Jodhpur

Known as the ‘Sun City’, Jodhpur is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the country, pulling in tourists from every corner of the world every year.

The city is known for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all the year round. The old city circles the fort and is bounded by a wall with several gates. However, the city has expanded greatly outside the wall over the past several decades. Jodhpur lies near the geographic center of Rajasthan state, which makes it a convenient base for travel in a region much frequented by tourists.

The historic city’s origin dates to the year 1459 AD when it was founded by Rao Jodha, the Rajput chieftan of the Rathores. Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan, the state where it is located. It is divided into two parts - the old city and the new city. The old city is separated by a10 km long wall surrounding it. Also it has eight Gates leading out of it. The new city is outside the walled city.
                             


Jodhpur is a very popular tourist destination. The landscape is scenic and mesmerizing. Jodhpur city has many beautiful palaces and forts such as Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhavan Palace and Rai ka Bag Palace. Other charms of Jodhpur include Government museum and its beautiful Umed garden.

                             

Jodhpur is also known as the ‘Blue City’, an apt name as most houses in the old city are shades of blue. This is particularly noticeable on the north side of the town, known as Brahmpuri for the many Brahmins that live there.

The forts and palaces, temples and havelis, culture and tradition, spices and fabrics, colour and texture, a booming handicrafts industry, all add up to make this historic city worth a visit.

Jodhpur is well connected by road, rail and air to all major cities and towns.

Place of interest in the city includes Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada, Ghanta Ghar, Balsamand Lake, Kaylana Lake & Garden, Mandore, Mandaleshwar Mahadev Temple(Mandalnath), Ratanada Ganesh Temple, Sardar Samand Lake and Palace, Masooria Hills, Veer Durgadas Smarak (monument, park and museum), Bhim Bhirak Cave, among others.

Although this is a comparatively safe city, however it is advisable not to venture out late in the night alone. Beware of touts selling rail tickets or promising reservations on trains. It is a criminal offence to buy and sell tickets except from recognized agents or the reservation offices.