Jodhpur - Rajasthan

Go Back

Jodhpur is located in the western region of Rajasthan and at the edge of the Thar Desert. Jodhpur is the second largest city of the state. Wander around and explore the fascinating region with historical monuments. Learn more about the legendary past of Jodhpur with the tour of historical places ofJodhpur - Rajasthan Jodhpur. There are numerous tourist attractions of Jodhpur that has historical significances. Mehrangarh Fort is a 5 km long fort and has four gateways. The fort stands on a 125 m high hill.Built in 1899 AD, Jaswant Thada showcases the magnificent work of white marble. Cheetar Palace (Umaid Bhawan Palace) is a 20th century structure. It took 16 years to complete the construction of the palace. A part of the palace has now been converted into aheritage hotel and another part houses a museum. Girdikot and Sardar Market is one of the oldest markets of the region. You can buy colorful handicraft from here. Government Umaid Museum houses rare paintings, weapons, sculptures and artifacts. A tour to Jodhpur never disappoints any travelers.

Located amidst the thorny vegetation and brittle yet awesome sand dunes, lies a grand fort above 120 meters. The city of Jodhpur is surrounded by 10-km long wall with eight gates. Here you can see a multitude of palaces, forts, temples and havelis, all celebrating the grandeur of Rajasthan.

Observe the city flourishing with traditional lifestyle and festivity throughout the year. The city has an extreme type of climate with temperature range variation being very high.

History of Jodhpur

Rao Jodha, the chief of Rathore clan of Rajputs, founded Jodhpur in the year 1459 A.D. Situated on the edge of the vast Thar Desert, Jodhpur echoes with the heroic and historical tales of various kings and queens. Once, a major trade centre in the 16th century A.D, Jodhpur is now considered to be 'the second largest city' of Rajasthan Lying on the strategic Delhi-Gujrat trading route, Jodhpur made people benefit from the traffic of opium, copper, silk, dates and coffee. Explore the history of Jodhpur during Jodhpur Travel

Mughal emperor Akbar was also not left untouched by the growing richness of Jodhpur; he ensured an alliance with the Rathore clan by marrying the sister of Rao Udai Singh. The history of Jodhpur includes the old city of Jodhpur that is fenced with a 10 km long wall with 8 Gates leading out of it and the new city that is situated outside the walled old city. Sir Pratap Singh, son of Maharaja of Jodhpur laid the foundation of modern Jodhpur.

Places must see...

Government Museum - Jodhpur

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.

Marwar Festival

Marwar Festival is held every year in memory of the heroes of Rajasthan. The festival is held in the month of Ashwin (September-October) in Jodhpur, for two days during the full moon of Sharad Poornima.

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.

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.

Mehrangarh Fort Museum

This is an excellent museum with rare and interesting artifacts, textiles, painting transport items etc laid out with utmost care and thought. The Palanquin Gallery and Howdah Gallery display a superb collection of old and costly specimens of great historical value.

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.

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.

Umaid Bhawan Museum

Recently the ruling family of Jodhpur has converted a part of the gigantic Umaid Bhawan Palace as the palace museum.

Excursions from Jodhpur

Mandore (8Km.)

Situated 9-kms north of the city of Jodhpur, is Mandore which, was the capital of Marwar prior to the foundation of Jodhpur.Today, its extensive gardens with high rock terraces make it a popular local attraction. The gardens also contain the cenotaphs of Jodhpur rulers.

Ossian (65Km.)

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.

Sardar Samand Lake (55Km.)

Nestled in the vicinity of the city of Jodhpur, is the astoundingly scenic Sardar Samand Lake. The lake lies 60-kms south-east of Jodhpur off the Jodhpur-Pali route.

Balsamand Lake & Palace (7Km.)

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.

Fairs & Festivals - Jodhpur

The Marwar Festival - Held in October, this festival brings alive the legend, folklore and romantic lifestyle of Rajasthan's rulers.

How To Get There - Jodhpur

By 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.

By Air

Jodhpur has its own airport and regular flight services conect the city with other major cities in and around Rajasthan.

By Road

The state transport has bus services from other cities of the state and some services are interstate too.

Places To Stay - Jodhpur

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.

Shopping - Jodhpur

Where to Shop in Jodhpur

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

The city comes alive with...

The best season to visit the city is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and enjoyable.