Jodhpur is the second largest city of the state of Rajasthan. It has been drawing the attention of tourists from all over the world. Standing as the sentinel of the country's western border, Jodhpur is famous for its magnificent forts and palaces 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.

Location :
Jodhpur is situated at the edge of the Thar Desert with Jaisalmer on its west, Barmar, Jalor and Pali on its south, Bikaner on its north, and Nagaur on the eastern side and Nagaur on the eastern side. The ideal time to visit this place is the period between November and March. The city is like an oasis in the vast desert, with a variety of thorny shrubs all over the area. It also has some of the animal species that can survive in an arid and dry environment.

History Of Jodhpur
The Rajput chief Rao Jodha founded the city of Jodhpur in 1459. Earlier, it was the capital of the Marwar state of Rajasthan. A 10-km-long wall made of stone surrounds the city. Eight doors stand all through the wall leading to different places of Jodhpur. The city has about 100 towers most of which are surrounded by defensive battlements. The guards' chambers, constructed high up above the ground and fitted with iron spikes on top, could be seen alongside these walls.

Places Of Interest ( Jodhpur)

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. Inside the fort, there is a series of courtyards and palaces.

Umaid Bhawan Palace
Built of marble and pink sandstone, this immense palace is also known as the Chittar Palace because of the local Chittar sandstone used. 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.

Jaswant Thada
This white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II is a short distance from the fort, just off the fort road. The cenotaph, built in 1899, was followed by the royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs which stand nearby. There is some beautiful marble jali work and fine views from the terrace in front of the cenotaph.

Clock Tower & Sadar Market
The clock tower is a popular landmark in the old city. The vibrant Sardar Market is close to the tower, and narrow alleys lead from here to bazaars selling vegetables, spices, Indian sweets, textiles, silver and handicrafts. It is a great place to ramble around at leisure.

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.

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 where sixteen huge figures which have been 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.

Balsamand Palace & Maha Mandir
Maha Mandir is about 4 kms north-east of the city.It is built around a 100 - pillared Shiva temple. Balsamand is a comfortable and serene hotel. Summer palaces along the embankment and a bird sanctuary has made it a picnic spot.

Sardar Samand Lake and Palace
The route to this wildlife centre, 66 kms south-east of Jodhpur, passes through a number of colourful little villages. Some of the wildlife to be seen at the lake includes blackbuck, chinkara and a variety of birdlife. Sardar Samand Palace, formely the maharaja of Jodhpur's summer palace, has now been converted into a hotel.

Best Season to visit
October to February