A trip to Jodhpur ( the blue city)

1. Mehrangarh Fort- It is walking distance from Zostel. The magnificent fort is built on the hill top and displays the rich history of the city. It was construed during the rule of Rajput dynasty. Entry is only by purchasing of tickets. You can book a tour guide too. The fort has many rooms and windows with spectacular architecture. From here you can have a view of the whole city of Jodhpur. There is a museum and sovereign shops inside too. You need at-least 2 hours to explore the whole fort. 
2. Jaswant Thada- Located just 10 minutes from the fort is the marble structure. It is also known as the Taj Mahal of Marwar. The temple inside is beautifully done with a lake just next to it. Enjoy a walk with the locals playing folk music along. 
3. Clock Tower Sadar Market- Again walking distance from Zostel. It is the hub of the old city. There is a main gate from where the old city starts followed by the clock tower and the market around it. No commercial vehicles are allowed from the gate to protect the restored sites. An evening walk tour will give you an insight of the life of local people. The shops around sell handicrafts and spices. 
4. Stepwell ( Toorji ka Jhalra) – Located across the lane of Zostel is a hidden gem in the city. It is the perfect place to sit, relax and enjoy the calmness of the city. You can witness the locals jumping in the water. The stepwell is surrounded by a lot of restaurants and shops. 
5. Umaid Bhawan- Umaid bhawan is a royal palace located opposite of the old city. It is divided into 2 parts of which one is converted to a hotel and other is a museum open for the public. The tour inside the palace gives a glimpse of the life of the royal family of Jodhpur. Just outside the palace is a museum of vintage cars which is worth a visit. A cafe is located outside the palace which serves delicious kulfi.
6. Sardar Government Museum- This museum is a state museum. It is well maintained and curated place. It has many artefacts, coins and pottery preserved. 
7. Streets of Old City- Take a walk in the streets of Old city surrounded by houses painted with blue. You will see old houses and shops on both the side of the road. Don’t forget to click the perfect shot for your Instagram with the blue walls in the background.  
   

Places to eat- 

1. Gypsy Dinning restaurant- It serves delicious Rajasthani thali. The quality and quantity of thali is good and is budget friendly. Only vegetarian food is served here. Pro tip- Indulge in the thali after a walk at the mehrangarh fort. 
2. Janta Sweet shop- This place is famous for its variety of kachoris, bhelpuri, sweets and street food. It is hygienic snack shop. Try their pyaaz and mawa kachori.
3. Indique Restaurant- This is a high budget place but it’s worth it. The ambience, view and food is up to the mark. Best time to go is in the evening and have a candle light dinner. Try their authentic laal maas and naan.
4. Stepwell Cafe- This cafe is bang on next to the stepwell. The interiors are very beautiful and the place has a relaxed atmosphere. The view of the stepwell with some beer and snacks is a perfect combination.
5. Sparrows Pizzeria- Serving one of the yummiest wood fire pizza in town. It is a cute little place. Try their pizza, garlic bread and shakes.
6. Cafe 651- This cafe is perfect for breakfast. The crowd consist manly of college students and young adults. Try their sandwiches and shakes. They also serve cheesecake according to the fruit in season which is the best I have ever had. 
7. Cafe Royale- This place is owned by a very warm and friendly couple who will make you feel at home. It is located just next to the clock tower. A lot of foreigners come here and spend time. The coffee and waffles are a must try. 
8. Cafe Sheesh Mahal- Interiors have an antique look. The cafe is mostly full. Good for a cup of coffee and muffins. 
9. Jhankar Haveli- A pure vegetarian restaurant. The restaurant is on the ground floor while upstairs is the hotel owned by them. The restaurant is done up well. Shahi paneer dish and naan is a must try.
10. Shahi samosa counter- If you want to experience the street food then this is your destination. This place is famous for their fresh crisp samosas. There is always a long queue here to get those hot piping samosas that have a mixture which you would have probably never had before. 
11. Zostel roof top restaurant- The view of the fort from here is mesmerising. They have good food options. We opted for breakfast here which included eggs and sandwiches.
12. Other options- Indigo restaurant- For a calm atmosphere overlooking the fort, On the rocks- posh crowd of Jodhpur with a pub, Filos cafe and continental restaurant- near the airport- good option to grab a bite before heading to the airport.
    

Places to shop-

1. Tripolia Bazar- A budget friendly place but bargaining here is a must. This place has traditional wear, handicrafts, lac bangles, juttis, pottery etc. The list is never ending. 
2. Clock tower market- Famous for spices and food item. Here also bargaining is a must. 
3. Some high end brands- Good earth, Forty red bangles and many more shops have some expensive brands but offer premium quality stuff. So shop wisely.  
   

Important Tips- 

1. Best time to visit Jodhpur is from October- March. The weather at this time is pleasant and ideal for sight seeing.
2. Carry comfortable shoes because you will be walking a lot.
3. Do carry stoles, sunglasses, caps and sunscreen as the sun is quite bright.
4. Don’t forget to carry your water bottles wherever you go.
5. Opt for casual wear. Dress according to the season.
6. Do respect the history and culture of the locals.
7. Keep the city clean.
8. Click pictures only where you are allowed to. In some places you may need a ticket to click pictures from cameras.
9. Lastly, abide by the rules of Jodhpur tourism.