Jodhpur was main centre for Rajputana ruler's. They had built many heritage attractions. Mandor garden just 13 -1 4 Kms. away from Jodhpur is prime example of heritage palaces and garden. Jodhpur is surrounded by desert so it is also great place for desert safari. Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodhaji, chief of the Rathore Rajputs, who ruled over Marwar, land of death, Jodhpur was to become one of Rajputana's wealthiest cities, capitalizing on its central position on the Delhi-Gujarat trade route and protected by one of the most impenetrable forts in history. Today it is the state's second largest city of Rajasthan, much of it a sprawling, polluted metropolis, but within the old walls where every building is painted the same bright blue hue, earning Jodhpur the nickname - blue city you'll find a teeming maze of narrow medieval streets and bazaars, where life appears much like it has for centuries.

Towering above is the Meherangarh (literally majestic) Fort, its impenetrable walls rising like sheer cliffs from the rocky outcrop on which it is built. From its crenelated ramparts you enjoy postcard views of the ancient blue city below and, in the distance, the grand silhouette of the Umaid Bhawan Palace, residence of the current maharaja and some rooms are converted into a heritage hotel. Within the fort is a typical Rajput palace that today houses one of the state's best presented museums, artfully displaying the accumulated accouterments of the royal house of Rathore in the beautifully preserved royal apartments.

It was once the centre of Marwar, the largest princely state in Rajputana, and today has a population close to 12,00,000. Most of the tourists that stop in Jodhpur only stay for a day, squeezing in a visit to the fort before heading west to Jaisalmer (300km) or east to Jaipur (320km). It's a shame to rush the place though. Getting lost in the blue maze of the old city you'll stumble across Muslim tie-dyers, lacquer bangle and puppet makers and traditional spice markets, while Jodhpur's famed cubic roofscape, best viewed at sunset, is a photographer's paradise. In addition, the encroaching desert beyond the blue city is dotted with small settlements where you escape the congestion and pollution for a taste of rural Rajasthan.

Jodhpur's restaurants cater for all tastes and all budgets. Local specialities include mawa sweets and dhood fini , a sweet mixture of wheat strands and milk. The best place to sample these is in shops such as Janta Sweet and Poker Sweet, both on Nai Sarak near the corner of High Court Road (look for the crowds). These places also sell mirchi bada, a chilli in wheatgerm and potato, deep-fried like a pakora, available at samosa stalls elsewhere in Rajasthan, but originally from here. Also worth a visit while you're in Jodhpur is Mohanlal Verhomal's spice shop. After a cup of appropriately spicy masala chai and a dose of Mr Verhomal's inimitable sales patter, you can select fragrant packets of home-ground spices to be sent home. His "pay-on-receipt" mail-order service is very reliable.

Attraction in Jodhpur : -

• Mehrangarh Fort
  Jodhpur, once a beautiful city, has various tourist attractions. Tal Hati Ka Mahal by the side of the Gulab Sagar and the Rajmahal Palace enchant tourists by their beauty. The Gangashyam temple with its beautiful spire; the Mahamandir or temple of the Nath community with 84 pillars, 2 km on the way to Mandore; Mehernagar Fort, a symbol of valour; Yashwant Thara and enchanting Umaid Bhavan too put a spell on the tourists. 5 km from the city, on a 121 m high hillock is the Mehernagarh Fort, the chief attraction of Jodhpur. Built by Pradhan Rao Jodha in 1459, this fort is surrounded by a wall 6 to 36 m high and 3 to 21 m wide and with both circular and square domes. The 457 m long and 228 m wide fort is well fortified.
• Umaid Bhavan Palace : -
  Umaid Bhavan Palace was built under the famine relief program in 20th century and is quite famous for its unique architectural splendor, the only one of its kind in whole India. The palace is now transformed into a luxurious hotel with some parts preserved as a museum.
• Jaswat Thada : -
  Jaswat Thada is a 19th century imperial monument constructed in white marble showcases some unique painting of the rulers of Jodhpur, a worth visiting sight.

Marwar Festivals : -
Marwar Festival comes in the month of September-October during full moon, the celebration goes on for two days. Visitors from all over the world throng the city during Marwar Festival to relish it up to full magnitude. Normally tourist season in Rajasthan start from September onward and good place to be there to enjoy various activity of the region during festival time.

Best Time To Visit Jodhpur


How to Reach Jodhpur : -

• Air
  The city enjoys its own airport, the main airport is about 5km from the city. There are direct flights run by Indian Airlines connecting Jodhpur to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Udaipur.
• Train
  Direct rail lines to many important cities like Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Varanasi connect Jodhpur. The city is also connected to the nearby states of Gujarat and Delhi and Utter Pradesh. Palace on Wheels tour conducted by Rajasthan tourism is perhaps the best way of exploring the desert.
• Road
  State buses and private bus services run air-conditioned coaches and regular buses on most routes and connects the entire city to all the major cities in India.