Jodhpur city

Jodhpur, once the capital of the former princely state of Marwar, is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. Flanked on its western side by the Mehrangarh Fort, and on the eastern side by the stately sandstone Palace of Umaid Bhawan; the monuments temples and gardens of Jodhpur depict a multi-faceted grandeur.

Founded in 1459 AD by the Suryavanshi Rao Jodha, Jodhpur gradually grew around the towering Mehrangarh Fort, built as a stronghold on the advice of a sage. Alongwith Bikaner and Jaisalmer, Jodhpur too is situated on the ancient silk route that linked Central Asia and Northern India with the seaports of Gujarat. As a result it became a major trading centre in the 16th century. Reminiscent of the bygone years is the fact that Jodhpur is still the leading centre for cattle, camels, wood, salt and agricultural crops. The beauty and imagination that has gone into the making of this monumental city proclaim the life-springs of creative genius that appear incongurent with the harshness of this land and its climate.

Mehrangarh Fort- In the turbulent political times of 1459 AD. Rao Jodha was adviced by a saint to establish an impregnable head-quarter and so, the Mehrangarh Fort was built on a steep hill. This formidable hill top fort is among the best in India with exquisitively latticed windows in residential apartments within. Carved panels and porches, elaborately adorned windows and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana, seem to make the medieval splendour come alive. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins, royal costumes, furniture and the cannons on the fort's ramparts are preserved.

Attractions Near Jodhpur
Jodhpur is well-known as the Blue City and Sun City. The beauty of the city is incomparable to any other city in the state of Rajasthan. However, to further elevate your experience of visiting Jodhpur, one can also plan a visit to some of the nearby historic locations. Some destinations that you should visit on your trip to Jodhpur are Khimsar, Nagaur, Khichan, Ranakpur, Pokhran, Pushkar, Kumbhalgarh, Jaisalmer, Mount Abu, Udaipur, Bikaner, Kishangarh, Deshnok, Ajmer, Barmer, etc. Not only are these places ideal tourist spots but they also let you explore the princely state of Rajasthan at its best.

Despite being a former principality of the British, Jodhpur is quite traditional looking. It does not show a lot of Western influence, rather is typical of the Rajasthani style and culture that is famous everywhere in the world. Men usually wear yellow and saffron turbans, with a dhoti and kurta, and women bright coloured sarees with earthen pots on their heads.

Whenever you take a trip to Jodhpur, make sure you try the street food. You can shop for bangles, textiles, and spices, and even bargain like a local. All you need to keep in mind is the weather conditions before heading out. The most suitable time for a holiday in Jodhpur are the months from October to March. The weather is plesant and favourable for those who wish to walk around in the city. Transportation is not a problem in Jodhpur, as all modes of transport operate there with a domestic airport in close proximity to the main city. The blue city is only five to six years away from the other cities in Rajasthan. So, you can also plan a complete Rajasthan tour instead of just spending time in Jodhpur!

Achal Nath Shivalaya: Constructed by Rao Ganga's queen Nanak Devi, this Shiva temple dates back to 1531. Made of Chhitar stone, the various parts of the temple are Garbh Griha, Kirtan Bhawan and Mandap. The major attraction of the Shivalaya is the Ganga Bawari that is a big water reservoir positioned near the Shivlinga.

Ganesh Temple: Located in Ratanada, this ancient temple of Jodhpur houses a statue of God Ganesh or Vinayakji.

Government Museum: Based amid the Umaid Public Gardens, this museum of the Jodhpur city has got a good collection of textiles, weapons, miniature portraits, local crafts, images of the Jain Tirthankars and many more.

Jaswant Thada: Situated towards the left side of the fort of Mehrangarh, this is a royal white marbled cenotaph. Mainly built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, this place even displays some of the rare portraits of Jodhpur's former rulers. The octagonal bungalow has now been converted to the office of the Income Tax Department.

Mehrangarh Fort: This is one of the most glorious fort in the city of Jodhpur. Built in the year 1459 by Rao Jodha, the fort includes several palaces, temples, galleries and a museum within its premises.

Rai ka Bag Palace: Built by the King Jaswant Singh First's queen Hadiji, this palace dates back to the year 1663. It is located close to Raika Bag palace railway station.

Raj Ranchhodji Temple: Constructed by Queen Jadechi Rajkanwar post her husband King Jaswant Singh's death, this red sandstone temple houses Ranchhodji's statue, which is made of black colored marble. Though the temple is beautifully decorated with filigree work, the main door is featured with yellow, blue and green colored glasses.

Sidhhanath: The long rock cut stairs, located on the Takhat Sagar hills, takes one to the Siddhnath Temple. The temple is even made up of rocks.

Umaid Bhawan Palace: Constructed in the 20th Century by Maharaja Umaid Singh, this is one of the captivating Jodhpur palaces. However, presently, a part of the Umaid Bhavan Palace has been transformed to a museum and a hotel.

Umaid Garden: Developed over an area of about 82 acres by Maharaja Umaid Singh, this garden includes green lawns, plants of rose and other seasonal flowers, Ashoka trees, fountains, a library, a zoo and a museum. It has even got a "Walk-in Aviary", which was constructed in the year 1978 to provide a platform to watch different kinds of birds, ducks, rabbits etc.