The fascinating Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan and is one of the major tourist attractions of the country. The city was spawned in 1459 by the Rajput chief Rao Jodha. There are about 100 towers in the city, most of which are surrounded by defensive battlements. Jodhpur was once a flourishing trade centre in the 16th century. Today also it is a leading centres of wool, cattle, camels and salt. The palaces, temples and other elegant monuments of Jodhpur are of great architectural and historical value.

See & Do

Mehrangarh Fort - This fort is one of the most majestic and largest forts of India. It was started by Rao Jodha, the founder of the city of Jodhpur. This fort is located at the centre of the city and is visible from the surrounding areas. The fort houses a museum that is called Mehrangarh museum. It is one of India's premier tourist sites, offering great architecture, high-quality artefacts and well-lit displays. There is wonderful collection of palanquins and elephant seats and many miniature paintings.

Umaid Bhawan - Jodhpur very much boasts of this monument. A part of Umaid Bhawan Palace is a luxury hotel and the other part is a museum. The construction of this palace got completed in the 1940's. The Umaid Bhawan Museum is full of the sort of frippery that the empire's puuppet kings loved so much: crystal , glass, chinaware, fancy clocks. There are also few stuffed animals, model planes and an explication of the palace's development.

Sadar Government Museum - This museum has an interesting crafts section, including curiosities like rock-salt carvings.

Jaswant Thada - Built in the final years of the 19th century, the Jaswant Thada is an attractive marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant singh II. Rare portraits of Jodhpur's rulers can also be seen at Jaswant Thada.

Kaylana Lake - This lake was constructed in 1872 by Sir Pratap Singh. It is spread over 84 sq.km and is a popular picnic spot.

Clock Tower and Sardar Market - A prime attraction of the city, is the Clock Tower and the colourful Sardar Market near it. Narrow alleys lead to quaint bazaars selling textiles, antiques, silverware and handicrafts.

Go Shopping

Jodhpur is one of the best options for antique shopping in India. One can find doorways,lintels, carved balconies and windows, pillars, furniture from the shops out here. Shops at the base of the Chhattar Hill are treasure troves of the most amazing buys. Check out Lalji Handicrafts, Shekhawati Art Emporium, Rajasthan Art Emporium, Maharani Heritage Art School and Rama Bazaar.

Jodhpur is also very popular for its tie-dyed fabrics ( Kapra Bazaar ), footwear ( Mochi Bazaar) and Jutti Corner on the station Road, Silver jewellery ( Sarafa Bazaar) and dhurries. Both Umaid Bhawan and Ajit Bhawan have shops that sell exclusive , boutique-style jewellery, handicrafts, accessories and souvenirs.

Where to eat

If you have no plans to keep a fast during your trip to Jodhpur, then the restaurants of this city can offer a good treat to your hungry stomachs. One can also enjoy the Makhania's lassis here.

- The Mehran Terrace at the fort.
- Cafe Mehran - A day restaurant near Surajpol.
- Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel
- On the Rocks - This is a restaurant serving Indian food located in a grotto built at one end of the Ajit Bhawan lawns.
- Priya Hotel - This is a vegetarian restaurant serving great veg food.
- Hotel near the Clock Tower offers makhania lassi which is the speciality of Jodhpur.
- Hotel near Sojati Gate is a must visit if you are looking for a typical Jodhpuri breakfast like samosas, kachoris and mirchi vadas.

Temperature Graph

The city of Jodhpur experiences the typical desert climate which is hot and dry. Jodhpur receives 359.5 mm of rain every year, most of it during the monsoon (July/August). Maximum temperature in Jodhpur during the summers remains in the range of 40ºC while in the winters the minimum average temperature is 11ºC.