditional and modern embroidered & patchwork textiles, shawls & scarves, clothing, fabrics, etc.  edit

EatEdit

'Restaurants' as you find them elsewhere are somewhat hard to find in Jodhpur, except for around the tourist areas such as in front of the Fort. Otherwise, especially for lunch it's stand-up street food such as Samosas.
Don't forget to try the Rajasthani delicacies
  • Makhaniya Lassi — lassi (yoghurt drink) spiced up with cardamom and butter.Mishrilal at the Clock Tower possibly serves the best lassi in town.
  • Mawa Kachori (Sweet)
  • Panchkuta (dry curry)
  • Dal Bati Churma (meal with baked bread dipped in curry, Churma is separate sweet served alongside)
  • Gatte ka saag (curry)
  • Kabuli (a rice speciality)
  • Mirchi Bada / Samosa/ Pyaz Ki Kachori (spicy snacks usually taken with evening tea)
  • Kaju Draksh ki Sabji (curry made of cashew and raisins)
  • Malai Kulfi (milk ice cream)
  • Doodh Jalebi (sweet dipped in milk)
  • Head to Janta Sweets, few metres off the Clock Tower toward the rail station, for excellent sweets and snacks.

Don't forget to relish sweets from Sweets shop of walled city or from Jodhpur Sweets located at C Road, Sardapura.
  • Gulab Jamun ki Sabji, (Nai sadak). Pokar sweets, very tasty sabji, made of raw gulab jamun (non sweet). Traditional Jodhpur style sweets.  edit
  • Gulab Jamun, (Pungal para, City Area).Chaturbhuj sweets, very tasty. Every piece is near 50 gm. Rs 120-150.  edit

Budget

  • Shandar Sweet Home,Jalori Gate Bari, (near Jalori Gate), ☎ +91 6 2628057. Serves excellent Gulab Jamun Ki Sabzi, Kabuli & other Jodhpur specialties, popular with locals & quite economical.
  • Gypsy, Sardarpura - fast food restaurant, quite crowded often but food is delicious. Rajasthani thali (served upstairs) is one of the best in the city and quite cheap. For the thali - although the price says 152 RS each, figure on 175 RS as they add 'service tax'. Decent food, popular with locals.
  • Cafe Mehran, Meherangarh Fort. Simple but pleasant cafe in the fort itself, with a range of tourist favorites from pizza to burgers as well as Indian thalis. Rs 60-140.
  • Omelette Shop,' (aka Garib Hotel'), just outside the gates to the main square. A bit of a cult favorite, although controversy and confusion have been stoked by a Lonely Planet recommendation, which has inspired signs all over the area claiming the mantle of the "real" Omelette Shop. 5 m away is the up and coming Vicky, whose omelettes are identical except for the noticeable increase in the amount of ginger. There is no place to sit, so don't come here expecting to relax with your omelette.
  • Shahi Samosas, Nai Sarak (left side just before main gate to Sardar Market). Easily spotted thanks to the never ending queue, their samosas and kachoris are made in front of your eyes with generous amounts of stuffing. Rs 6-8.
  • New Saheen Hotel (restaurant), ☎ +91 6 6531533. Very nice restaurant busy with locals, not touristy at all. For about Rs 60-80 you can try out several different dishes. Selection includes fish, kababs, dal, paneer and of course fresh roti with ghee.. Kitchen in same space as sitting area, a treat on all senses. On the second floor of a building, above a sign "qadri guesthouse", just outside of old town, in an area full with pharmacies and clinics.

Mid-range

  • Mehran Terrace, Meherangarh Fort. Candlelit dining with an exquisite view of the city. Thalis are Rs 300-400. Book ahead.
  • Bal Samand, Balasamand Lake Palace. Outdoor dining as well as indoor dining in peaceful surroundings. Typical North Indian food. Alcoholic drinks also served. A perfect place for a quiet evening with family and friends.
  • On the rocks, Ratnada, a nice place with outdoor dining. It has a separate bar and good ambiance. Great food but service is quite slow.They are more inclined towards foreign guest and not so much to Indians.
  • Chilly and Garlic, Residency Rd. A nice and cozy garden restaurant. Its a small place but good service and wonderful for family outing
  • Pukhraj Ji Ki Dhani, Salawas village, (20 km from Jodhpur). ☎ +91 94 14720724. Typical Rajasthani food. Dal bati churama is only Rs 150 for 1 person.
  • Nirvana Cafe, Ghandi Street, (walk westwards along the main shopping road outside the south gate from the clocktower, right hand side). Situated in a Hindu temple, away from the hustle and bustle of the street, quiet. The "One man thali" (Rs300) easily serves two.
  • Indique, inside Pal Haveli / Haveli Inn Pal, Gulab Sagar (near the clocktower, outside the north-east corner of the market) (roof top restaurant with splendid view of the fort).

Splurge

  • Pillars Umaid Bhawan Palace. [17]. In the courtyard of the palace and the quality of the food is very high. Rs 1,500 minimum for non-guests, and you can easily reach that with a main, an appetiser and a drink. Non-guests may be turned away if the hotel is full, so call ahead to avoid disappointment.

DrinkEdit

  • On the Rocks at Ajit Bhawan, Jodhpur.
  • Geoffrey's at Park Plaza, Jodhpur.
  • Kesar heritage guest house, mehron ka chowk naya bas jodhpur (near to the walking way of mehrangarh fort , 3 min. walking distance from jodhpur clock tower),☎ +919001102024, [18]. 24. A complete boutique home stay, Kesar heritage will provide all the required facilities like their second home 600.  edit

SleepEdit

Budget

  • CrashPad Hostotel, 1st Polo, Paota, Jodhpur-342006, ☎ Sidharth @ +91 94138 18411 or bookmybed@crashpad.in. 1 kilometer from the Rai-Ka-Bag Railway station and bus stand. Located 3 kilometers away from the Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace, CrashPad offers choice of Private Room and Dormitories. Rs. 499/- including breakfast.
  • ZOSTEL, Airport Road, Opp. Polo Ground, Jodhpur - 342001, ☎ Abhishek @+91 94138 20390 or zobu@zostel.com. First of its kind hostel in India. Very near to the airport and railway station. Extremely clean, hygienic place. Perfect for the solo backpacker, or the bunch of friends on a weekend getaway. The staff is not only nice, they are extremely cool and so is the whole setting. Absolutely awesome place.Priced at Rs. 299 ($5 at current exchange value).
  • Ganpati Guest House, Makrana Mohalla(From Jodhpur Railway Station head north on Station Road, then a slight right at MG Hospital Road, left at Nai Sarak, continue until the clock tower, head north and take the first left and then the first right then at the end of the street again right then continue until you reach the destination. 2 km from the Govt. bus stand and 1.5 km from the train station.),☎ +91 291 2631686(). checkin: 24 h; checkout: 10AM. 9 room guest house with clean rooms. Free Wi-Fi, mostly in "lobby", but also extends to some rooms. Get an auto-rickshaw to the clock tower and ask for directions. Rooftop restaurant with views of Mehrangarh Fort. Prices negotiable at check-in. Rs 300-1,000.  edit
  • Sarvar Guest House, Manak Chowk(Near Clock Tower), ☎ +91 291 2616424, +91 9214419288 (). checkin: 24 hr; checkout: 10 AM. 28 suites and double rooms. Furnished with traditional fixtures and old family portraits. Some of the rooms retain the original furniture as found when the Haveli restored. Roof-top restaurant with a view of the Meharangh Fort. Rs 400-1,000.  edit
  • Sadar Haveli Heritage Guesthouse Near Ummed Chowk, Mohalla Laiquann, Jodhpur. ☎ +91 291 261 9392. A recently restored 200 year old haveli in a quiet part of the old town at the bottom of the hill under the fort. 4 rooms with large beds and 24 hr hot water. The rooms are arranged around a central courtyard garden as is the usual haveli style and the family that runs it make you feel very welcome. Great views of fort and city from the many roof terraces. In-house dining available. Prices vary depending on season, Rs 400-Rs 1,000.
  • Heaven Guest House has 6 rooms of different sizes, all with attached bathrooms. Some have A/C with T.V. Nice roof-top restaurant with great view. Prices range from Rs 300-850 (peak season) and from Rs 150-450 (low season, from March to June). (nishajijain@yahoo.com), ☎ +91 291 263-9283, mobile +91 935 245 7380, +91 93524-57381.
  • Hotel Sachdeva Excellency [20], Bank of Baroda Lane, Sojati Gate, Jodhpur. ☎ +91 291 5101324, +91 291 2635858, mobile: +91 9829025707, (info@hotelsachdeva.com)
  • Hill View Guest House, Near the Fort, Kille Khana, Fort Rd., Jodhpur, India (From the clocktower, exit through the market, turn left, then first right and wander up the hill to as high as you can go). checkout: Midday.This place is great value. The owners are nice, and the path up to the fort takes you right by its doorstep. Room Rs.150 ~ (basic room), Rs 300 for a fan room with a view.  edit
  • Shivam Paying Guest House. shivamgh@hotmail.com.phone:+91-291-2610688 Nice rooms (some doubles have their own separate large beds with mirrors on the ceiling). Most importantly, they don't give commission to rickshaw drivers, so you'll have to be a bit persistent to actually get there (ask to get off by the clock-tower and then walk - rickshaw drivers will take you to commission places that will tell you they are Shivam, or else have someone wait outside the door who will pretend to be the owner and tell you that they are full. Get in the door to the front desk before asking about availability).
  • Durag Niwas Guest House, ☎ +91 291 2512385, [21]. Riotously colorful and comfortable family-run guesthouse in a quiet area of Jodhpur, a brisk stroll or Rs40 rickshaw ride from the center of town. The owners speak excellent English and are happy to assist travellers. Basic fan rooms from Rs 350, free pickup from anywhere in town.
  • Amar Niwas Guest House & resturant,507,singh pole marg,navchowkiya (At Navchowkiya,Near fort gate named Fethpole),☎ +91 291 2440974, [22]. checkout:10AM. 527 year old Haveli run by a Brahman family. The haveli maintains many of its original features such as stone lattice work balconies, gharokha (women can peep outside from here), antique wooden ceiling and an open central courtyard. Plant-filled terrace where you can relax with great views of the Mehrangarh fort and the oldest part of the blue city. 8 rooms decorated with Indian textiles and paintings. Hot and cold shower 24 hr. Roof-top restaurant with view of the fort. Call the place for prices. Ridiculous and very high service charges. 3 attractions are in walking Distance from guesthouse so you need not Auto to see Jodhpur. Basic fan room from Rs225 per person.  edit
  • Ratan Vilas [23], Loco Shed Road, Ratanda, ☎ +91 291 2614418, (ratanvilasjdh@sify.com). Still runs as an old rajputana house, with excellent facilities and very warm hosts. Courtyard meals. Large comfortable rooms that are clean and quiet. Not much in the nearby area, but a good place to relax since peacefully situated 5mins by rickshaw (50rps) from Sardar market. Beautiful pool.
  • Singhvi's Haveli Clean and quiet rooms with hot water. Rooms from Rs 500. Check out at 10AM. Restaurant in the hotel. Continental breakfast included. Beautiful view of the Fort on the roof top.
  • Mandore Guest House, Traditionally designed Bungalows/cottages, ethnically designed in round chalet style. A minute's walk from the main historic garden of Mandore. The Government Bus Stand is about 7 km away, while the Railway station is about 9 km away from the resort. The airport is 12 km away, while the Jodhpur Fort is about 5 km.
  • Veggi Guest House, (in the foothills of Royal Mehrangarh Fort, 1.5 km from the Railway station), (),[24]. Quite and spacious place with clean rooms, hot water facility in every room. Internet facility and pure vegetarian restaurant. Just 5 min walk to Mehrangarh fort and same distance to old local market in opposite direction. Rooms with TV and A/C available. Dorm Rs 200, rooms Rs 400-1,200.  edit
  • Hotel Nirali Dhani [25], Siddhanath Circle, Near Chopasni Filter House, Chopasni Road, Jodhpur-342001, Rajasthan (INDIA). ☎ +91 0291- 3299988, 0291- 3255772 +91-98296-19995 .(info@niralidhani.com)

