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Amidst
the sand dunes and thorny vegetation of Thar desert towers a fort, 120
metres above the plain. The fort overlooks the imperial city of Jodhpur,
which is a part of the Desert Tourist Triangle. The old Jodhpur city is
surrounded by a 10 km long wall with eight gates serving as entrances. The
new city is settled around this walled area. The Maruthal or 'land of
death' , came into life when the Rathores of Kanauj moved in. But the city
of Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodhaji in 1459 AD. This city was on the
silk route of the 16th century and hence was host to a number of
travellers.
In Jodhpur, the genius of its sculptors comes to life in its exquisite
palaces, forts, temples and havelis, which stand testimony to the imperial
grandeur. The most alluring part of Jodhpur is the traditional lifestyle,
festivity and the smiling people who treasure this former princely state.
FORTS
Mehrangarh
Fort - Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the
largest forts in India. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in
the fort narrates a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of
skilled Jodhpuri sculptures. more...
PALACES
Umaid
Bhawan Palace - The only palace built in 20th century under the
famine relief programme, has now been converted into a hotel with some
parts being retained as a museum. more...
Jaswant Thada - The 19th century royal cenotaph is built in white
marble, in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Some rare portraits of
the rulers of Jodhpur are also displayed here.
MUSEUMS
Government
Museum - This museum has a rich collection of weapons, textiles,
miniature portraits, local crafts and images of Jain Tirthankars. It is
situated in the middle of the Umaid public gardens. more...
OTHERS
Clock Tower & Sadar Market - In the old city, clock tower is a
prominent land mark. But main attraction is the Sadar Market. The market
has kept alive the old 'haat bazaar' culture.
PALACE ON WHEELS
Ever wondered what luxury in the royal times was all about! Welcome to
Palace On Wheels, a luxury train that carries with it an ambience of the
Rajputana era and an exciting fairytale journey, which takes the visitor
to the imperial cities of Rajasthan every single day. The coaches also
carry out an image of the Rajput states with beautiful interiors. Last but
not the least the "Royal Treat" for the passengers on board
include saloons, bar lounges & libraries in every coach as well as
restaurant and organized shopping facilites. more...
CITIES
Mandore
: Towards the north of Jodhpur is the ancient capital of Marwar, Mandore.
It is just 8 kms from the city. Main attractions of the place are Hall of
Heroes with sixteen huge figures carved out of a single rock, the shrine
of 330 million Gods and the royal cenotaphs. But one can not miss the
caves in crags and the sprawling gardens, which are now shelter place for
monkeys and peacocks. Greenery of the place makes Mandore, in true sense,
an oasis. more...
TEMPLES
Ossian
: 65-km from Jodhpur, lie ruins of an ancient city called Ossian. This
city is famous for Brahmanical and Jain temples, which belong to 8th and
11th century. Surya or Sun temple and the Sachiya temples are famous for
their beauty. The 'shikhar' of Sachiya temple is clustered by two rows of
turrets, an ambulatory and a large assembly 
hall
with an elaborate ceiling. more...
TRIBES
Guda Bishnoi : The villages are inhabitated by the Bishnoi tribe
who are staunch believers in the sanctity of plant and animal life.
Villages are marked by Khejri trees and deers, which thrive there. 25 kms
from Jodhpur.
LAKES AND PALACES
Balsamand Lake & Palace : This picturesque artificial lake is
7 kms from the main city. Summer palaces along the embankment and a bird
sanctuary has made it a picnic spot.
Sardar
Samand Lake and Palace : Rajasthani village life and vibrant
cultural colours come alive as you drive along the 55 kms stretch. The
monotony of the drive is broken by Chinkaras and Black Bucks who frisk
pass the road. more...
Air: Jodhpur has its own airport and regular flight
services conect the city with other major cities in and around Rajasthan.
Rail: The city is also well connected by the railway lines and
trains are available for other major cities in the country from here. The
'Palace on Wheels' also visits this city of royal splendour.
Road: The state transport has bus services from other cities of
the state and some services are interstate too.
The variety of hotels and guest houses in Jodhpur makes one feel at home. Accommodation here is available to suit tourists of every budget. Hotel Karni Bhawan, Ajit Bhawan are heritage hotels. The Rajasthan Tourism Department has the Ghoomar Hotel. The palace hotels options include theUmaid Bhawan Palace, Ratanada Polo Palace, Rajputana Palace. Raj Basera also provides good accommodation facilities. There are low budget accommodations avaialable too.
The Marwar Festival - Held in October, this festival brings alive the legend, folklore and romantic lifestyle of Rajasthan's rulers.
The Sadar Market near the Clock Tower gives immense shopping pleasure to the locals as well as the visitors. The colourful but hectic bazaar consists of many narrow lanes, lined with tiny shops. Look for the tie & dye textiles, embroidered leather shoes, lacquerware, antiques, carpets and puppets. Here, one can buy exquisite Rajasthani textiles, clay figurines, miniature camels and elephants, marble inlay work and classic silver jewellery.
Regional Tourist Office (Jodhpur Division) -
Tourist Research Centre, Hotel Ghoomar, High Court Road, Jodhpur,
Rajasthan, India.
Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (RTDC) - Tourist
Centre, Hotel Swagatam, Office Annexe Near Railway Station, Jaipur -
302006 (Rajasthan) India
Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan (DOTGOR) - Paryatan
Bhawan, Govt. Hostel Campus, M.I. Road Jaipur - 302 001 (Rajasthan) India
Tourist Reception Centre - Rajasthan Tourism Bikaner House, Near
India Gate New Delhi - 110001 India
Jodhpur has extreme type of climate with temperature range variation being very high. Average rainfall is 32 cm annually. The best season to visit the city is between October and March.
Mandore:
8-km
Ossian:
64-km
Ajmer:
205-km
Bikaner:
256-km
Jaisalmer:
285-km
MAIN LANGUAGES Rajasthani, Hindi & English
Beware of touts and make sure that you are not lost among
the innumerable palaces in the forts and the colourful tradition.