Rajasthan Travel Guide

Jodhpur - the Blue City of India

Jodhpur - the Blue City of India treasures lots of attractions to offer tourists from all around the world. The 16th century capital of the Rathore Rajputs, Jodhpur's history is evident in the hilltop fort, Mehrangarh, from where its destiny was written. Narrow paths wind up the steep path, leading to the innards of the fort. Once within, the architecture is less formidable, with delicate windows and painted chambers. From its ramparts one has a view of the 20th century art decorum from the Umaid Bhawan Palace.
The home of Rathores - The awesome princely city of Rajasthan. Founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha, today Jodhpur is one of the largest city of Rajasthan. Once the capital city of the Marwar State, crowning it is the imposing Mehrangarh Fort. The old city is situated at foothill of a hillock. The city built in a high wall 10kms, long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. Umaid Bhawan Palace could be defined as Taj Mahal of North India. The city carries rich heritage and culture and flourishing industry of wood, cattle, camels, salt and agricultural crops.

Best Season: October to February.

Places Of Interest:

Mehrangarh Fort :: The spectacular hilltop fort is situated on a 150m high hill, state of the art Majestic fort is one of the largest forts in India & still run by the Maharaja of Jodhpur. This fort has museum which house antiques, ornaments & weapons. This fort really worth to visit.

Jaswant Thada :: This milky-white marble cenotaph was built in 1899 in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. It is also know as the Taj Mahal of Marwar.

Umaid Bhawan Palace :: The stunning red stone palace was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh. The palace has 347 rooms & counted among the finest palaces of India. A part of the palace is a museum now & the rest of the past is converted into a luxury hotel. You can stay there by paying a good amount.

Clock Tower & Markets :: The Clock Tower is can't be missed, Coz its the place for Shopping. The nearby Sadar Bazaar is perfect for buying handicrafts, textiles & silver.

Mandore Garden :: The beautiful garden has few Cenotaphs of Jodhpur's former rulers and small temples.

Sardar Govt. Museum & Umaid Public Park :: Located in the center of the Umaid Public Garden, this museum houses a rich collection of exhibits armoury, textile, local arts and crafts, and miniature paintings.

Other attractions
Maha Mandir, Balsamand Lake and Palace, Girdikot and Bishnoi Tribal Village where deer's are held sacred.

Excursions:

Rohet Garh :: Rohet village is just 40 kms from Jodhpur on the Jodhpur-Udaipur Highway. The fortress is located on the banks of lovely small lake, it is converted into a heritage. You can stay there by paying a decent amount.

Manvar Desert Resorts & Camps :: Manvar is located on the Jaisalmer- Jodhpur highway just 80 kms ahead of Jodhpur. You can stay at the Resort or the swiss tent at the sand dunes. Click on the below links to know more about :: Manvar Derset Resort & Manvar Desert Camp

Osian :: It was the major trading hub Rajasthan during 8-12th century. Today it has few jain temples & old monuments, don't miss the camel safari during the sunset. It is 85 kms away from Jodhpur, you can get there by private taxi.

Guda :: The beautiful lake is located in a Bishnoi village, near Jodhpur. Here you can see thousands of birds like domicile Crane & many more during session. You can also spot there few antelopes and black bucks.

Balsamand Palace :: The splendid palace was built in 13th century. Located on the banks of Balsamand lake and is just 5 kms away from Jodhpur. The red stone building is also famous as the Lake Palace.

Sardar Samand Palace :: The Palace is just 55 kms away from Jodhpur, It was built in 1933 by the Maharaja of Jodhpur Umaid Singh. The palace was once a beautiful hunting lodge and now turned into a heritage resort, situated on the banks of Sararsamand lake.

Guda Bishnoi- 25kms, Ossianji Temple- 65kms, Sardar Samand Lake and Palace- 55kms, Kailana Lake- 11kms.

Reach -
By Air: Well linked with major cities of India.
By Rail: Well connected with major towns.
By Road: Agra- 577 kms, Ajmer- 198 kms, Barmer- 220 kms, Bikaner- 240 kms, Bombay- 1073 kms, Delhi- 592 kms, Jaipur- 343 kms, Jaisalmer- 290 kms, Mount Abu- 264 kms, Udaipur- 275 kms, Ranakpur- 175 kms.