Jodhpur, India — Exploring the Enchanting Blue City in Rajasthan

Like a scene from a dream, Jodhpur India—Rajasthan’s blue city—is almost too beautiful to be real. Originally used as a way to ward off pests during the hot summer months, Jodhpur’s Old Town is painted in every shade of blue under the sun. From pale dusty tones, patinaed over the centuries from the blistering heat, to vibrant azure as bright and saturated as the sea, a walk through Jodhpur India’s historic city center is a truly memorable experience for the traveler. If you’re planning a trip, keep scrolling and, for more of India, see my Jaipur & Udaipur travel guides and my journey with Aman.

Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography

After two days in Udaipur we hopped in our car (if traveling by automobile, a private driver is a must) and headed north to Jodhpur India. Since the historic Umaid Bhawan Palace was closed for a private event, we decided to stay in town at the RAAS Jodhpur—a boutique hotel housed inside an 18th-century Haveli. The hotel is overlooked by Mehrangarh, an awe-inspiring 15th century fort looming 400 feet above the Jodhpur skyline, and features a lovely spa where we enjoyed incredible Ayurvedic treatments.

Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography

As we only had one full day in Jodhpur India, we decided to squeeze in as much as we could and hired a private guide to lead us on a walk through the city’s historic old town. We soaked up the vibrant blue tones of the Indoislamic architecture, enjoyed incredible Samosas, visited local temples, and even toured our guide’s former primary school where we met the liveliest group of students. We also visited the stunning 18th century stepwell, Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi, and Jaswant Thada—the cremation ground of the royal family of Marwar.

Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography

“To other countries, I may go as a tourist. But to India, I come as a pilgrim.”

Martin Luther King Jr.

Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography | Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography | Jaswant Thada | Mehrangarh Fort
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography | Jaswant Thada | Mehrangarh Fort
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography | Jaswant Thada | Mehrangarh Fort
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography | Jaswant Thada | Mehrangarh Fort
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography | RAAS Jodhpur

We also spent a day in the countryside, driving through golden fields of wheat dotted with women in beautiful red saris carrying water and grains on their heads. Our destination was the Ranakpur Jain Temple—an extraordinary structure built in 1437 carved out 1,444 marble columns decorated with ornate carvings of elephants, lotus blossoms, and geometric patterns. We had the privilege of meeting the High Priest who, after he gave us a tour of the property, bestowed a birthday blessing for Ryan (whose birthday was the next day). It was a truly extraordinary experience and one we will cherish forever.

Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography | Rankapur Jain Temple
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography | Rankapur Jain Temple
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography |
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography |
Jodhpur India | Rajasthan | Molly Carr Photography | RAAS Jodhpur

Jodhpur India photos by by Molly Carr Photography | Images via Minolta CLE and iPhone 14 Pro

Travel

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

favorite Posts

more about Molly 

                                       I can't wait to learn more about your love story!

After pursuing my degree in fashion, I began my career as a travel photographer, exploring the world one country at a time and telling the stories of the people, places, art, and ideas that moved me. But, it was when I photographed my first destination wedding that I truly found my life’s calling.

My work is luminous, poetic, elegant, and above all, intentional. It will be my deepest honor to guide you through the wedding planning process, to help you create unforgettable moments and experiences, and, ultimately, to craft images where time stands still.

I'm Molly - an international wedding photographer eternally devoted to capturing the beauty of your union. 

Bonjour mon ami,

inquire

Planning your destination wedding?

Let’s create something beautiful together.

@mollycarrphotography

Old-world elegance with a hint of that French ‘je ne sais quois.’

Join us as we travel the world sharing beauty, art, love, and adventure along the way.

Voyager avec moi.