Jodhpur also called fondly as the sun city, the second largest city of Rajasthan, at the edge of the Thar desert was once the capital of the Marwar state. It was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - hero of the epic 'Ramayana'. The city dominated by the massive Mehrangarh fort on a rocky hill is charming with its wealth of historic attractions and colourful markets which specialises in antiques. The city was on the silk route of the 16th century hense was host to a number of travellers. It is still one of the leading centres of wool, cattle, camels and salt. 

Map of Jodhpur (click to enlarge)

Places you can see in Jodhpur

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 sculptures. Mehrangarh Fort, spreading over 5 km on a perpendicular hill and looking down 125 meters, presents a majestic view on city horizon.
It was built on advice of a saint in 1459 to establish an impregnable head-quarter. This Fort is one of the best in India with its exquisitely latticed windows, carved panels, elaborately adorned windows and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins, royal costumes, furniture and the cannons on the fort's ramparts are well preserved.

Jaswant Thada
Close to the fort complex, lies Jaswant Thada. This 19th century royal cenotaph built in white marble in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and three other cenotaphs, stand nearby. The cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh holds the rare portraits of the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur. A visit inside the cenotaphs, with some villagers of the region, would bring forward the reverence they still hold for their brave kings
 
Umaid Bhawan Palace
The romantic looking Umaid Bhawan Palace was actually built with the purpose of giving employment to the people of Jodhpur during a long drawn famine. The royal family of Jodhpur still lives in a part of the palace.Another part of the palace houses a well-maintained museum, displaying an amazing array of items belonging to the Maharaja and the royal family - weapons, antiques & fascinating clocks, crockery and trophies 

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.

Rai-ka-Bag Palace
This palace is situated near Raika Bag palace railway station. It was constructed in 1663 by Hadiji, queen of king jaswant Singh-I. King Jaswant Singh-II liked this palace very much. He mostly stayed in the octagonal bunglow of this palace. In 1883 when Swami Dayanand Saraswati came to Jodhpur, his sermons were arranged for the public in the public ground of this palace. Even Jaswant Singh used to listen to Swami Dayanand in this palace only. Now income tax office functions in this palace.

Umed Garden
Umed garden covers an area of 82 acres. developed by Maharaja Umed Singh, it has green lawns, towering Ashoka trees, roses and seasonal flowers, museum, fountains, library and a zoo.In 1978 'Walk-in Aviary' was constructed there one could see different types of birds, local, African and Australian parrots, ducks, rabbits etc; in their natural environment. There are large cages for bears, foxes, deers, lions leopard etc. It is place frequented by children and adults with equal interest.

Raj Ranchhodji Temple
It was made by queen Jadechi Rajkanwar after the death of her husband, king Jaswant Singh. Major Part of the temple is made of red sandstone, carved with beautiful filigree work. The heart of the temple has the statue of Ranchhodji made of black marble.It has green, yellow and blue glassess fixed on its main door.

Achal Nath Shivalaya
Achal Nath Shivalaya was constructed by Nanak Devi, queen of Rao Ganga. The construction was completed on 21st May 1531. A large water reservoir called Bawari was made near the Shivlinga which is known as Ganga Bawari. The Garbh Griha, Mandap and Kirtan Bhawan of the temple are made of carved Chhitar stone.

Siddhnath
Siddhnath Shiv temple is located between Takhat Sagar hills. On the road going from the right of filter house on Jodhpur-Chopasani Road, on crossing the stairs made by cutting rocks, one can reach Siddhnath temple. Many years ago it was an absolutely deserted place. And because of that, a hermit Veetragi Narain Swami started staying here. He was a highly worshipped and respected saint, known in the nearby areas. Once a handicapped saint named Gaurishanker, later known as Nepali Baba, came to this place. He had only four fingers in each of his hand and foot. He made a big temple by cutting stones, which is now known as Siddhnath.

Ganesh Temple
The area which is called Ratanada was named after a dog called Rata. About 150 years ago a teacher Radidas in a place called Gorunda saw a statue of Vinayakji in the hills of Ratanada. The statue is eight feet high and five feet wide.

