Jodhpur, once the capital of the Marwar state, was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha – chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who clamied to be descendants of Rama – the epic hero of the Ramayana. Set at the edge of the Thar desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert.

The massive 15th century A.D. Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall – 10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. A mojor trade center of the 16th century A.D., the fortress-city of Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. While the graceful palaces, forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city.

The jumble of wide winding streets are flanked with pavement stalls. The lifestyle in Jodhpur is unusually fascinating with folks wearing lovely multihued costumes, artistically designed. Women folk wear wide gathered skirts and a hiplength jacket, with three-quarter length sleeves, covering the front and back. The colourful turbans worn by the men folk add more colour to the city. It was from here that the popularly worn baggy-tight, horse riding trousers-‘Jodhpuris’ took their name.

Shopping In Jodhpur
Shopping in Jodhpur bazaars is a heady experience with a colourful display of the rich collection of exquisite handicrafts. The tie-and-dye fabric, embroidered ‘jutis’ or slippers in suede, camel skin, velvet and leather, beautiful silks, durries, marble souvenirs from Makrana, an extensive range of useful and decorative items and much more, can be found in these bazaars.

Festivals In Jodhpur
Countless festivities celebrate the rich past and culture of the princely state. The Marwar Festival held annually is one such spectacular bonanza.

Major Attractions - Jodhpur Travel Tourism

• Umid Bhawan Palace
  Umid Bhawan Palace is the only 20th century palace built under the famine relief project that gave employment to famine struck population. The palace was competed in 16 year. This opulent edifice in sandstone is still the residence of the former rulers with a part of it running as a hotel and remaining part as a museum.
• Mehrangarh Fort
  Mehrangarh Fort, a 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 m high hill is one of the most impressive and formidable structures. Although invincible from the outside, the fort has four gates approached by a winding road. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels with marvelously carved panels, latticed windows and evocative names. Noteworthy of these are the Moti Mahal, the Phool Mahal, the Sheesh Mahal, the Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana. These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs, miniature paintings of various schools, musical instruments, costumes and furniture.
• Girdikot and Sardar Market
  These colourful markets with tiny shops dotting the narrow lanes are situated in the heart of the city and are popular for a wide range of handicrafts, making them the favourite haunt of shoppers.
• Museum
  The museum has an exquisite ensemble of paintings, sculpture and antique weapons.
• Jaswant Thada
  A cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899 A.D. in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers.

How To Reach

• By Air
  Indian Airlines flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur.
• By Rail
  Direct rail connection with many important cities of the country. Some important train connections are: Marudhar Express ( Varanasi-Jodhpur). Paschim Express ( New Delhi – Jodhpur-Mumbai ).
• By Road
  Jodhpur can also be reached through a dense network of road connections. Delhi 597 km, Udaipur 260 km, Jaipur 336 km.