Jodhpur

Best Tourist Season (September – March)
Airport: Well connected from Agra, Aurangabad, Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Mumbai, and Udaipur
Railway: Jodhpur is linked by rail with Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Bikaner, Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Udaipur.
Road: Ajmer 210 km, Bikaner 245 km, Barmer 225 km, Delhi 595 km, Devgarh 223 km, Jaisalmer 290 km, Jaipur 335 km, Jhalamand 10 km, Jojawar 160 km, Kishangarh 244 km, Khimsar 90 km, Kumbhalgarh 270 km, Luni 24 km, Makrana 190 km, Mandore 9 km, Manwar Resort 111 km, Mt. Abu 264 km, Nagaur 130 km, Osian 60 km, Pali 85 km, Pokaran 186 km, Pushkar 220 km, Rohet 50 km, Ranakpur 190 km, Roopangarh 260 km, Samode 375 km, Sardarsamand 60 km, Sodawas 90 km, Udaipur 275 km

Introduction
The former capital of Marwar state – Jodhpur, was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha who claimed descent form Lord Rama (the hero of the epic Ramayana). Jodhpur city was built as a result of warring brothers and the second largest city of Rajasthan State.
Mehrangarh – the massive fort came first and around the fort – grew the city of Jodhpur protected by a high stone wall with seven gates (Nagauri Gate, Merati Gate, Sojati Gate, Jalori Gate, Siwanchi Gate and Chand Pol) and countless bastions. Today – the city has grown on all sides of Mehrangarh Fort, to become the second largest city of Rajasthan. Jodhpur – still the leading centres for cattle, camels, salt and agriculture crops.

Geography
Jodhpur located at 26.29° N 73.03° E.
Average elevation 232 mtrs (761 feet).

Area
Jodhpur is 75.50 km (29 sq m)

Climate
Summer maximum of 42°C and minimum 37°C
Winters maximum 28°C and minimum 15°C
Railfall 31 cm

Demographics
Population 846,408 (as of 2001 India census)
Males 53%
Females 47%
Jodhpur has an average literacy rate of 67%, higher than the national average of 59.5%.
Male literacy is 75%, and female literacy is 58%.
In Jodhpur, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Sightseeing in Jodhpur

Mehrangarh Fort: Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in Rajasthan and India, built in around 1459 by Rao Jodha. This fort is situated 410 fee above the Jodhpur city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside the boundaries of Mehrangarh Fort, there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. A winding road leads to and from the Jodhpur city below. To the left of the fort is a Chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier who fell on the spot defending Mehrangarh Fort. There are several gates, which includes Jayapol – built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. There is also a Fattehpol – to commemorates Maharaja Ajit Singhji victory over Mughals. The museum of Mehrangarh Fort is one of the most well-stocked museums in Rajasthan.

Jaswant Thada: The Jaswant Thada is a cenotaph located near Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur. This Jaswant Thada was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur State in 1899 in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, which serves as the cremation ground for the Royal Family of Mewar. The cenotaph is built out of intricately carved marble sheets and these sheets are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm slow when illuminated by the sun. 

Umaid Bhawan Palace: Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the world’s largest private residences, located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. A part of the Umaid Bhawan Palace is used as a luxury hotel and managed by Taj Hotels. The Palace was named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present owner Gaj Singh. The Umaid Bhawan Palace has 347 rooms and is the principal residence of the former Jodhpur Royal family. Also part of the Palace is now a museum. 

Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park: Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park spreads over 72 hectares, near the historic Mahrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. This Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park was created in 2006 to try and restore the natural ecology of a large, rocky area adjoining and just below the fort. And it was opened to public in February 2011. This park contains ecologically restored desert and arid land vegetation. This area in and around the park contains distinctive volcanic rock and sandstone formations.

Girdikot and Sardar Market:
Tulhati Mahal:
Museum:

Excursions:

Balsamand Lake: The Balsamand Lake is situated just 5 km from Jodhpur on Jodhpur-Mandore road. This Balsamand Lake is a popular picnic spot, that was built in 1159 A.D. by Gurjara-Pratihara rulers as a water reservoir to provide water to Mandore. This Balsamand Lake has a length of 1 km, breadth of 50 mars and a depth of 15 metres.

Kaylana Lake: Kaylana Lake is located just 8 km west of Jodhpur, Rajasthan. This is an artificial lake built by Pratap Singh in 1872, spreads over an area of 84 km. In ancient times, this region had palaces and gardens made by two rulers of Jodhpur – Bhim Singh and Takhat Singh. All these palaces and gardens were destroyed to make Kaylana Lake. The Lake is situated between igneous rock land formations and receives water from Hati Nehar which is further connected to the Indira Gandhi canal. Now the Jodhpur city and all surrounding towns and villages depend on Kaylana Lake as a source of drinking water. Also, the natural vegetation in this area mostly consists of Babool trees and various migratory birds such as Siberian cranes are seen here during winter season.

Mandore Garden: Mandore Garden – a suburb Historical town located just 9 km north of Jodhpur. This place is known as the birth place of Ravana’s wife Mandodari.

Mandore Garden is another major tourist attraction due to its charming collection of temples and memorials, and its high rock terraces. This garden house the Chhatris (cenotaphs) of many rulers of Jodhpur state.

Mandore Garden also house a Government museum, a “Hall of Heroes” and a Hindu temple of 33 crore gods. Also various artefacts and statues found around the area are housed at the museum and the ‘Hall of Heroes’ commemorates popular folk heroes of the region. 

Osian: Osian – an ancient town located 69 km north of Jodhpur on a diversion off the main Jodhpur-Bikaner highway. Osian is known as home to the cluster of ruined Hindu and Jain temples dating from 8th to 12th centuries. The Osian city was a major religious centre of the Marwar kingdom during the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty.

Osian town was a major business centre at least as early as the Gupta period and it maintained this status, while also being a major centre of Hinduism and Jainism for hundreds of year. The town came to an abrupt end when armies of Muhammed of Ghor attacked in 1195. Osian is a famous tourist destination of Rajasthan.

Nagaur Fort: Nagaur Fort is an important tourist attraction. This 2nd century fortress is famous for its large campus and high walls and was rebuilt in the 12th century. The original maker of Nagaur Fort is Naagvansi Kshatriya and later on renovated by Mohammad Baalim – a governor of the Ghaznivites. Nagaur Fort has three entrances, first one was made of iron and wood spikes to guard against elephant and enemy attacks. ‘Beech Ka Pol’, is the second entrance and the third one is ‘Kacheri Pol’. 

Nagaur is famous for spices (Maithi) and have huge mineral resources. Nagaur also has a temple of Maheshwari community kuldevi in the name of deresiya mata mandir.

Dhawa: Dhawa is a town in Luni tehsil in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, located just 42 km south of Jodhpur and 22 km from Luni. Dhawa is a village located on Jodhpur-Barmer highway having population about 7000 only.  Dhawa is famous for ‘Dal ke Pakode’. There is a famous Jain Hotel and Magravati resort – a 3 star hotel on NH-25.

Mahamandir Temple: Mahamandir Temple is the architectural marvel of Jodhpur, built in 1812. This temple is supported by 84 pillars decorated with frescos and carvings depicting yogic postures, intricate motifs and other artwork within its premises. Mahamandir Temple boasts a beautiful designed hall that is used for Yoga Classes. The best part of the temple is the Royal architecture which is the main attraction for tourists.

Mahamandir Temple:
Kailana Lake:
Osian:
Dhawa:
Rohit Fort: