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Jodhpur

There's no denying the romance of Jodhpur, with its brilliant blue buildings set against the imposing sandstone Mehrangarh Fort, and dapper men and chic women wearing the eponymous breeches that blouse at the waist and taper at the knee. The "Blue City," Rajasthan's second largest, was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha. Its importance grew as a hub of overland trade and the upper merchant classes, called the Marwaris, still run some of India's biggest trading operations today. The indigo-colored buildings also speak to Jodhpur's wealth, as the blue indicated that a member of the Brahmin caste, the highest, lived there.

EXPERIENCES

Puja Ceremony

Visit a local temple in nearby Palasni to participate in a puja ceremony. Common to both Hinduism and Jainism, pujas can be simple or elaborate affairs, but regardless of scope and scale, all ceremonies of six rituals: meditation (dhyana), austerity (tapa), chanting (mantra), scripture reading (svadhyaya), food offering (bhog) and prostrations (panchanga or ashtanga pranama).

Chokelao Bagh

Stroll through the fort’s Chokelao Bagh gardens. Unchanged since the 18th century, the gardens’ fragrant native flowers and trees frame Chokelao Palace, which is currently being restored.

Mehrangarh Fort

Explore the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, perched on a rock towering 410 feet (125 meters) over the city and dating to 1459, when Rao Jodha began construction on it. Like many such forts in India, Mehrangarh is extraordinarily large and one could spend an entire day exploring its many corners.

Two must-see sites within are the Phool Mahal, a chamber used for royal celebrations, and Moti Mahal, the Hall of Private Audience. Built in the 18th and 16th centuries, respectively, these buildings offer a glimpse of distinct periods of Jodhpur’s history.

Sardar Bazaar

Jodhpur is known for its textiles and furniture, and an excellent selection of goods can be found at Sardar Bazaar, which is near Meranghar Fort and surrounded by a six-mile long wall with eight entry points. You’ll find everything from camel-leather shoes to clay figurines, while henna artists also line the bazaar’s major thoroughfares.

Turban Tying

Learn how to tie a turban, or several types of turbans if you wish! In Rajasthan, locals joke that the style of turban changes every 10 miles or so, with Gurjar, Jats and Rajputs all donning distinctive wraps. Most turbans use about 17 feet (5 meters) of cloth, although some can be shorter or longer, depending on the wearer’s position in society.

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