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The Blue City Jodhpur

Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. It is one of the popular tourist destinations in India which is known for its glorious princely palaces, splendid forts as well as age-old temples. This beautiful city is located in the stark landscape of the Thar Desert.  Raja Jodha, a Rajput chief of the Rathore clan founded this city in 1459. Jodhpur had its share of strife, but it prospered under Rao Udai Singh (1583-1595), who established good relations with the Mughals. Jodhpur traveler spots remain as a living demonstration of the quality, traditions, and culture.

This beautiful city is also known as “Blue City”, Due to the vivid blue-painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. It is the largest fort in Rajasthan, it is located in the old city of Jodhpur. It was built atop a 150-meter-high hill in 1459 by Rao Jodha, who moved his capital here in 1459 and established the Mewar kingdom. The fort has survived many of the battles, as is evident today from the marks of cannonballs on the fort walls. The fort gives you a marvelous view of Jodhpur and it stands as a symbol of power. Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park is situated at the foot of the Mehrangarh Fort, which is spread over 200 acres. The park was built in 2006. When preparatory steps were taken to restore the area, more than 80 local plant species from the popular Thar Desert were developed.

Apart from Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada is another beautiful charm of this desert city, its spectacular marble cenotaph was built by Sardar Singh in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II in 1899. This is located at nearby the Mehrangarh Fort.

Balsamand Lake Palace is another major attraction of this historical city, It is an artificial lake, built by Balak Rao Parihar in 1159. Here watch some of the beautiful birds such as peacocks. The architecture of the palace is Rajputana style. Nowadays this palace has been converted into a Heritage hotel.

Kailana Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Jodhpur, which is situated on the western side of the city. It is also an artificial lake founded by Pratap Singh in 1872. It is a birdwatchers’ paradise. A boating option is also available on the lake.

Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum spectacular complex is a representative of the Indo–Saracenic style of architecture. The palace is made of Sandstone and put together without the use of mortar. The project took 14 years (1929 to 1943) to complete. It is located on the highest point in the city. A part of the palace still serves as a residence for the former royal family, while the other two parts of the palace have been converted into the Taj Palace Hotel and Museum.

Shopping in Jodhpur is quite enjoyable. There are various handicraft items are available in the markets of Jodhpur. It is famous for intricately carved furniture, elegant handicrafts, elegant ethnic clothes, framed mirrors, sequins, etc. Apart from these items, you can also buy a pair of mojiris or traditional Jodhpuri shoes as well. While shopping you can feel the colours of the traditional city.