Jodpur, Rajasthan

Set at the edge of the Thar desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur India echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, Jodhpur India was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama the epic hero of the Ramayana.
The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 25 mts. above the plains. Jodhpur is encompassed by a high wall 10km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.
A major trade center of the 16th century AD the fortress city of Jodhpur India is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. While the graceful palaces, forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folks dances, music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city. Travel Jodhpur to explore the historical forts and monuments that dot the city.

Jodhpur Travel Attractions

Jaswant Thada

Red sandstone stairs lead up to the chessboard checked courtyard of the neat white marble cenotaph. Dedicated to Maharaja Jaswant, this memorial was built in 1899 and today it is one of the prime Jodhpur travel attractions in India. Inside, the reverent ambience is framed with several portraits of Jodhpur royalty. It is a peaked structure from the outside with precise trellis work and excellent carving.

Umaid Bhawan

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 mementos and old photographs. Travel Jodhpur.... there is so much to see and discover.

Museum

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

Nagaur Palace

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.

Marwar Festival

Marwar festival is held every year in the Hindu month of Ashwin (Sept-Oct). Also known as Maand festival, feature of this 2-day festival is the folk music and dance of the Marwar region of Rajasthan.

Forts in Jodhpur India

The 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 m high hill is one of the most impressive and formidable structures that you will come acroos on your Jodhpur travel. Although invincible from the outside,the fort has four gates approached by a winding road. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with marvelously craved panels,latticed windows and evocative names. Noteworthy of these are the Moti Mahal,the Phool Mahal,the Sheesh Mahal, the Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana. These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including superb collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs, miniature paintings of various schools, musical instruments, costumes and furniture.