Jodhpur

GENERAL INTRODUCTION :

This bustling desert city is the second largest in Rajasthan after Jaipur. It was founded by Rao Jodha, the leader of the Rathore clan, in 1459 AD. The mammoth, imposing fortress (Meherangarh) has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with the eight gates leading out of fortress. The new city is outside the structure. The heritage city of Jodhpur was once the capital of the strong and powerful kingdom of Marwar, Rajasthan’s largest princely state. In medieval times, Jodhpur lay on the trade routes between Central Asia and the ports of Gujarat, and became a major trade centre during the 16th century. Modern day Jodhpur with a population of over six hundred thousand, is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan and continues to be thriving centre for textiles and crafts.

HOW TO REACH :

Air: The Jodhpur Airport is 5 km away from the city center it has daily flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur.

Train: Jodhpur is well connected by train from Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.

Road: A convenient mode of travel to Jodhpur is by road. The main highway between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer is via Agoli and Pokaran. Well connected by bus from Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur.

SHOPPING & AROUND :

Shopping in Jodhpur is an exciting and rewarding shopping experience for the visitors. It is the homeplace of many talented and skilled craftsmen. They include textile dyers, metal engravers and die-makers. Jodhpur still, probably, has the last of the tailors of the classic 'Jodhpur' breeches. While in Jodhpur, don't forget to buy the famous Jodhpuri Suit. It gives a royal identity to your dressing. Jodhpur is regarded as one of the most famous hub for wholesale export operations in India and attracts significant number of European and North American dealers. Shopping attractions of Jodhpur include the popular items of Jodhpur and the markets where you can buy them.

Sojati Gate: The famous items available here are Tie and Dye Sarees.

Station Road: This market is famous for Leather, Embroidered shoes and Utensils.

Tripolia Bazaar: You can shop here for local Handicrafts and Textiles.

Nai Sarak: Buy Tie and Dye dresses, Leather items and Handlooms from this market.

Mochi Bazaar and Jutti Corner on Station Road: Jodhpur footwear also called jodhpuri jutis are famous throughout India. It is usually worn with traditional Indian dresses like Sherwanis, Achkans, Kurta-Pyjama, Jodhpuri suits, etc. They are normally hand crafted and come in different colors and designs & Here you get the famous Lac works like Lac bangles.

RESTAURANTS :

Chokelao Terrace: Sip a chilled beer and enjoy spectacular views of Jodhpur city at this romantically lit restaurant high up within Mehrangarh Fort. Notable more for its ambience than the food, this touristy outdoor eatery is as good an option as any within the Old City, and it's especially fitting after an evening tour of the fort. Try the traditional Rajasthani food (veg and non-veg thalis), as well as standard tandoori favourites like paneer tikka.

Note:-No Lunch Facility. Location: Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur - 342001, Rajasthan. Tel: 291/255–5389;

Janta Sweets: Jodhpur's most famous sweet shop, bustling Janta Sweets is a hot favourite with locals and a good place to sample regional delicacies. Test your chilli tolerance level with the spicy mirchi bada, a huge pepper that's been breaded and deep-fried. For something sweeter, try the local specialty: mawa kachori (a pastry filled with nut-based sweetmeats). Indianized vegetarian versions of American-style fast food—think pizzas and burgers—are also available with plenty of local beverage options like lassi. Location: 3 Nayi Sarak, Jodhpur - 342001, Rajasthan. Tel: 291/263–6666; 291/262–5559;

Jhankar: Although this little garden restaurant is one of the newest in Jodhpur, it has quickly established itself as a popular spot for travellers to relax and meet new people over a cup of rich masala chai. Owned by a Jain, the restaurant is strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free, but even meat eaters will marvel at the Indian house specialties, such as the Navratan Korma (a rich curry of vegetables, fruits, and nuts). Jhankar is at its best after dark, when tiny twinkling lights strung through the trees lend a whimsical air to the setting. Location: Fort Rd., Makarana Mohalla Jodhpur - 342001, Rajasthan. Tel: 291/261–2590;

On The Rocks: This jungle-theme restaurant is aptly named, not because it has a well-stocked bar, but because the ground inside the mostly outdoor restaurant is gravel. A popular place with locals as well as tour groups, it can get lively over peak season and weekends, when the crowds come in to swing to the music in the cave-like bar called Rocktails. On the same road as Ajit Bhawan and close to numerous shopping boutiques, it's an ideal rest stop for a quick drink or lunch. The food here is rich and hearty, and the tandoori specialties are famous with the local upwardly-mobile crowd. Location: Circuit House Rd., next to Ajit Bhawan Jodhpur - 342001, Rajasthan. Tel: 291/510–2701;

Gypsy Restaurant: One of the most popular restaurants in Jodhpur, you are sure to remember it for its excellent quality of food, hospitable staff and a warm ambience. Offering pure vegetarian Indian delicacies, Gypsy Restaurant has won the hearts of many since its establishment in 1991. Don’t miss the special traditional thali here which serves 34 dishes . Location: 689, 9th C Road, Sardarpura, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

White House Café: The ambience at the White House Café presents the perfect mix of tradition and modernity. The scroll on your tables opens up as the menu card to give you a royal feel. Visit this place for its lively atmosphere, exotic mocktails, fine dining and a much more. Location: Gulab Sagar, Near Mahila Bag School, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.