Mandore
Towards the north of Jodhpur is the ancient capital of Marwar, Mandore. It is just 8 Kms from the city. Main attractions of the place are hall of Heroes where sixteen huge figures which have been carved out of a single rock, the shrine of 330 million Gods and the royal cenotaphs. This area is of immense historical importance but what makes it worthy of a visit is the Hall of Heroes. Sixteen gigantic figures carved out of a single rock depicting popular Hindu and folk deities stand there in bright colours and are well maintained. But one can not miss the caves in crags and the sprawling gardens, which are now shelter place for monkeys and peacocks. Greenery of the place makes Mandore, in true sense, an oasis. 

Ossian
65 Kms from Jodhpur, lies ruins of an ancient city called Ossian. This city is famous for Brahmanical and Jain temples, which belong to 8th and 11th century. Surya or Sun temple and the Sachiya temples are famous for their beauty. The shikhar of Sachiya temple is clustered by two rows of turrets, an ambulatory and a large assembly hall with an elaborate ceiling. This town which was once a great trading centre is an oasis and houses an abundance of peacocks. The largest of the 16 Jain and Brahmanical temples is dedicated to Mahavira, the last of the Jain tirthankars. In the same area the Surya temple has fascinating images of Durga, Surya and Ganesh. The sculptural intricacy of the Osian temples rival that of any of the famous temples of the country, be it the Sun Temple of Konark, or the Hoysala temples of Karnataka.

Balsammand Lake & Palace
Many a times you must have dreamt of staying in a huge, royal palace on the sea-shore or on the banks of river or if not both at least a palace facing the water reservoir. There is such a place at Mandore in Rajasthan .The 19th Century sandstone palace built on a hillock facing Balsammand lake is one of such places that's definitely going to win your heart.  
The palace was created by Maharajah Sur Singhji, as a summer pavilion. It is very finely carved with latticed windows that allow the soft, cool breeze to blow into the interiors of the palace. The embankments of the lake, in front of the palace, have domed structure that offers fabulous views of the lake encircled by hills. An artificial cascading waterfall, brings water down from the reservoir to the gardens. Mandore, is a part of Jodhpur but it enjoys the calmness by being far from the city crowd.
The rooms and suites, the entire ambience here makes one feel as if you are staying in a royal palace. One can even enjoy a walk through the trees, the rose beds, pools covered with lilies and the groves of mango, plum, banana, pomegranate and so on. One will also get to see the peacocks, blue bulls, jackals and hundreds of flying foxes (fruit bats) in the trees. 

Kaylana Lake
Located 8 kms. West of Jodhpur, Kaylana lake was constructed in 1872 by Pratap Singh. It is spread over 84 square kilometers' area. Earlier this area had palaces and gardens made by two rulers of Jodhpur-Bhim Singh and Takhat Singh. These were destroyed to make Kaylana lake. Near the lake is a Dak Bungalow of PHED. Boating facilities have also been made available for tourists here.

Guda Bishnoi
This village is inhabit ated by the Bishnoi community. They are staunch believers in the sanctity of plant and animal life. Villages are marked by Khejri trees and deers which thrive.

Jaswant Sagar Dam
In 1892, Maharaja Jaswant Singh constructed Jaswant Sagar in Pichiyak village between Bilara and Bhavi of Jodhpur district.The Water from this dam is used for irrigating the greenest part of Jodhpur receives water from this dam. Boating facilities have also been made available for tourists here.

Guda Bishnoi- 25 km
It is the nearest point form Jodhpur to exotic wild life & nature. During the session thousands of birds can be seen here, like domicile Cranes etc. This pond is water-drinking point for the antelopes and black bucks of near by area.

Nagaur

The Ahhichatragarh Fort is medium sized, which have been built by Mughal Emperors Akbar and Shaha Jahan. A well planned Mughal Garden, which retains its pleasant appearance even today. The city has distinct Muslim influences and a Five Domed Mosque built by Emperor Akbar dominates the landscape. The city is best visited during the Ramdeoji Ka mela and Tejaji ka mela in February and August respectively. Nagaur is approachable by express busses of RSRTC and by taxi.

