Jodhpur – Gateway to Thar

JodhpurJodhpur pronunciation (जोधपुर), is the second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was formerly the seat of a princely state of the same name, also 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 as the Blue City, due to the indigo tinge of the whitewashed houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. Jodhpur lies near the geographic center of Rajasthan state, which makes it a convenient base for travel in a region much frequented by tourists. The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a thick stone wall.

 Jodhpur

Jodhpur

History

Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief of to the Rathore clan. Rao Jodha succeeded in conquering the surrounding territory and thus founded a state which came to be known as Marwar. As Rao Jodha hailed from the nearby town of Mandore, that town initially served as the capital of this state; however, Jodhpur soon took over that role, even during the lifetime of Rao Jodha. The city was located on the strategic road linking Delhi to Gujarat. This enabled it to profit from a flourishing trade in opium, copper, silk, sandals, date palms and coffee.

Early in its history, the state became a fief under the Mughal Empire, owing fealty to them while enjoying some internal autonomy. During this period, the state furnished the Mughals with several notable generals such as Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Jodhpur and its people benefited from this exposure to the wider world: new styles of art and architecture made their appearance and opportunities opened up for local tradesmen to make their mark across northern India.

Jodhpur    Jodhpur

Jodhpur

Get in

Jodhpur is well connected by road, rail and air to all major cities and towns.

By plane Connected by air from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Udaipur; the airport is about 5 km from the city centre

By train 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 bus Jodhpur can be reached by RSRTC (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.

Jodhpur

Jodhpur

Get around

Means of transport include

  • Tourist Cabs (Taxis) – ply on a minimum distance/hour per day basis
  • Mini buses – public transport is available but chaotic and not advisable except when on a shoestring budget
  • Car Rental – Visit Jodhpur by Car. There are many Car Rental Companies available which Provide world Class Services.
  • Enterprises Car Rental a reputation luxury car rentals service.
  • Auto Rickshaws (unmetered) – negotiate before you board one
  • Tongas – horse driven carriages

Jodhpur

Jodhpur   Jodhpur

See

  • Mehrangarh Fort Mehrangarh Fort dominates the city 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, and in the 500 years that have passed the fort has never been taken by force. It’s easy to see why: it occupies the entire top of a 150-meter hill with commanding views all around, with some three kilometers of massive ramparts built around the edges.
  • Moti Mahal (Pearl Hall). Pearl-colored inside and decorated with colored glass windows, this is where the Maharaja held his audiences, with the five alcoves on the far wall allowing his queens to listen in.
  • Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Hall). Just what the name says.
  • 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.
  • Chamunda Mataji Temple. Tucked away at the far end of the battlements, this temple is devoted to Rao Jodha’s favorite goddess and remains a local favorite to this day.

A number of people are employed here and there to add flavor by dressing in period costume and doing photogenic things like playing traditional instruments and smoke opium (yes, the real thing). Snap away, but they’ll appreciate a tip if you do. The museum also includes galleries devoted to howdahs (elephant-mounted seats), palanquins, fine arts, weaponry, and the inevitable Turban Gallery.

Jodhpur

Jodhpur

  • Jaswant Thada, 1 km downhill from Mehrangarh (easily walked). Royal cenotaphs built in marble, with a picturesque location next to a little lake.
  • Mandore, 7 km outside the city. 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 (see Sleep) and there is also a small museum on grounds .
  • Balsamand Lake – now converted to a resort.

Jodhpur

Jodhpur

  • Kailana Lake – a picnic spot and a main drinking water source for the city.
  • Baba Ramdev Temple, Masuria Hills.
  • Ganesh Temple, Ratanada.
  • Mahamandir Temple, Mahamandir Chauraha.
  • Pal Balaji Temple, Pal Gaon.
  • Santoshi Mata Temple, Lal Sagar.

Jodhpur

Jodhpur

57 comments to Jodhpur – Gateway to Thar

  • dimple

    very interesting!!

  • ganesh

    rajasthan is very beatiful city

  • Siby

    A very interesting & informative presentation. A sure destination not to be missed.Good Work.

  • It is indeed reason to feel pleasure while seeing such beautiful buildings…. old buildings./… general v Indian run away to foreign countries to see beauty like this… but at the same time v forget beauty of India…. This is a small example there are so many other old structures, beautiful spots which still have to be explored…..
    VERY NICE STRUCTURES..
    Suresh

  • thajul saleem

    dear sir the palace is very butiful,
    this good tour city in india joudpur palace,
    iam very like city joudpur city,
    thankyou,

  • nirpal singh

    Beautiful historical city, having a desire to see soooooon

  • i have visited it , u show this i m very happy that some one is spreading the beauty of jodhpur

  • Dipesh Sheth

    very informative article.

    I had been to Jodhpur recently but seem to have out some of the places of tourist interest !

    These type of article would really people at large. You should have included something about delicious food available not forgetting the mind blowing sweets..

    Good Luck & Cheers

    Dipesh Sheth(Ahmedabad)

  • Dipesh Sheth

    The one who has not seen Jodhpur have not seen the real rajasthan
    The people, the culture, the heritage shows the richness in everything

    Laxmi Dipesh Sheth (Ahmedabad)

  • MANSOORI

    good to see the site

  • When you see these historical cities one could realize India is gtreat country to visit.

