State : Rajasthan
Jodhpur is at the edge of the Thar desert and is the largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. The city is dominated by a massive fort, topping a sheer rocky ridge right in the middle of the town. Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rajput clan known as the Rathores. His descendants ruled not only Jodhpur, but also other Rajput princely states. The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by 10 kms long wall, built about a century after the city was founded. From the fort, you can clearly see where the old city ends and the new begins. It's fascinating to wander around the jumble of winding streets in the old city, out of which eight gates lead. Jodhpur is affectionately referred to as the ' Blue City ' because of the indigo-coloured houses in the old town. These can be seen from the ramparts of the mighty Mehrangarh, which looms high above the buzzing city.

Jodhpur History
Set at the edge of the Thar desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century A.D. Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. A major trade centre of the 16th century A.D. the fortress-city of Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan.


Place to See
Ummaid Bhawan Palace
Umaid BhawanOn the other side of the city, facing the fort is the Umaid Bhawan Palace also known as Chhittar Palace built as a famine relief project. It is said to be one of the finest surviving examples of Indo-colonial style of architecture in the world. It now runs as a hotel, though, a part of it has been retained as a museum and part as royal residence.

Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh FortLocated at the very centre of the city visible from the surrounding area is Mehrangarh literally meaning "Majestic Fort”. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins, furniture and cannons on the fort's ramparts are well - preserved.

Jaswant Thada
Close to the fort complex lies this white marble cenotaph, built in 1899, in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh Il where rare portraits of Jodhpur's rulers are also seen.

Balsamand Lake and Palace
This lake and garden complex lies about 7 kms from Jodhpur. Balak Rao Parihar constructed a 'Bundh' here in 1159, and Maharaja Sur Singh enlarged this ‘Bundh’. It is an artificial lake with a summer palace on the embankment.

Clock Tower and Sadar Market
A prime attraction of the city is the Clock Tower and the colourful Sardar Market near it with a wide range of handicrafts giving immense shopping pleasure to the locals.

Government Museum
In Ummaid public garden is situated a nicely displayed museum of local arts and crafts, exhibiting armory, textiles, miniature and paintings of Jodhpur school and big portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur.

Guda Bishnoi
There is a small artificial lake, where one can see migratory birds, blackbucks and chinkaras. 25 kms. away from Jodhpur, are the immaculately kept villages of the Bishnoi community renowned for their abiding concern for and practice of environmental conservation. Khejri trees and deer thrive in these villages.

Mandore
This was the former capital of Marwar situated about 9 kms north of Jodhpur. The gardens of Mandore house the royal cenotaphs or 'dewals' of the Maharajas. The Hall of Heroes contains 15 figures carved out of a rock wall and the Shrine of 33 crore Gods, is painted with figures of gods, spirits and divinities. They provide the perfect venue for The Marwar Festival, held in memory of the heroes of Rajasthan.

Ossian
The ancient city of Ossian is 65 kms from Jodhpur, which was once an important religious centre. It is known for its Brahmanical and Jain temples. The Surya temple has fascinating images of Durga, Surya and Ganesh in the same area


Fairs & Festivals
Gangaur Festivals
tYoung girls and newly married women praying for their loved one or husband respectively, offer prayers to Goddess Parvati in spring (March-April). A colourful procession follows the silver and gold palanquins of Goddess Parvati brought out from the City Palace. Ghever, the traditional sweet associated with this festival is prepared all over the city.

Nagaur Fair
This eight days fair held every year during the month of Jan-Feb, is popularly known as the Cattle fair and is the second largest in Rajasthan. Nagaur Town is the most picturesque of Rajput townships. Nagaur is a sea of animals, trading over 70,000 bullocks, camels and horses every year. The bullocks are known for their fleetness. Not only are the animals lavishly decorated, even their owners flaunt wearing colourful turbans and long moustaches..


How To Reach
Air : Indian Airlines operates flights from Jodhpur to Delhi, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jaipur and Mumbai.

Rail : here are rail connections to Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Kota, Bikaner, Ahmedabad and Delhi.

Road : There are various buses from Jodhpur to Udaipur, Jaipur, Ajmer, Jaisalmer, Ahmedabad and Delhi.