 
Festivals of Jodhpur

Nag Panchami
Nag Panchami is celebrated in honour of the Serpent King, Cobra (Naga). This fair is held on Bhadtapada Budi Panchami (August-September) of every year. People of all communities participate and gather in this fair. The snake charmers from the whole area gather and their cobras are worshiped especially by women. Huge effigies of the mythical serpent are displayed during the fair. The panorama during this festival is very colorful and eye-catching.

Marwar Festival
This festival falls in the 2nd week of October. It is a festival devoted mainly to the music and dance of the Marwar region. This is a festival that allows the visitor to understand and enjoy the folk traditions of this part of the state.

Nav Sati
This fair is held on March-April at Ban Ganga in Bifara Tehsil of Jodhpur and attracts thousands of people. It is organized in the memory of nine women, who had committed sati (an ancient custom of sacrificing ones life at the funeral pyre of the husband) at this place. A dip in Banganga River is a must, before participating in the fair. The villagers later gather in groups arid enjoy themselves in singing and dancing to the beat of the drums.

Veerpuri Fair
This fair is held on the last Monday of Shravan (July-August) at the beautiful garden at Mandore. The Festival is celebrated in the memory of the heroes of Rajasthan, whose images are installed in a gallery known as hall of heroes. People from all communities gather here in their traditional colorful attire. They offer cash, coconuts or sweets to the images of Ganesh, Bhairav, Chamunda etc. here.

Gangaur
This festival, dedicated to the goddess Parvati, is held for a period of fifteen days following Holi and is mainly celebrated by women. Married women invoke her blessings for material happiness; while unmarried girls pray to her, to be granted ideal husbands. Colorful wooden images of goddess are worshipped in each home. The procession of the Wooden image of Gauri (Parvati) is taken through the streets of Jodhpur. At night ladies apply Mehandi (Heena) to their palms and soles as an indication of their Suhag (married life).

Holi
This is the most popular of the seasonal festivals and falls normally in the month of March. This festival comprises of two days; first day at night 'Holika', the witch is burnt in a big bonfire signifying the end of winter and beginning of new year. The second day people splash colors or colored powder on their friends and relatives. 

Diwali
Diwali falls in the month of October/November every year and is celebrated to commemorate the day of return of lord Rama back home, after 14 years of exile. The whole city is illuminated with millions of oil lamps and children play fireworks and crackers. In the evening the goddess Laxmi (goddess of wealth) is worshiped.
 
Reaching Jodhpur
Air 
The airport is 5km from city centre. It has flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur. 

Rail 
The city is well connected by the railway lines and trains are available from all major cities in the country for here. The booking office is on Station Road, between the railway station and Sojati Gate. The office is open from Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm and only until 1.45 pm on Sunday. 

Road 
RSTC buses and private luxury buses connect Jodhpur with almost all major places of Rajasthan. 

Local Transport 
Means of transport in Jodhpur include Taxis, Auto-rickshaws, Tongas. Taxi stand is near the main railway station. Auto-rickshaws are best suited for traversing the narrow lanes of the old city. Jodhpur is a good place to explore by bicycle. 

Hotels in Jodhpur
There are heritage hotels like Umaid Bhawan Palace, Ajit Bhawan Palace and Khimsar Fort  in addition to plenty of  Budget hotels in jodhpur. The palace hotels as the Umaid Bhawan Palace, Ratanada Polo Palace, Taj Heri Palace, Rajputana Palace. Raj Basera also provides you with good accommodation facilities.

Tourism Information Centers.
Regional Tourist Office (Jodhpur Division) - Tourist Research Centre, Hotel Ghoomar, High Court Road, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

Weather Summer : Max 42.2 degree C to min 36.6 degree C  Winter : Max 27.5 degree C to min 15.5 degree C

Best Time to Visit: November and March

Languages: Rajastani, English Hindi.

STD Code: 0291