  • pavithra

    wow! beautiful city.

  • prabhu

    wonderful, nice to see this

  • Yogeshwar Joshi

    This Description is really helpful!
    As far as i have seen this site
    site has got very useful description and fantastic photos.
    This website is all time best.!!!

  • suresh vagadiya

    I have visited Jodhpur/ Rajasthan, & i found best place to see in India 4 all visitor. Indiaan or Europians.

  • Kaushal Bohra

    It was very informative .And it would be better if the information about the different places would be at a better depth .

  • Mohan Aina

    Friend, The photographs are very appealing. I am convinced and have tentatively planned to make a Rajasthan tour in my coming leave.
    Cheers.

  • nr

    Beautiful photographs and useful information. thanks

  • Dr. Subhash Bishnoi

    Rajasthan is a land of cultural heritage of india. The picture of Jodhpur city is the mark of royalness and devotion of man.

  • sandhya ashtikar

    hi

    these photographs r very beautiful. there r many peacocks also. if peacocks photographs r added in these it will become more coloureful. we can see them sitting on walls and trees.

    even government buldings r also beautiful.

    we must see rajsthan .

  • Ruchi

    It was wonderful & very informative .It would be nice if you can provide us information about othe tourist spots.

  • Very Excellent…………………….. Luckey peoples…………..

  • anand

    very very v ery very good place

  • Prasanna

    It is very wonderful city. I like it very much!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Prasanna

    It’s very beutiful. I like it very much !!!!!!!!

  • K S Chauhan

    Rajasthan is really beautiful , historical & a State of beautiful Architecture . I have seen Jaipur, Udaipur , Ajmer, Chittore, & many more Areas, but yet to see Jodhpur which is on my agenda for next visit .

  • Balu Patil

    rajasthan is very beatiful city
    very informative article. I had been to Jodhpur recently but seem

    Beautiful photographs and useful information. thanks

  • Soma

    Its really beautiful. How lucky am i to see thses nice pictures. Nice city. thank you very much those who present thise nice city pictures.

  • chandra Prakash

    In my city have your city’s Royal hariloom. tell me my city name ?????????????????????????
    Bap gura hey . ( Good )

    Beta Sakar ho gya. ( Butter )

  • Dimpi

    City of Peace and heritage…. simply beautiful !!!!

  • leena

    i m frm jodhpur n i m really feel proud for this ….jodhpur is awesome….words r less to express abt jodhpur..simply gr8 !!!!

  • Deepak kumar

    I want to visit santoshi mata mandir in rajasthan .

  • great pictures i want to do maditation in these places

  • Great place, I visited many times and I want to it again and again. Great Kaylana, Mehraangarh, Tripolia, Lehriya resort etc. 🙂 mast hai yaar.

  • pooja

    I want to visit the gateway hotel of taj……in jodhpur..

  • tarun

    i was thinking about JP for a long time but After reading this article I actually have decided to visit Jodhpur for sure…and very soooon
    thanks!!

  • Narayana Rao Sharma

    Beautiful pictures! Tempt me to visit Jodhpur!

  • sohan

    This presentation is really helpful for the person visiting first time to jodhpur. It has got very useful description and fantastic photos.
    Good collection.

  • so nice pic …….i like …

  • raj arora

    rajasthan is a very rich in intient history and have a good culture also.Its very beautyfull and nice to see.

  • B.Gopala Rao

    What a place to visit. I am eager to visit this place and I am leaving my city (Bangalore) on 16th Feb to visit entire Rajsathan (particularly Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaiselmer.

    Gopala Rao

  • SR BODA

    Very informative site with lovely pictures.Love the places of Rajasthan.Thanks

  • manglam

    bahut sunder photographs hain

  • vipul

    Adding Train routes: It is also connected to Bhopal, Nagpur, Pune, Ratlam, Puri(Jagannath Puri), Trivendram.

  • Mahendra Saraswat

    Sir,
    Jodhpur, the Gateway of Rajasthan is a joyous point of rajasthan. It’s rich in rajasthan’s true culture and tradition. The presentation is really worth appreciation.

  • shankar

    looking for the temple of balaji at jodhpur

  • Berlin

    It’s Very Beauty. I Like It.

  • ravivarma

    nice city its rich in rajasthan nice photograpy plz.do some for some nice photo or mail it

  • Philly

    Really beautiful city!

  • Deepak Kumar Agrawal

    It is very nice and beautiful city, here is this state we can found many historical places,,

    But i cant identify y all houses in Blue Colour.

  • suryapally mahesh

    Really amazing and beatiful places!

  • abraham george

    All these constructions speaks lots of our ancient culture. expect more of such examples.

  • Liakat Hossain

    Jodhpur is real beautiful city. Specialy Mehrangarh.

    Stockholm,Sweden

  • Jagdish Jariwala

    I think in Jodhpur all house are painted with BLUE colour. Rajesthan is the region with less rainfall so the peoples are hard working and creating beautiful out of natural things. Craft work is most popular,beautiful to see. Their dance is quite different and pleasing.

  • Tatie Sukotjo Tatsuko

    wow,… I loved it! Very beautiful and fantastic!

  • Dinesh Chandra Naval

    Good information. We are planning to visit Jodhpur in next winter.

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