Jodhpur is at the edge of the Thar desert and is the
largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. The city is
dominated by a massive fort, topping a sheer rocky
ridge right in the middle of the town. Jodhpur was
founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rajput
clan known as the Rathores. His descendants ruled
not only Jodhpur, but also other Rajput princely
states. The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by 10
kms long wall, built about a century after the city
was founded. From the fort, you can clearly see
where the old city ends and the new begins. It's
fascinating to wander around the jumble of winding
streets in the old city, out of which eight gates
lead. Jodhpur is affectionately referred to as the
'Blue City' because of the indigo-coloured houses in
the old town. These can be seen from the ramparts of
the mighty Mehrangarh, which looms high above the
buzzing city.
Attractions
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. Inside the fort, there
is a series of courtyards and palaces.
Umaid Bhawan Palace:
Built of marble and pink sandstone, this immense
palace is also known as the Chittar Palace because
of the local Chittar sandstone used. 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: 
This white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh
II is a short distance from the fort, just off the
fort road. The cenotaph, built in 1899, was followed
by the royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs
which stand nearby. There is some beautiful marble
jali work and fine views from the terrace in front
of the cenotaph.
Clock Tower & Sadar Market:
The clock tower is a popular landmark in the old
city. The vibrant Sardar Market is close to the
tower, and narrow alleys lead from here to bazaars
selling vegetables, spices, Indian sweets, textiles,
silver and handicrafts. It is a great place to
ramble around at leisure.
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.
Kailana Lake:
An artificial lake on the Jaisalmer road. An idyllic
picnic spot with spectacular sunsets.
How to reach:
Jodhpur is well connected by train , Buses & Air to
all the major Indian cities.
By Air: Indian Airlines & Jet Airwayas
operates flights from Jodhpur to Delhi, Udaipur,
Jaisalmer, Jaipur and Mumbai.
By Bus: Well Connected By Road With
Udaipur, Jaipur, Ajmer, Jaisalmer, Ahmedabad and
Delhi.
By Train: There are rail connections to
Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Bikaner, Ahmedabad , Mumbai ,
Chennai , Bangalore and Delhi.
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