It’s not long now till the acclaimed and popular Jodhpur RIFF (Rajasthan International Folk Festival).

The event takes place between 1 and 5 October, which means there’s just enough time to book your accommodation with us and enjoy the festival by basing yourself in one of our beautiful Jodhpur homestays.

The RIFF is a five day showcase of quality arts and entertainment acts from across Rajasthan, celebrating the region’s colour and traditions.

The Guardian (UK) describes it as delivering “spectacular performance spaces and some of the wildest and most exciting music on the planet”.

This Jodhpur folk festival counts rock legend Mick Jagger among its biggest fans.

We currently have two properties in Jodhpur, offering spacious and comfortable accommodation with warm and friendly locals. While there, check out our other recommended things to do in Jodhpur.

Whet your interest further with these lovely photos of Jodhpur and this video from 2007′s Jodhpur RIFF:

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3. Jodhpur, Rajasthan: 5 Photos That Burst With Its Colour

These are our favourite things to do in Jodhpur. What are yours? Add your memories and recommendations below.

1. Explore Mehrangarh Fort

Give yourself a whole day to wander around what many say is India’s most impressive fort. Looming over Jodhpur and soaked in legend, Mehrangarh is an almost intimidating presence. It was built in the mid 15^th century under the orders of clan ruler Rao Jodha who wanted a safer alternative to his ancient base in Mandore. Inside its deep walls are seven ornate palaces and courtyards. The museum here is highly recommended.

2. …then see the place that Rao Jodha abandoned

Later Mandore resident Shri Sher Singh Ji Gehlot

To add some back-story to your fort trip, why not take a journey just five miles north to Mandore. This was the original Rathore (Rajput clan) capital until Rao Jodha moved everyone south. You’ll now find a fort in ruins – but wow, these are some beautiful ruins, and the trip is made worthwhile by the genteel atmosphere of the green surrounds.

3. Capture the blues

Keen photographers will be inspired by Jodhpur. The strong sunlight and rich palette of colours offer great potential for dazzling images. A trip around the old town is a must. Houses here are mainly painted in shades of blue. Strangely, no-one really knows why. Some say it is a way that members of the Brahmin caste have traditionally distinguished themselves; others say it’s all about protecting buildings from irritating insects. What’s certain is that it creates an impressive visual effect. This is also a great place to be nosey – homeowners often leave their doors open, providing the curious traveller with some sneaky views of Rajasthan family life (though if you are staying in a homestay, you’ll get a brilliant insight anyway).

4. Set out on a desert safari

Jodhpur is the starting point for the well-regarded Bishnoi village safari, an alternative trip through the sands of Rajasthan to the settlements of the Bishnoi community. These are people who treasure nature and live in isolated hut villages. Though founded in the 1400s, their aged principles seem pertinent to modern times: they forbid the destruction of the natural environment, including the felling of trees, and champion good health. Smoking is frowned upon. The journey there takes in wildlife such as black bucks, foxes, partridges and nilgai (known as blue bulls).

5. Enjoy a sugary high

Jodhpur is renowned for its sweets. It’s common in this city to begin a meal with a ‘sweetmeat’ dish, a tradition known as ‘mithi manuhar’. And the Jodhpur streets are blessed with countless sweet shops, often packed with sweet-toothed customers. The local speciality foods to ask for are Mave ki Kachori, Besan ki Chaaki and Maakhan Vade. Some dishes even include unusual desert roots that are believed to have medicinal properties.

6. Browse the buzzing bazaars

Shopping is a favourite pastime for many Jodhpur visitors, mainly because of the sheer quality and range of handicrafts found here. Fabrics, carpets, jewellery, leatherware, art and, famously, antiques are all in abundance. Sardar Market is a whirlwind of trade that centres on the city’s clocktower, but you will no doubt stumble upon smaller bazaars as you walk the streets. Kapra is popular for fabrics.

7. Get royally pampered

This one is for homestay guests only. Your homestay host will be able to arrange for Jodhpur’s best beauticians, hairdressers, masseurs and henna artists to call in at your convenience and deliver an indulgent treatment session of your own design. Speak to them about your requirements. Other unique experiences you can get staying in a homestay include bespoke cooking lessons and personal guided tours.

8. See the gypsy snake dance

Kalbeliya is an entrancing Rajasthan folk dance performed by the women of the Kalbeliya gypsy community. Where once they were on hand to entertain the Maharajah, now they are commonly found in hotels and at festivities, where they mesmerise to a percussive beat. Known as the ‘snakecharmer tribe’, the story of these proud nomadic people is fascinating and troubled.  Take a chance to see their Flamenco-esque twirls while you are in Jodhpur; in other spots in Rajasthan, including Pushkar, they have been moved on by authorities.

9. Follow in Lord Mountbatten’s hoof tracks

It’s not something many of us get to see on a regular basis. But as Jodhpur is home to a popular polo ground and gave its name to those infamous riding trousers, what better way to end your trip then with some horseplay? The season has a narrow timeframe, taking place in December only. Your homestay host will be able to advise on attending a match. But if you know how to ride a horse, it’s even possible to take a short course and play the game yourself at most other times of the year.

Is Jodhpur drawing you in? Get the most from your trip by staying with a friendly Rajasthan family in one of our Jodhpur homestays. Take a look and book easily online with Mahindra Homestays

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2. Jodhpur Folk Festival – Enjoy It With Us
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In the meantime we’ve been trawling Flickr for images that show off the vibrant colours that Rajasthan is famous for. Below we’ve handpicked our favourites.

Although Jodhpur is known especially for its dominant blues, the city is washed in brightness and startling contrasts. As these photos illustrate.

A Western visitor takes a Jodhpur baby onto her lap

The city rooftops

The Sadar Bazaar in Jodhpur is one of the oldest markets in India

Mehrangarh Fort

Smiling locals

Need a colourful holiday? See our Jodhpur homestays.

Related posts:

1. Charming Jodhpur: 9 Things To Do In Rajasthan’s Sun City
2. Jodhpur Folk Festival – Enjoy It With Us
3. Destination of the Month: May Summer Festival in Mount Abu, Rajasthan