Jodhpur

Introducing Jodhpur
Located in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan, Jodhpur is the second largest city of the state. Jodhpur is another city that received great patronage from the Rajput rulers of the place. As a result, many magnificent monuments of the period adorn the landscape of the city. Located near the Thar desert, Jodhpur, instead of giving the impression of a moribund land in the midst of desert stands proudly as a city promoting entrepreneurship, scholarship and the art and heritage of medieval period. Jodhpur, also called an island of marble palaces is separated from the desert by a huge wall. Popularly called the blue city, Jodhpur is like an oasis in the midst of a vast desert. A few animal species that can survive in dry and arid climate could also be found in the city.

Jodhpur was established by Rajput chief Rao Jodha in 1459. Like Jaipur, Jodhpur is also surrounded by a long wall consisting of 8 doors. Furthermore, there are 100 towers all around the wall. Situated on the edge of the Thar Desert in western Rajasthan, Jodhpur is surrounded by the cities of Jaisalmer, Barmar, Jalor, Pali and Bikaner.

Climate
Located on the edge of the desert, the climate of Jodhpur is very harsh, particularly during summers. Jodhpur receives very little rainfall and the climate remains dry for most part of the year. Dust winds may also blow during day time. In summers, temperatures may shoot beyond 45 degrees. Winters are cool and pleasant.

Best time to visit
November-February

How to reach
Air : There is an airport in Jodhpur. Flights are available from Delhi and other major destinations of the country. The frequency of flights may be less during the lean season.

Rail : Jodhpur is well connected by broad-gauge network with the rest of Rajasthan and other parts of the country. Express train services are available from many destinations including Delhi.

Road : Tourists can board luxury and deluxe buses that operate regularly between Jodhpur and major destinations of north India. Regular deluxe bus services are also available from national capital Delhi.

Where to Stay
Jodhpur offers many accommodation choices to suit the purse of all categories of tourists. Umaid Bhawan Palace and Taj Hari Mahal are the two 5 star category hotels of the place. Hotels in the heritage category include Ajit Bhawan and Bal Samand Lake Palace.

Attractions in Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort : The fort of Mehrangarh is regarded as one of the most impressive and formidable structures in the whole of Rajasthan. The fort stretches to a length of 5 kms and is located on a 125 metre high elevated land. The fort was built in such a way that it becomes almost impossible for enemies to intrude into it. The fort houses a few palaces whose architecture is very impressive.
Jaswant Thada : Jaswant Thada houses the cenotaphs of many Rajput royals. It was built in white marble in the year 1899 A.D. in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. There are portraits of various Jodhpur rulers within the main cenotaph.

Umaid Bhawan Palace : The Umaid Bhawan Palace is an example of the early modern period architecture. A relatively new building, the magnificent Umaid Bhawan was built in early 20th century only. Taking full 16 years for completion, the purpose of building Umaid Bhawan was to give employment to the famine struck population of the place. The descendants of some former royals still stay at the palace. A section of it has been converted into hotel and museum.

Excursion Places near Jodhpur
Balsamand Lake and Garden : Located some 7 kms away from Jodhpur is Balsamand Lake, a popular excursion destination from Jodhpur.Balsamand is an artificial lake constructed way back in the year 1159 A.D. The place has a breathtaking beauty.

The Mahamandir Temple : At a distance of 9 kms from Jodhpur, Mahamandir temple is visited by devotees in large numbers. The architecture of the temple is most impressive. There are intricate carvings in stones including 84 well carved pillars. This temple was built in the year 1812.

Dhawa : Dhawa is a small wildlife sanctuary located at a distance of 45 kms from Jodhpur. It is one of the few places of Rajasthan where there is an abundance of greenery. It has a large population of cheetah and sambhar.

Osian : Osian is an oasis in the desert located some 58 kms from Jodhpur. Many tourists visit Osian to have a glimpse of the splendid sunset view available from the place. Osian is a very popular picnic spot for the local people.

Shopping in Jodhpur
Jodhpur has a flourishing trade in exports and imports. Many foreign traders come directly to Jodhpur bypassing other Indian cities. Expectedly, therefore, a wide variety of items are available in Jodhpur. The handicrafts and antique pieces of the place are most popular. Other popular items include silver jewellery, leather goods, carpets and durries, textiles and furnitures. The central shopping place of Jodhpur is known as Ghasmandi Bazaar.

Jodhpur Tour Packages

Palace On Wheels (08 Days) Features : Travel through the colorful cities of Rajasthan with the royal courtesy. It is an eight days tour in the most coveted train serving the state. Jodhpur is one of the places you will be going through. Your excursion will include visits to the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan. Other destinations to be visited include Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur , Sawai Madhopur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur, Agra, Delhi.

	Desert Expeditions (13 Days) Features : An adventure package, this tour gives you a day at the popular Jodhpur city. Visit the famous fort and Royal cenotaphs in this city. You will get to explore through some of the desert outbacks of Rajasthan. The cities covered in the tour includes Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Mandawa, Jaipur, Agra, New Delhi, Mumbai.

Romantic Maharaja Tour (20 Days) Features : Delhi city tour, a trip to famous Bharatpur sanctuary, exploring the Pink City, a day tour to famous Jodhpur city - are some of the tour highlights of this package. With a full day sight-seeing at Jodhpur you will get to know about places like Umaid Bhawan, Balsamand Lake and more. Romantic Maharaja Tour takes you to a lot many destinations in Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan. An excellent opportunity for globe trotters. Other destinations include Delhi, Agra, Bharatpur, Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur, Narlai, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Gajner, Bikaner, Shekhavati.

Rajasthan Heritage Tour (17 Days) Features : As the name suggests the package covers the heritage places that have earned a fame in the state of Rajasthan. It is full seventeen days tour and gives you a complete day to explore the city of Jodhpur. Capture the beauty at many a tourist attractions at Jodhpur, including Mehrangarh Fort. Other places included in the tour schedule are Delhi, Mandawa, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Jaipur, Bharatpur, Agra.