Jodhpur is the second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Formerly the seat of a princely state of the same name, it was the capital of the kingdom known as Marwar. Jodhpur, with a population over one million in an area of 96 km2 is a popular tourist destination, featuring many palaces, forts and temples, set amidst the sandy featureless landscape of the Thar desert. It is also called the Gateway to Thar, as it is literally on the edge of the Thar desert. The city is known as the Sun City for the bright, sunny and hot weather it enjoys all year. It is often referred to as the Blue City due to the blue tinge of the whitewashed houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. Jodhpur lies near the geographic centre of Rajasthan state, which makes it a convenient base for travel in a region frequented by tourists.
How to Get There
By Air:
Jodhpur has a domestic airport and is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Udaipur; the airport is about 5 km from the city centre. Take a taxi or autorickshaw from the airport to your hotel.
By Rail:
Jodhpur is well connected by direct trains from all metros and major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner, Ajmer, Alwar, Agra, Kanpur, Allahabad, Gaya, Kolkata, Indore, Lucknow, Varanasi, Patiala, Chandigarh, Kalka, Jammu, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. The taxi stand and auto-rickshaw stand are close by.
By Road:
Jodhpur can be reached by Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation buses and private luxury buses which operate from all major towns and cities in Rajasthan as well as the cities of Ahmedabad and Delhi. Various tour operators and travel agencies offer chauffeured car-taxi services; these are charged on a per km, per day basis. Get around by Tourist Cabs (Taxis) or rent a Car - there are many car rental companies available. The narrow lanes of the inner walled city of Jodhpur are best traversed by cars, but can also be explored by bicycle or motorcycle/scooter.
What to See
Mehrangarh Fort, which dominates the skyline and is the largest fort in all Rajasthan. Founded in 1458 as the site of Rao Jodha's new capital — hence the name, Jodhpur — the city has grown around it. Highlights within the palace include: Moti Mahal (Pearl Hall), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Hall),Chamunda Mataji Temple, Phool Mahal (Flower Hall)- The most extravagant of them all, this was the Maharaja's pleasure chamber, for dancing girls and revelry; Zenana Deodi, the inner sanctum of the palace once guarded by eunuchs, this is where the Maharaja's wives whiled away their days.
The delicate sandstone screens and carvings are exquisite. Jaswant Thada, royal cenotaphs built in marble; Mandore, 7 km outside the city and the ancient capital of Marwar, before Jodhpur was built; Umaid Bhawan Palace. Clearly visible to the south of the city and completed only in 1944, this is the last great palace built in India. The Maharaja of Jodhpur lives here to this day, but half the building has been converted to a 5-star hotel; Khejarla Fort; Temples: Baba Ramdev Temple, Masuria Hills; Ganesh Temple, Ratanada; Mahamandir Temple, Mahamandir Chauraha; Pal Balaji Temple, Pal Gaon and Santoshi Mata Temple, Lal Sagar.
Where to Eat
Jodhpur has many eateries. Food tends to be spicy, so be careful. Mehran Terrace, Bal Samand, Chilly and Garlic and New Saheen Hotel may be tried out.
Adventure
Do try the three day camel safari in the Thar Desert, a very nice way to get away from the busy city to experience the original life of the Rajasthani living in the desert.
Where to Stay
There are over 200 places that you can stay in, from 5-star extravaganzas to shoestring budget lodges. The Umaid Bhawan Palace will check the depth of your wallet at over $1700 per day! Taj Hari Mahal, Manvar Resort & Camp Pvt Ltd, The Gateway Hotel Jodhpur and the Maple Abhay Jodhpur are from the 4 and 3-star class. The Ratan Vilas, Devi Bhawan, Fort Chanwa Luni, Govind Hotel and the Haveli Guest House are some decent hotels.
