[ Edit ] Overview

The second largest city in the city of Rajasthan, Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rathore ruler of Marwar. Located in the Thar desert, the city is dominated by massive fort and palaces. The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a 10km long wall built almost a century after the city was founded. The wall has 8 gates leading out from the old city which has about 100 towers sacttered around the city. Due to its strategic location on the overland trade route between Delhi and Gujarat, Jodhpur became a flourishing trade centre.

Jodhpur has been called the “Blue city” because of the bluish hue created by the white washed houses around Mehrangarh Fort which is situated in the centre of the city, spread over an area of 5 kms. Even though the blue houses were originally meant only for a Brahmins, today non Brahmins also use the same color as it deflects the heat away and is also said to keep mosquitoes at bay. The palaces, forts and temples have made Jodhpur a popular tourist destination.

Mehrangarh Fort and Museum which dominates the heart of the city was founded by Rao Jodha when he shifted his capital from Mandore to Mehrangarh Fort. Mandore about 10 kms from Jodhpur, was the original capital of Mewar dynasty before Jodhpur became capital. Mandore is famous for the Shrine of Three Hundred Million Gods and 15 life sized structure carved out of rock and stone and painted in bright colours.

Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is one of the most majestic forts of Rajasthan, built of red sandstone with 7 gates to enter inside. Some of them are Jaypol Gate, Fatehpol Gate, Lahapol Gate. . There are many palaces, courtyards, lakes and temples in side the fort. Some of the beautiful palaces built inside this fort are Sukh Mahal built in Sukh Mahal lake, Moti Mahal whose ceiling is a spendid piece of art work, Phool Maha and Takht Mahal.

Umaid Bhawan Palace is also one of the star attarctions of Jodhpur. It is the only palace in Jodhpur built in the 20th century. The palace was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh to create jobs for the famine stricken people of the region in 1928. Built of marble and a special sandstone called Chittar sandstone, the architecture is a blend of Rajput, Jain and Art Deco styles. The design of the palace is the contribution of British Royal institute of Architects. The palace is huge with 347 rooms, eight dining areas, two theatres, one ballroom and huge reception halls. The palace has been partly converted to a luxury heritage hotel.

Some of the other places worth visiting around Jodhpur are Jaswant Thada, a memorial of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, who was highly respected by the people of Jodhpur. Balsamand Lake is an artificial lake and water reservoir, a popular picnic spot today. It was built in the 12th century with the Balsamand Palace, situated adjacent to the lake. Osian is a town in the Thar desert, about 60 kms from Jodhpur and was once a propsperous town due to rich Jains who built a lavish temple here with some beautiful sculptures. Today it is a desert oasis and home to many peacocks.

Kailana Lake, Mahamandir Temple, Luni Fort that has now been converted to a heriatge hotel and Dhawa Wildlife Sanctuary which have the largest number of cheetal and sambhars are also tourist attractions, close to Jodhpur worth visiting.

Jodhpur being a vibrant city with a rich historical past, has a large spopping varity to choose from. Giridkot and Sardar market are famous for handicrafts. Other famous things one can buy from here are silver jewellery, doorways, paintings, leather items, puppets, textiles etc. Do not miss out on tasting the thick creamy Makhani Lassi of Jodhpur.

Recent News

[ Edit ] History

Quick Facts

[ Edit ] State

Rajasthan

[ Edit ] Location

Jodhpur is located in the heart of Rajasthan’s Thar Desert

• 620km from Delhi,
• 331 km west of Jaipur 

[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit

Autumn through winter is the most welcoming time for tourist looking to visit Jodhpur as the summer heat is brutal.

[ Edit ] Tourist Offices

[ Edit ] STD Code

0291

Sightseeing

Balsamand Lake and Palace

Flying Fox Zipping - Adventure Sport

Jaswant Thada

Mandore

Mehrangarh Fort and Museum

Osian

Sardar Bazaar

Umaid Bhawan Palace

Weather

DAY: Fri	LOW: 26	HIGH: 31
DAY: Sat	LOW: 26	HIGH: 30

Map

[ARCHIVES ]