Mid-range

  • Indra Yoga Bed & Breakfast Shastri Nagar. Email: indrayog@gmail.com, +91-291-2770471, [26]. A peaceful bed & breakfast attached to a yoga center (package deals available). Amenities: private bathroom, flat screen TV, Internet access, air conditioning, hygienic breakfast (other meals upon request), garden. Long-term accommodation with kitchen also available. Rs 1000 (self-catering) to 2700 (deluxe room and private yoga classes).
  • Hotel Discovery Near the clock tower and the market in old town. Great views of the fort and extremely fast and reliable wifi. It gets quite cold during the winter, but if you stay for a while you can probably organize a heater. You can easily get a single for 1000-1400, but if you have more people you should be able to negotiate for a better rate.
  • Heritage Hotel Fort Khejarla. [27] 85 km from Jodhpur. 40 rooms with elegant furniture, and antiques. The mosaic laid rooms have high ceilings, historical photographs, traditional old paintings, elegant tapestry, beautifully carved furniture and panoramic views.
  • Jodhana Elite, Jhalamand House, Airport Road, ☎ +91 291 251 0167, [28]. All rooms are equipped with designed centralised air conditioner, satellite LCD television connectivity, mini bar refrigerator, electronic safe, attached bath with hot and cold running water. Some of its facilities and services are veg and non veg Jalsa restaurant and bar, 24 hours room service, travel desk support, doctor on call, recreations arranged on request, laundry services and high speed wifi internet connectivity. Rates start at 2,700.00 INR.  edit
  • The Kothi Heritage , Bachraj ji Ka Bagh, Sardarpura (near Sardarpura Market), ☎ +91 291 264 1700, (info@thekothiheritage.com), mobile +91 9314135700, [29]. Old heritage Hotels located on the Heart of Jodhpur City. Will arrange airport/train station pickup. Rs 2,000-2,500 (Dlx) /3,500 (Suite). (singles/doubles)
  • Krishna Prakash Heritage Haveli, Nayabas, Killikhana (near Mehrangarh Fort), ☎ +91 291 263 3448, (info@kpheritage.com), mobile +91 9829241547, [30]. Old heritage haveli located on the foot of Mehrangarh Fort, with views of all monuments. Will arrange airport/train station pickup. Rs 2,000-2,500 (Dlx) /3,500 (Suite). (singles/doubles)
  • Chhotaram Prajapat's Homestay, Salawas Village, Kumharon Ki Dhani,Mobile- +91 9414720724, ☎ +91 291 2696744, (chhotaramprajapat@rediffmail.com). www.salawashomestay.com Traditional hut rooms wit a basic air cooler. Rs 1,500 for 2 people, free pickup and return to anywhere in Jodhpur, all meals, water and internet facility included.
  • Pal Haveli, Gulab Sagar (near the clocktower, outside the north-east corner of the market, shared with Haveli Inn Pal), ☎ +91 291 3293328, (info@palhaveli.com), mobile +91 9829243247), [31]. A short (though steep) walk from Mehrangarh. Will arrange airport/train station pickup. Rs 1,300-1,500/1,500-1,800. (singles/doubles),two roof terraces available giving views of the fort and the clocktower (360 degrees between them)
  • Haveli Inn Pal, Gulab Sagar (near the clocktower, outside the north-east corner of the market, shared with Pal Haveli), ☎ +91-9828077510, (info@haveliinnpal.com), mobile +91 9829243247), [32]. A short (though steep) walk from Mehrangarh. Will arrange airport/train station pickup. Rs 3,300 (view rooms)/2,800 (non-view rooms). English and French speaking manager, two roof terraces available giving views of the fort and the clocktower (360 degrees between them)
  • Devi Bhawan, Defence Lab Road, Ratanada, +91 291 251-1067 (devibhawan@sify.com), ☎ +91 98 28035359), [33]. A 90 year old heritage building with rooms set around a garden. The rooms are decorated with period furniture and Rajasthani textiles. 1.5 km from the centre of the town.
  • Innseason, P.W.D Road, Jodhpur. ☎ +91 291 2616400, ☎ +91 291 2621481, fax: 91 291 2616400, ([34]).
  • Polo Heritage, 12th Old Residency Road, Bhanwari House, Jodhpur 342002. ☎ +91 291 2433909, ☎ +91 291 5532909, mobile: +91 9314717633, (poloheritage@hotmail.com)

