Introduction
Rising majestically over the rocky and rugged terrain is one of Rajasthan's finest forts-the Mehrangarh Fort. It looks down protectively over the fascinating city of Jodhpur.

Famous for its magnificent forts and palaces, Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan and a major tourist attraction in the country. The city is situated 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.

Jodhpur was founded by the Rajput chief Rao Jodha in 1459. The city was the erstwhile capital of the Marwar state. A 10-km-long wall made of stone and built about a century after the city was founded, surrounds the old city. There are about 100 towers in the city, most of which are surrounded by defensive battlements.

JODHPUR - IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Altitude 230 metres above sea level Area 78.60 sq. km Population 6,66,279 (1991) Language Marwari, Rajasthani and Hindi Best time to visit November to March STD Code 0291

JODHPUR - CLIMATE AND LOCATION
Climate
The city of Jodhpur has a typical desert climate, dry and hot. November and March are the best time for a journey to Jodhpur with pleasant and sunny days. Jodhpur receives 359.5 mm of rain every year, most of it during the monsoon (July/August). Maximum temperature in Jodhpur during the summers remains in the range of 40ºC while in the winters the minimum average temperature is 11ºC.

Location
Located on the edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur has Jaisalmer on its west, Barmar, Jalor and Pali on its south, Bikaner on its north, and Nagaur on the eastern side. 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.

JODHPUR - HISTORY AND LEGENDS
The Rathore Rajputs moved to Marwar - 'the region of death' in 1211 when they were defeated by Muhammad Ghori at Kannauj. Rao Jodha, the Rathore chieftain was forced to leave the former Rajput capital at Mandore in 1459, as the place was not located strategically. They chose a new place, located 8 km from the Mandore on the edge of Thar Desert. Rahores controlled a large part of Rajasthan, especially during the reigns of Rao Udai Singh (1581 AD) and his son Raja Sur Singh ((1595), who conquered Gujarat and a good part of Deccan for the Mughal Emperor Akbar.

The Rathores always had good relationships with the Mughals and Maharaja Jaswant Singh (1678) supported Shahjahan in the Mughal struggle for war of succession. Only problematic relationship they had was with Aurangzeb. After the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, Maharaja Ajit Singh became the ruler of Jodhpur. He drove out Mughals from Ajmer and added substantially to the Mehrangarh Fort.

The city of Jodhpur prospered because of its location on the strategic Delhi - Gujarat trading route.

JODHPUR - SIGHTSEEING

Mehrangarh Fort
Magnificent Mehrangarh, one of Rajasthan's finest forts, looks down protectively over the city, from the hilltop. The fort is situated at an altitude of about 125 metres and is spread over an area of 5 sq. km with seven gates. One could drive up or walk to the top of the small and not so steep hill. Driving or walking up, the sheer rock face from where emerges the tall and massive sandstone wall of Mehrangarh looks awesome indeed.

Jaswant Thada.
Red sandstone stairs led up to the chessboard checked courtyard of the neat white marble cenotaph. Dedicated to Maharaja Jaswant, this memorial was built in 1899. Inside, the reverent ambience is framed with several portraits of Jodhpur royalty. It is a peaked structure from the outside with precise trelliswork and excellent carving.

Umaid Bhawan
The beautiful corridors, staircases and hallways preserve in near entirety of Umaid Bhawan rouses the curiosity of adventurous spirits.

A wonderful palace of beige sandstone built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1928 and designed by the President of the British Royal Institute of Architects. The Fort is a blend of several styles, merging pleasantly. All the trappings of Raj influence, pre-independence royal living are present. Royal auditorium ballrooms, huge dinning-room, gilded royal furniture, majestic tiger and deerskins on the walls of a gloomy library of old books, crystal chandeliers, stained glass windows, liveried menservants and doormen, swimming pool in basement, various mementoes and old photographs. There is so much to see and discover.

Outside the manicured lush lawn, is splashed with rows of red and white flowering bushes. From the expanse of green grass, the huge central dome of Umaid Bhavan emerges most prominent, with the four corners peaked into columned minarets. Glowing in the late afternoon sun, this is another royal treasure of Rajasthan.

Mandore
Before the foundation of Jodhpur was laid, Mandore was the established capital of the old Marwar Kingdom. Just nine kilometers away, Mandore is a fascinating complex of sprawling gardens, massive cenotaphs, temples, ruins and sculpture. The several cenotaphs in memory of the Jodhpur Maharajas are intricately carved, peaked, temple-like structures, with entirely sculpted facades. Gods, goddesses, animals, lotuses, adorn the walls and pillars of old yellow sandstone. The largest and most noteworthy cenotaph is dedicated to maharaja Ajit Singh.

In a hall are relief sculptures of various deities and rulers, colored bright and mounted on horses. In little corners of temples are rows of beautiful old tiles, excellent ceramic art. Some depicting Lord Rama or Lord Krishna. Then of course, there amongst the temples, figurate, and landscaped vegetation, are the brightly dressed Rajasthani people. The men, proud in their moustaches and turbans with the ladies in shocking pink or green veils, wander about in groups, admiring their heritage. They lent a gaiety to the pleasant late afternoon.

Museum
The Jodhpur Museum exhibits a rich collection of armory, textiles, arts and crafts, miniature paintings, portraits, manuscripts, and images of Jain Tirthankaras.

JODHPUR - EXCURSIONS
Mahamandir Temple
Two kilometers away on the Mandore Road, is this impressive temple with 84 pillars ornamented with detailed carvings of yogic postures.

Kailana Lake
A charming picnic spot around a lake, famous for a spectacular view of sunset this lake is located 11 kilometers from Jodhpur.

Balsamand Lake and Palace
A summer palace on the embankments of a serene and calm lake, Balsamand Lake is located 7 kilometers away from Jodhpur.

Sardar Samand Lake
A long drive 55 kilometers through the countryside leads to this shimmering lake.

Osian
Osian has the ruins of 16 Jain and Hindu temples built between the 8th and 11th centuries located 65 km away from Jodhpur.

Nagaur
Famous for an old fort and palace with beautiful murals of lores and legends, Nagaur is 135 kilometers away from Jodhpur. An annual cattle fair held here in January/February is rated as one of the best in Asia.

JODHPUR - TRANSPORTATION
By Air
Jodhpur is connected to Delhi, Jaipur, and Udaipur with flights of state owned Indian Airlines and its subsidiary Alliance Air. The airport is located 5 km south of the city.

By Rail
Rails connections are available to Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Kota, Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Bikaner. Tourist quota is also available and the office is located at the railway station itself.

By Road
Jodhpur is the major transportation center for onward journey to the desert town of Jaisalmer and other places in Udaipur. Buses are available for Udaipur, Jaipur, Ajmer, Jaisalmer, Ahmedabad, and Delhi.

Local Transport
Biking is the best and most pleasant way to explore the old city. For the physically fit, cycling up to the Mehrangarh could open up quite beautiful landscapes. Taxis, autos, and tourist cars are also available on reasonable rates to explore places nearby.