The Blue Jewel of Rajasthan

• Helloनमस्ते
  [namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [haan]
• Noनहीं
  [nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [krupaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyavad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ़ कीजिए
  [maaf kijiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। और आप?
  [thik hoon. aur aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ नहीं आया
  [mujhe samajh nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेन्यू दिखाएं
  [krupaya menu dikhaye]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता/खाती
  [main maans nahi khaata/khaati]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूँ
  [krupaya main bhugtan karna chahoon]

• Help!मदद!
  [madad!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [police ko bulaao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [doctor ko bulaao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया/गई हूँ
  [main kho gaya/gayi hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं खरीदना चाहूँ...
  [main khareedna chahoon...]
• I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा/रही हूँ
  [main bas dekh raha/rahi hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [yah kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [yah bahut mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अब कितना बजा है?
  [ab kitna baja hai?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजकर पंद्रह मिनट हैं
  [das bajkar pandrah minute hain]
• Morningसुबह
  [subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [kal]
• Todayआज
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [kal]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दो
  [do]
• 3तीन
  [teen]
• 4चार
  [char]
• 5पाँच
  [paanch]
• 6छह
  [chhe]
• 7सात
  [saat]
• 8आठ
  [aath]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दस
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?कहाँ है...
  [kahaan hai...]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [kya aap mujhe dikha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [agli (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (....के लिए)
  [ek ticket (....ke liye)]

Jodhpur, also known as the 'Sun City' and the 'Blue City,' was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief of the Rathore clan. The city was established as the new capital of the Marwar region, replacing the older capital of Mandore. Rao Jodha strategically chose the location on a rocky ridge called Chittar ka Teela, now known as the Mehrangarh Fort, to fortify his new city against invasions.

Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest and most formidable forts in India. Constructed under the orders of Rao Jodha in 1459, the fort stands 410 feet above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. The fort complex includes intricate palaces with expansive courtyards, museums, temples, and galleries. Each part of the fort tells a tale of the rich history and culture of Jodhpur. The fort has witnessed numerous battles and has been expanded and fortified over the centuries by successive rulers.

Jodhpur is often referred to as the 'Blue City' due to the vivid blue-painted houses in the old city area. This unique tradition dates back centuries and is believed to have been started by the Brahmin caste. The blue color is said to signify the homes of Brahmins, but over time, non-Brahmin houses also adopted the blue hue. The blue paint is thought to repel insects and keep the interiors cool in the city's hot climate.

Jodhpur was the capital of the Marwar Kingdom, one of the largest princely states in Rajasthan. The kingdom was known for its valiant warriors and strategic alliances. The Rathore dynasty ruled the region and played a significant role in shaping the cultural and political landscape of Rajasthan. The Marwar rulers built numerous palaces, temples, and public buildings that contributed to the architectural heritage of Jodhpur.

During the British Raj, Jodhpur was a princely state that maintained a degree of autonomy under British suzerainty. The rulers of Jodhpur were known for their loyalty to the British Crown, and the city saw infrastructural development during this period. Post-independence, Jodhpur became part of the newly formed state of Rajasthan in 1949. The city's historical monuments and royal heritage have since become key attractions for tourists from around the world.

Built between 1928 and 1943, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the last grand palaces constructed in India before independence. Commissioned by Maharaja Umaid Singh, the palace was built to provide employment to thousands of people during a time of drought and famine. The majestic palace, designed by the British architect Henry Vaughan Lanchester, combines Indian and European architectural styles. Today, it serves as a luxury hotel, museum, and the private residence of the Jodhpur royal family.

Jodhpur is renowned for its vibrant cultural festivals that attract visitors from around the globe. The Marwar Festival, held annually, showcases the region's rich folk music, dance, and traditional arts. The Rajasthan International Folk Festival, hosted at Mehrangarh Fort, celebrates the diverse folk cultures of Rajasthan and beyond. These festivals provide a glimpse into the living traditions and cultural heritage of Jodhpur.

Jodhpur is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The Jodhpur Airport (JDH) has regular flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. The Jodhpur Junction railway station is a major stop on the Indian Railways network, with trains connecting it to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other cities. For those traveling by road, Jodhpur is accessible via National Highways 62 and 125. State-run and private buses operate frequently from nearby cities.

Within Jodhpur, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are common and affordable means of transport. For a more comfortable ride, you can book a taxi through ride-hailing apps like Ola and Uber. Public buses run by Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) are available but can be crowded. Renting a car or a two-wheeler is also an option for exploring the city at your own pace.

The official currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the city. Digital payment methods like UPI, Paytm, and Google Pay are also commonly used.

Jodhpur is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid isolated areas, especially at night, and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places like markets and tourist attractions. Areas such as the old city can be more prone to petty crimes targeting tourists. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying expensive items.

In case of emergencies, dial 100 for police, 101 for fire, and 102 for ambulance services. The city has several hospitals and medical facilities, including Mathura Das Mathur Hospital and Goyal Hospital. Pharmacies are plentiful and can provide over-the-counter medications. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect at religious places. Remove your shoes before entering temples and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers. Don't smoke, eat, or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Rajasthani cuisine. Don't refuse food offered by locals as it is considered impolite.

To experience Jodhpur like a local, visit the bustling Sardar Market for spices, handicrafts, and traditional attire. Engage with locals at tea stalls and try the famous 'Makhania Lassi.' Don't miss the Blue City walk in the old town for picturesque views and authentic local life. For an offbeat experience, explore the Bishnoi Village to learn about their eco-friendly way of life.