Jodhpur, Rajasthan Travel Guide

Jodhpur can be your ideal starting point. Popularly called the Sun City, Jodhpur gives the impression of being a rugged, no-nonsense city that has little time for decorations and artistic details. But take a look at Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most impressive and formidable structures that looks down from a height of 125 m.

Nestling within the depths of the Thar Desert, is the stronghold of the Rathore clan - Jodhpur, once the capital of the former princely state of Marwar, the second largest city of Rajasthan, after Jaipur . The town was once known as Marwar, which means 'Land of Death', probably, referring to the harsh desert climate. It is an island of marble palaces, cordoned off from the desert by an immense wall, with eight gates facing different directions.

Flanked on its western side by the Mehrangarh fort, and on the eastern side by the stately sandstone Palace of Umaid Bhawan, the monuments, temples and gardens of Jodhpur depict a multi-faceted grandeur.

Founded in 1459 AD., by the Suryavanshi Rao Jodha, Jodhpur gradually grew around the towering Mehrangarh fort. A flourishing trading centre in the 16th century, Jodhpur is still one of the leading centres of wool, cattle, camels and salt . It showcases some very fine mementoes of its glorious past - palaces, temples and other elegant monuments of architectural and historical value.

Once you’ve entered, it's another world altogether – magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels and latticed windows like the Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and the Daulat Khana, Spend a lot of time in the museum, one of the best in Rajasthan, and see the fabulous collection of Jodhpur royalty – palanquin, howdahs, furniture, miniature paintings, musical instruments, and costumes.

There are other interesting areas in and around Jodhpur like the Jaswant Thada, Girdikot and Sardar Market, and the 20th century Umaid Bhavan Palace. A little further away from the city is the Balsamand lake and gardens, Mandore with its unusual Hall of Heroes, Mahamandir temple, and Kailana lake, it's more than a handful for sore eyes.

Explore Jodhpur

• Sights & Activities
• Festivals of Jodhpur
• Hotels in Jodhpur
• Places near Jodhpur
• Map of Jodhpur
• How to reach Jodhpur

Next...

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