Jodhpur is the second largest city of the state of Rajasthan. It draws the attention of visitors from all over the world, for standing as the sentinel at the country's western border, Jodhpur is famous for magnificent forts and palaces.

Jodhpur is situated at the edge of the Thar Desert, with Jaisalmer to the west, Barmar, Jalor and Pali to the south, Bikaner to the north, and Nagaur to the east. It has a typical desert climate, dry and hot, and the ideal time to visit  is the period between November and March. The city is like an oasis in the vast desert, with a variety of thorny shrubs and cacti providing shelter and food to the desert animals that can be found here in this dry, arid environment.

The Rajput chief Rao Jodha founded the city of Jodhpur in 1459. Earlier, it was the capital of the Marwar state of Rajasthan. A 10km long wall made of stone surrounds the city, while eight doors lead to the different parts of the city. 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, can be seen alongside these walls.

PLACES TO VISIT

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 sculptors.
Within, 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.

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.

Clock Tower & Sadar Market - In the old city a clock tower is a prominent land mark. Nearby though, the main attraction is the Sadar market. The market has kept alive the old bazaar culture, with the sights, sounds and smells of a town busy with trade in local produce, crafts and textiles.

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.
 

EXCURSIONS

Mandore : Towards the north of Jodhpur is the ancient capital of Marwar, Mandore. It is just 8 Kms from the city. Main attractions include the Hall of Heroes, where sixteen huge figures are carved from a single rock, the Shrine of 330 Million Gods, and the royal cenotaphs. But one can not miss the caves and the sprawling gardens, which are now a shelter place for monkeys and peacocks. the lush greenery of the place makes Mandore, in a true sense, a blissful relief of an oasis.

Ossian : 65 Kms from Jodhpur lies ruins of an ancient city called Ossian. This city is famous for Brahmanical and Jain temples dating to the 8th and 11th century. The Surya, or the Sun Temple, and the Sachiya temples are famous for their beauty, clustered by rows of turrets, an ambulatories and and elaborate decorative interiors.

Guda Bishnoi : 25km from Jodhpur, these 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 specked with the deer which thrive there.

Balsamand Lake and Palace : This picturesque artificial lake is 7 Kms from the main city. Summer palaces along the banks and a bird sanctuary make it an enchanting picnic spot.

Sardar Samand Lake and Palace : Rajasthani village life and vibrant cultural colours come alive as you take a drive along the 55 Kms stretch by the lake.  Enjoy s glorious view only interrupted by the chinkaras and black bucks who frisk beside the road.

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

Originally known as the Maand Festival, this festival features folk music centered on the romantic lifestyle of Rajasthan's rulers. This festival is devoted to the music and dance of the Marwar region and offers a good opportunity to see the folk dancers and singers who assemble here and provide hours of lively entertainment. These folk artists provide a glimpse of days gone by. Battles fought and valiant heroes lost still live on in their songs.

Other attractions at the festival are the camel tattoo show and polo. The impressive Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mandore and Mehrangarh Fort, which are symbols of might and valour, provide the ideal venue for these cultural extravaganza, which form an integral part of the festival.