Desert Tales of Rajasthan, India

Jodhpur is not Rajasthan's most famous city, but it is many peoples' favourite (including ours). With friendly locals, an incredible fort, and the maze-like blue old city, there's plenty to do here to fill a few days. 

The Blue City has a real local charm that leaves many travellers smitten. Despite being a popular spot, that doesn’t seem to bother the locals who seemed as friendly as can be. I didn’t go to Jodhpur with particular expectations, but found that there is something special about this place that made me want to stay a while.

Key sights to make sure you visit include: 

- Mehrangarh Fort - take the audio tour to take in one of Rajasthan's most impressive forts with a great narrative. Arrive early at opening for fewer crowds. 

- Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park - just next to the fort is this ecotourism project garden, aimed at restoring native plant species to the area, and a nice place for a walk (best in the early morning or evening as there's not much shade). 

- The Blue City - this is the old city of Jodhpur, famous for its blue houses that were painted in Indigo to keep the mosquitos away! Bring your camera. If you get hungry while sightseeing, don't miss the Omelette Stalls near the clocktower. 

2-3 days is the perfect length of time to explore Jodhpur and take in the main sights. 

If you want to experience a more authentic version of the camel safari in Rajasthan, then a stay at HACRA, in Osiyan (2 hours drive from Jodhpur) is your answer. 

This village community tourism project offers simple accommodation and a glimpse of desert life in Rajasthan - it's not for those who can't do without a hot shower for a day or two, but if you value authentic experiences and understanding more about local culture, then this experience is highly recommended. 

Activities included learning about cooking from women in the village, village walks, camel rides and you can also choose to take a single or multi-day camel safari if you wish. 

HACRA is a sustainable and community lead homestay project who have a rustic homestay where you can experience living in simple huts and learning more about life for Rajasthani’s living in the desert.  This was one of my favourite experiences travelling through Rajasthan and taught me a lot about desert life.

There’s also now the option to stay at their new “Maharaja Camp” which consists of higher end glamping. 

All meals are vegetarian, home cooked and provided. Avoid all use of single use plastic and bring your own water filter as there's nowhere to properly dispose of water bottles and plastic here. 

Chandelao is a small village, about 40kms from Jodhpur, which nobody much has heard of. Which is why we recommend it! 

For a break from the tourists and tour buses, get off the beaten path here with a visit to this beautiful historical home and homestay (more like a hotel – this is a beautiful place) at Chandelao Garh.

The beautiful and comfortable homestay is the ancestral home of part of the Jodhpuri royal family. Run by Mr Praduman Singh, the welcome is warm, and they arrange “safaris” (jeep trips) around the surrounding village, countryside and local towns. You can learn more about rural life in Rajasthan as well as seeing birds and other wildlife. 

Make sure you visit Sunder Rang arts and crafts boutique next door to Chandelao, which is a cooperative employing local women and providing opportunities for them to sell local handicrafts to visitors. 

The easiest way to get here is to arrange a transfer or pickup from HACRA, or you can come from Jodhpur directly with Chandelao Garh.

Chandelao Garh offer a number of excursions from village safaris to birding drives and local market visits.