Jodhpur

One of Rajasthan’s great cities, Jodhpur is a teeming desert city with some fascinating history to offer.  Home to generations of powerful warrior Maharajahs, the city has been the scene of many great battles between Mughals and and Jodhpur’s forces, as well as battles between other Rajput cities such as Udaipur or Jaipur. 

The huge and imposing Meherangarh Fort is testament to this bloody background.  Situated atop a steep outcrop, the fort dominates the city’s skyline and would have been a formidable fort for Jodhpur’s enemies.  Today the fort is an interesting museum featuring artefacts such as palanquins, costumes and elephant howdahs.  It is also the best place to get panoramic views of the blue roofs which characterise the city and create an almost Cubist effect.

Umaid Bhawan also dominates the city’s skyline.  This palace was commissioned in 1929 and is now a luxury hotel, one of India’s most opulent palace hotels.  The current Maharajah still occupies a third of the palace. 

The city itself has great shopping options – the thriving bazaar boasts tie-dye, fabrics of all types, antique reproductions and spices.  Of course travellers can also buy famous Jodhpur riding britches!