Rajasthan’s Remarkable Blue City (Jodphur)
The Incredible India 5-years before Covid-19 (Part 9)
Jodphur is the second-largest city in Rajasthan.
It’s located 250-kilometer from the Pakistan border, which makes it a key base for the Indian Army, Indian AirForce, and Border Security Force.
The old city circles the Mehrangarh Fort, so you mostly get a view of the fort anywhere you are in Jodphur.
After visiting some crowded cities of Rajasthan, Jodphur seemed pretty laid back, which we thought was great as we needed it at that time.
We walked through the maze of streets heading towards the direction of the fort.
Then we saw something interesting which was actually the Jaswant Thada.
Jaswant Thada is a cenotaph built in marble by Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodphur State in 1899 in memory of his father.
A cenotaph is an empty tomb or a monument built in honor of a person who is buried elsewhere.
There’s an entrance fee of ₹50 ($0.70) for foreign tourists.
After visiting Jaswant Thada, we continued heading up towards the Mehrangarh Fort.
We didn’t know if it was fine to hike on the side of the hill, but no one was stopping us so continued walking up.
At last, we’ve arrived!
This 486 hectares fortress was built in the mid-1400s and is 400 feet above the city!
At some point, the guards asked us to show our tickets, but since we’ve already been to numerous forts and palaces in Rajasthan, we’ve decided to leave.
I know! What the heck were we thinking?
Anyway, the entrance ticket is ₹600 ($8.20) including an audio guide.
But the adventure continues..
We walked down to the other side of the Mehrangarh Fort, hoping to see something interesting again.
We can see something blue. Seems like we’re on the right track!
What a pleasant surprise! It’s the blue city!
There are a few theories as to why the structures were painted in blue in Jodphur.
First, it is believed that a blue pigment coating on a house used to indicate that a Brahmin, a priest of the Indian caste system, had stayed there.
Another theory is that copper sulfate is effective in repelling termites, while it turns blue under certain conditions, resulting in the famous uniform color of the city.
Some say also that the color blue is a good reflector of the sun’s rays to keep the houses cool.
Did I miss some other theories? Comment below!
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Another interesting landmark that we saw while having a stroll was this step-well, Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi, which was built in the 1740s!
Step-wells are common in western India and are constructed mainly to manage the seasonal fluctuations of the water supply.
The steps make it easier for people to reach the groundwater and to maintain the well.
Where we stayed
We stayed at Shyam Paying Guest house, 1km from Jaswant Thada and 2.5km from the train station. They charge ₹450-₹500($6.15-$6.85) per night.
How to get to Jodphur
By Train
Take a train to Jodphur Junction railway station (Station code: JU), it’s a major railway station.
Check the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation IRCTC’s official website for train schedules and online ticket booking
Or you can download the IXIGO app, IRCTC’s official booking partner right on your mobile phone for a more convenient train booking!
By Air
Jodphur Aiport is about 5km away from the main city and only operates domestic flights. Prepaid taxis are available at the terminal.
Moving on to our final destination and I believe the most beautiful city in Rajasthan
Disclaimer:
We’re not sure if the hotels and restaurants in the blog are still open due to Covid-19.
Please help us know by writing in the comment box
Nevertheless, we encourage everyone to support them if ever you visit India as we enjoyed their warm hospitality!
