Tourist Destinations of Rajasthan

Jodhpur

About This Place

Jodhpur - The second largest city of Rajasthan, sits on the edge of the great Thar Desert.

Jodhpur is fast becoming a favoured destination in Rajasthan.

Amidst the sand dunes and thorny vegetation of Thar desert towers a fort, 120 meters above the plain. The fort over looks the imperial city of Jodhpur which is part of the Desert Tourist Triangle. The old Jodhpur city is surrounded by a 10 Km long wall with eight gates serving as entrances. The new city is settled around this walled area. The Maruthal or land of death , came into life when the Rathores' of Kanauj moved in. But the city of Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodhaji in 1459. This city was on the silk route of the 16th century and hence was host to a number of travellers.

In Jodhpur, the genuis of its sculptors comes to life in its exquisite palaces, forts, temples and havelis which stand as a testimony to the imperial grandeur. The most alluring part of Jodhpur is the traditional lifestyle, festivity and the smiling people who treasure this former Princely state.

The Afghans drove the Rathores out of their original homeland Kaunaj and they fled to this region around Pali a short distance from present day Jodhpur. A manoeuvre lead to marriage between Rathore Siahaji and the sister of a local prince that helped the Rathores to establish and strengthen themselves in this region. In fact they flourished so well that managed to oust the Pratiharas of Mandore, just 9 km of present day Jodhpur. By 1459 a need for more secured capital lead to the founding of Meherangarh Fort on its  rocky perch and Jodhpur was thus founded by Rao Jodha.  The Rathores enjoyed good relations with the Mughals and Maharaja Jaswant Singh (1678) supported Shah Jahan in the latter's struggle for war of succession. Only problematic relationship they had was with Aurangzeb. After Auranzeb's death Maharaja Ajit Singh drove out Mughals from Ajmer and added it  to Marwar.  

In the reign of Maharaja Umed Singh Jodhpur grew into a fine modern city.
The quintessence of Jodhpur was its valour and equestrian skill. Polo has been the traditional sport of the Jodhpur nobility since medieval times.

Jodhpur has two railway stations, City and Rai ka Bagh both are outside the walled city. The bus stand is right outside the Rai ka Bagh Station. The High Court is a while from the bus stand after the Umed Gardens, after which is located the tourist reception centre and RTDC Hotel Ghoomer. Ahead is the main market and entry in to the wall from Sojati Gate. This area also has many hotels. Jodhpur is also military and air force station and has a large cantonment and airbase.

Jodhpur Travel Map