Location

	Jodhpur Hotels
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Jodhpur is located at the edge of the Thar Desert with Jaisalmer on its west, Barmar, Jalor and Pali on its south, Bikaner on its north, and Nagaur on the eastern side. It has a typical desert climate, dry and hot. The ideal time to visit this place is the period between November and March. The city is like an oasis in the vast desert, with a variety of thorny shrubs all over the area. It also has some of the animal species that can survive in an arid and dry environment.

The land of the Rathore clan !
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.

Places of Tourist interest

A resplendent city, Jodhpur has got a blend of both modern and traditional buildings. The expert talent that brings out life in sculptures carved on the walls of its palaces, forts, temples and havelis stand as testimony to the imperial grandeur of Jodhpur. The most attractive feature of this city is its traditional lifestyle, festivity and the people who have beautifully preserved their ethnicity within them.

» Mehrangarh Fort : Situated at the Fort Road it was built in the year 1459 by Rao Jodha. This fort included several palaces.The Moti Mahal (Pearl palace), Phool Mahal (flower palace), Sheesh Mahal (glass palace) and the other apartments. The museum at the palace has rooms filled with lavish royal palanquins, thrones, paintings. You also get amazing views of the city from the ramparts of the Fort.

» 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.

» Mandore Garden : The Mandore Garden is situated 8 kms north of Jodhpur. The garden made of red sandstone has a beautiful sculpture. There are 16 colorfully painted heroes and deities carved from a single piece of stone. This garden also had a small museum. The sculptures from 5th to 9th century, ivory and lacquer work are displayed here. The museum opens from 1000 to 1600, Saturday to Thursday and Friday is a holiday.

How to get there !

» By Air : Indian Airlines connect Jodhpur with Jaipur, Delhi, Udaipur and Bombay.

» By Rail : Jodhpur is connected by rail with Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Abu Road, Bombay via Ahmedabad Barmer and Udaipur via Marwar.

» By Road : By road Jodhpur to 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.

» By Bus: Regular bus services available from Jodhpur to Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Ranakpur and Nathdwara

Accommodation in Jodhpur