Jodhpur

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.

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.

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.

JODHPUR
About : Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, Jodhpur was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha, chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs. The massive 15th century A.D. Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 m above the plains. The Jodhpur City is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. A major trade centre of the 16th century CE, the fortress-city of Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. It was from here that the popularity worn baggy - tight, horse riding trousers- 'Jodhpurs' took their name.
Formerly the seat of a princely state of the same name, the capital of the kingdom known as Marwar, Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination, featuring many palaces, forts and temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar desert. The city is known as the Sun City for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year. It is also referred to as the Blue City due to the blue-painted 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 much frequented by tourists.
How to Get There:
By Air: Jodhpur has a domestic terminal connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Udaipur; the airport is about 5 km from the city. Take a taxi or autorickshaw from the airport to your hotel.
By Rail: Jodhpur is an important division of the North Western zone of the Indian Rail network . It 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.
By Road: Various tour operators and travel agencies offer chauffeured car-taxi services; these are charged on a per km, per day basis. You can plan to take one to arrive into the city or take one for sightseeing in and around the city. Buses and private luxury buses operate from all major towns and cities in Rajasthan as well as the cities of Ahmedabad and Delhi.
Getting Around: Tourist Cabs (Taxis) - ply on a minimum distance/hour per day basis. 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.
Where to Stay: Hotel The Ummed, Park Plaza Jodhpur, Taj Hari Mahal and Umaid Bhawan Palace are Luxury Hotels. Ajit Bhawan, Balsamand Lake Palace, Devi Bhawan, Haveli Inn Pal,
Jasol Heritage, Jee Ri Haveli, Karni Bhawan, Krishna Prakash Heritage Haveli, Madho Niwas,
Megh Niwas, Pal Haveli, Polo Heritage, Ranbanka and Ratan Vila are Heritage Hotels. Bhev Vilas, Inn Season, Hotel Ratnawali, Residency Palace, Royal Palace, RTDC Hotel Ghoomar and
Shri Ram Excellency are budget hotels.
What to See: A number of historical monuments dot the city and surrounding region. The Umaid Bhawan Palace is not only one of India's most imposing palaces but also among its most recent. This lavish art deco monument to royal living had an improbable conception: it was built as a public relief and employment project during a long period of drought. Over 90,000 m² of
the finest marble was used in the construction of the palace.
The iconic Mehrangarh Fort lies in the heart of the old city and is located atop a 125 m high hill. The magnificent Mehrangarh Fort (Jodhpur ka kila) is the most majestic and one of the largest
forts in India. Originally started (c.1459) by Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur, most of the extant fort dates from the period of Jaswant Singh (1638-78). The walls of the fort are up to 36 m high and 21 m wide; they enclose some exquisite structures. The fort museum houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniatures, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. The ramparts of Mehrangarh Fort provide not only excellently preserved cannons but also a breath-taking view of the city. Highlights within the palace include: Moti Mahal (Pearl Hall), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Hall), Phool Mahal (Flower Hall), Zenana Deodi and Chamunda Mataji Temple.
The Jaswant Thada is an architectural landmark found in Jodhpur. It is a white marble memorial built in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The monument, in its entirety, is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when the sun's rays dance across their surface. Within this cenotaph, there are also two more tombs. An ancient temple, well worth the visit, lies in the village of Osiyan, about 60 km outside Jodhpur. It is believed that the Oswal (a Major Jain community) originated from Osiyan.
Where to Eat: Rajasthani delicacies include Makhaniya Lassi — lassi (yoghurt drink) spiced up with cardamom and butter; Mawa Kachori; Panchkuta; Dal Bati Churma; Gatte ka saag; Kabuli (a rice speciality) and Mirchi Vada / Samosa/ Pyaz Ki Kachori. Try them out at Pillars, Umaid Bhawan Palace; Mehran Terrace, Meherangarh Fort; Bal Samand; On the Rocks; Chilly and Garlic; Gypsy; Cafe Mehran; Omelette Shop and New Saheen Hotel.
Miscellaneous: Three day camel safari in the Thar Desert: A very nice way to get away from the busy city is to take a 3-6 day camel safari in the Thar desert. You start from the village of Osian and directly enter the desert. You will experience the original life of the Rajasthani living in the desert. You will stay a night with a family eating and sleeping outside, the other nights camping on one of the many sand dunes under the stars. During the hottest moment of the day, rest in a hut of a Bishnoi family and after a good chai, continue your trip on camel back.