Running on little sleep and even less food, our driver eventually pulled into a motorway service station somewhere between Jaipur and Jodhpur. “Finally,” we thought. “Food.” Reality was slightly less glamorous.
Jodhpur (The Blue City)
The shelves were sparse, the options questionable, and somehow the only thing we managed to salvage was a tube of sour cream and chive Pringles. To this day, after ten hours on the road and close to delirium from hunger, they remain some of the best-tasting food we’ve ever eaten.
Shortly after, our driver unfolded a battered piece of paper that vaguely resembled a map and attempted to explain our two route options. Between the language barrier and a lot of pointing, we eventually understood the choice.
Option one was the longer motorway route. Smooth roads, slower journey.
Option two was quicker. Much quicker, apparently. But the roads were rough.
“How bad can it be?” we said. “Let’s just take the quicker route.”
For anyone travelling through India in future, if you’re ever presented with the same decision and would like your spine to remain intact, choose the longer road.
Mehrangarh Fort
The following morning, still slightly broken from the journey, we opened the curtains expecting little more than a tired view of another unfamiliar city.
Instead, we were met with one of the most extraordinary sights we’ve ever seen.
Towering 410 feet above Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort rises from the landscape with an almost unreal sense of scale. Perched high on a rocky hill, its vast red sandstone walls dominate the skyline, standing in stark contrast against the sea of blue buildings spread out beneath it.
It’s difficult to describe the feeling properly. The fort doesn’t just overlook the city; it completely commands it.
Inside the walls, enormous courtyards open up one after another, each filled with intricate carvings, mosaic work and detailed stone craftsmanship. The palaces within are equally breathtaking, layered with antique furniture, hand-knotted rugs, gold detailing and ornate architectural touches that somehow still feel remarkably preserved.
As you gradually work your way higher through the fort, the city begins to reveal itself below. From the rooftop terraces, the reason behind Jodhpur’s nickname becomes immediately obvious. Blue stretches endlessly in every direction.
The Mahadol
Housed within the fort’s museum is an extensive collection of artefacts, paintings, armour and royal heirlooms, including the remarkable Mahadol pictured here.
Exploring the City by Tuk-Tuk
Jodhpur’s streets are incredibly narrow in places, often too tight for cars to navigate comfortably, which makes tuk-tuks the best way to experience the city properly.
If you’re planning to visit Mehrangarh Fort, the palace and Jaswant Thada, we’d strongly recommend hiring a tuk-tuk driver for the day. It’s affordable, chaotic in the best possible way, and gives you a far more immersive feel for the city itself.
If you’re lucky, your driver might even double up as an unofficial tour guide, sharing stories and local knowledge as you weave through the streets.
Dining Out, Our Picks
Small, family-run and completely unpretentious, Om Café served some of the best food we ate during our entire trip.
Their rooftop seating area looks directly toward Mehrangarh Fort, creating one of those moments where the setting somehow makes the food taste even better. Most dishes are cooked traditionally and served on the bone, full of depth and flavour.
The garlic chilli chicken, in particular, was unforgettable.
For something slightly more polished, On The Rocks offers a beautiful open-air dining experience surrounded by gardens and soft lighting.
The atmosphere feels relaxed without losing any character, and the menu is packed with traditional dishes alongside a few more contemporary options. By UK standards, it still feels incredibly reasonable for the quality of both the setting and food.
Handcrafted Furniture and Artisan Craftsmanship
Jodhpur was the city that ultimately led us toward some of the most talented furniture makers we’ve ever encountered.
Meeting the people behind the workshops and finally seeing the craftsmanship in person was one of the highlights of the entire trip. Every detail felt deeply considered, from the materials and finishes through to the hand-worked textures and construction methods.
What struck us most was the pride they take in their work. Across the workshops were highly skilled artisans, designers and craftspeople producing furniture with a level of care that’s becoming increasingly difficult to find.
But beyond the craftsmanship itself, ethics were equally important to us.
We always want to understand how our partners operate, not only within their factories but within the wider community too. Our partners in Jodhpur have used their success to support local initiatives, including building schools for children with learning disabilities across the surrounding areas.
It’s rare to meet people so deeply committed to both their craft and the community around them, and the experience left a lasting impression on us.
We hope to continue working alongside them for many years to come.
Explore our collection of handcrafted furniture here, thoughtfully made by skilled artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
