Village trails of Jodhpur: Discovering rural Rajasthan beyond the Blue City

Jodhpur, often celebrated for its majestic Mehrangarh Fort and the indigo-hued streets of the old city, offers much more than regal architecture and urban culture.

- TDG NETWORK

Beyond the sandstone walls and bustling bazaars lies a quieter, deeply rooted experience — the villages that surround Jodhpur. These rural hamlets provide a rich, textured insight into the authentic lifestyle of Rajasthan’s desert communities. Travelling through these villages is not just a journey through space, but through time, culture, craft, and connection.

Just a short drive from Jodhpur, the village of Salawas is renowned for its durries — handwoven cotton rugs that carry the legacy of generations. The artisans here work in small workshops attached to their homes, spinning vibrant geometric patterns with simple looms. A visit to Salawas is more than just an opportunity to buy handcrafted textiles; it’s a chance to sit beside a weaver, observe the slow rhythm of thread turning into fabric, and understand the patience and pride involved in every finished piece. The community is welcoming, and many weavers are eager to explain the symbolism behind their patterns, which often draw from nature and folklore.

Nearby lies the village of Sodawas, a less-touristy gem that allows for a deeper immersion into rural life. Here, the camel is still a daily companion - not just for transport but for agricultural tasks and even as a social symbol. In Sodawas, the pace is slower, the air drier, and the silence only broken by the occasional bleating of goats or the rhythmic clang of a blacksmith’s hammer. Visitors can witness age-old farming techniques, explore local temples, and interact with families who maintain traditional mud homes with painted walls and thatched roofs. The hospitality in such villages is heartwarming, with many families inviting visitors for chai or a taste of bajra roti cooked on open fire.