Jodhpur, the largest city after Jaipur, standing at the edge of the Thar Desert echoes the tales of antiquity. The imperial city was founded in the year 1459 AD and named after its founder Rao Jodha who moved the capital of Marwar from Lodhruva. The Rajput clan of this place claims to be the descendents of Rama, the hero of the Ramayana. Jodhpur was once the capital of the Rathore Kingdom familiarly known as Marwah, the Land of Death. The fortress city was a major trade center of Rajasthan during the 16th century and can be seen garlanded with palaces, forts and temples, all of which brings back to life the historic romantic aura of the place. The turban wear and the folk costumes adds mystic colour to the city.The city lies at a distance of 332 km from Jaipur and 621kms from Delhi.

Best Time to Visit
The temperature of Jodhpur varies from a maximum of 40°C in the summers to a minimum of 11°C in the winter with an average rainfall of 359.5mm. November and March are the best time for a journey to Jodhpur with pleasant and sunny days.

Major Attractions of Jodhpur

Mehrangarh Fort
One of the majestic forts of India still run by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, Meherangarh Fort is spread across a 125m high hill on the sloppy terrains of the Aravallis. The fort built originally in the early part of the 19th century displays its exquisitely carved panels and porches with the decorated walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and Daulat Khana.

To the right is the Chhatri of Kirat Singh Sodha built over the site of a soldier who died defending the place against the Jaipurians. Among the seven gates, the Jayapol, built by Maharaja Man Singh after his victory over the armies of Jaipur, is the main entrance to the Fort. The Fatehpol or Victory Gate at the south west of the Fort was erected by Maharaja Ajit Singh to commemorate his triumph over the Mughals. The final gate is the Lohapol or Iron Gate where the widow of Man Singh threw herself upon his funeral pyre committing Sati or self immolation.

The fort has its own appeal with brilliantly stained glass, narrow stair cases built to access the royal residence and the crafted furnitures and palanquins. The three gates of the fort commemorate the victory of the fort over its enemies.

The Umaid Bhawan Palace
Chittor Palace as it is better known, since it was built with sandstone brought from Chittor in the 20th century. Began in 1929, the palace took 15 years to get completed and has a western touch as it was designed by the British Royal Institute of Architects. The palace caters to 300 rooms having its own home theatre, 8 large dinning rooms with a banquet hall of 300 seating capacity. The ball room is designed in western style and the swimming pool with mosaic of zodiac symbols. Now, the Palace has been converted to a heritage hotel and still houses the royal family where the present Maharaja Gaj Singh II resides with his family.

Mehrangarh Fort Museum
The pleasant Umaid Gardens contain the Government Museum or the Mehrangarh Fort Museum which is adorned with opulent accumulation of weapons, fabric, midget portraits, paintings, and sculptures of Jain Tirthankars. Most prominent ones to go for a closer view are the Palanquin Gallery and Howdah Gallery which treasures ancient age specimens. The moth -eaten stuffed animals, the biplane models in the military sections are exciting to the core of the heart.

Jaswant Thada
The white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II is situated at a distance of 400m north east of the fort . The cenotaph was built in 1899 and later the crematorium and three other cenotaph stand nearby. There is a marble jali over the windows and carved doors. A little garden of flower shrub is placed in the front and nearby lies the Devakund to the west of the cenotaph.

Marwar Festivals
The Marwar festival is held in the month of September to October on the full moon day. The festival conforms to the culture of the Marwah community. It transforms them to a mood of dance and festivity with lively performance by the artists on folk music. Visitors often go to the place to view the festival in its full blossom.

Nearby Attractions of Jodhpur
Balsammand Lake & Palace
The lake palace built in the 19th century on the hillocks facing Balsammand lake is one unique place that offer the pleasure of recreation in a palace by the side of a beautiful lake. Constructed by Maharaj Sur Singh as a summer retreat, it is finely carved with latticed windows that allows the breeze to flow in to the interiors of the palace. The dome structured embarkments offer a fantastic view of the hills from within the palace. The palace being situated in Mandora enjoys the calm life away from the city.

Shopping
Jodhpur is famous for its tie and dye work, hand woven carpets, leather shoes with embroidery work, and puppets. Sadar Market is the main shopping area with many shops showcasing silver ornaments, marble stone work and clay work

Accommodation in Jodhpur Hotels
There are numerous luxury, heritage, deluxe and budget hotels in Jodhpur to suit the need of various visitors. Five star deluxe includes the Taj Mahal Hotel, the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Among the first class are the Ratnananda Polo Palace and in heritage stay is the Ajit Bhawan palace.

How to Reach
By Air - Jodhpur Airport is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Udaipur by daily flights.

By Rail - Direct rail services available to many important cities of the country. Some important train connection are Marudhar Express from Varanasi to Jodhpur Barmer Express, Ranakpur Express, Paschim Express etc.

By Road - Jodhpur can also be reached through a good network of road connections. Delhi 597 km, and Jaipur 336 kms are some of the nearest important destinations.