Splurge

  • Hotel Madho Vilas, New Airport Road, Ratanada, ☎ +91-0291-2512486 & 9829023223, [35]. checkin: 12:00; checkout: 12:00. Madho Vilas, Jodhpur, was the residence of the Late Thakur Madho Singh Ji of Bhenswara. The building has been built with pink and red sandstone in the early 40s by the renowned architect Mr. Goldstow. Today Madho Vilas stands as an elegant heritage hotel in Jodhpur. 2,999 INR.  edit
  • Water Habitat Retreat, Bijolai Palace, Airforce Radar Road, Near Kayaylana Lake(c. 12 km from Jodhpur Airport and 8 km from Jodhpur Railway Station), ☎ +91 291 275-1557, [36]. checkin: 12:00; checkout:12:00-12:30. aims to express its Jodhpur heritage. Guided by a vision to address the great disparity of drinking water access between the rural Marwar villages and urban centres. Profit of this Jodhpur Heritage Hotel supports the "Jal Bhagirathi Foundation" to meet the acute demands for safe and sustainable drinking water in Marwar villages. 3,300-12,000 INR.  edit

ContactEdit

  • Area Code: The telephone area code is 0291.
If you are dialing into a Jodhpur number from outside India dial +91 291 xxxxxxx; if you are dialing into a Jodhpur number long distance from anywhere in India, prefix the area code by a 0 i.e. dial 0291 xxxxxxx; in Jodhpur just dial the 7 digit number xxxxxxx.
  • WiFi: Wifi is easy to find in the tourist areas of town, perhaps more so than in other parts of India. Many restaurants and guesthouses offer it, alternatively there are multiple Internet shops that also provide Wi-Fi. However, Wifi connections are being hacked, so take care with sensitive transmissions.

Stay safeEdit

This is a comparatively safe city, however it is advisable not to venture out late in the night alone.
While travelling in trains or buses, avoid any snacks offered by seemingly well meaning strangers. There have been some incidents where tourists or even locals have been drugged and looted after consuming narcotic-laced biscuits or tea.
Though the incidents of rape or sexual assualt are far and few in between, women should avoid wearing revealing clothes in public places since hooligans are known to chase the girls and may cause harm. Try to move around with a couple of male friends.
Beware of touts selling rail tickets or promising reservations on trains. It is a criminal offence to buy and sell tickets except from recognized agents or the reservation offices.

Get outEdit

You can see the neighbouring tourist destinations of Osiyan temples, RanakpurJain temples, Nathdwara temple, Bikanerand Deshnok, Ajmer and Pushkar, the desert city of Jaisalmer, the hill stationMount Abu, the city of lakes Udaipur or the pink city Jaipur
  • Luni fort - about 40 km outside Jodhpur - now converted to a heritage hotel
  • Osiyan [37]- about 60 km - Jain temples as well as Kali temples.
  • Jaisalmer - government busses to Jaisalmer run every hour from about 4:30am to 5:30pm
This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but pleaseplunge forward and help it grow!


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