Jodhpur - Blue City OR Sun City OR Marwar OR Gateway of Thar

STATE - RAJASTHAN
   
DISTANCE - 589 KM From Delhi, 200 KM From Ajmer, 331 KM From Jaipur

CONNECTION
 
By Air : Jodhpur airport is located in the cantonment area. It is well connected with the metropolitan cities in India through direct flights.

By Rail :Jodhpur Railway Station is located on station road and come sunder the Northern railway network of India. It is directly connected with the major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and other cities.

By Road :Jodhpur has a good road connection .You can reach Jodhpur from Delhi via Gurgaon, Jaipur, Ajmer, Beawar and Pali.If you are on a Rajasthan Tour, then you can make a trip to Jodhpur from Bikaner or Jaisalmer by bus or by hiring a cab.
 
ABOUT JODHPUR
 
Jodhpur, of once the capital the former princely state of Marwar, is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. Flanked on its western side by the Mehrangarh Fort, and on the eastern side by the stately sandstone Palace of Umaid Bhawan; the monuments temples and gardens of Jodhpur depict multi-facete grandeur.

Founded in 1459 AD by the Suryavanshi Rao Jodha, Jodhpur regularly grew around the towering Mehrangarh Fort, built as a stronghold on the advice of a sage. Along with Bikaner and Jaisalmer, Jodhpur too is located on the ancient silk route that linked Central Asia and Northern India with the seaports of Gujarat. As a result it became a major trading centre in the 16th century. Reminiscent of the bygone years is the fact that Jodhpur is still the leading centre for cattle, camels, wood, salt and agricultural crops. The beauty and imagination that has gone into the making of this monumental city proclaim the life-springs of creative genius that appear unequal with the harshness of this land and its climate.

Mehrangarh Fort- In the chaotic political times of 1459 AD. Rao Jodha was adviced by a saint to establish an impregnable head-quarter and so, the Mehrangarh Fort was built on a steep hill. This formidable hill top fort is among the best in India with exquisitively latticed windows in residential apartments within. Carved panels and porches, elaborately adorned windows and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana, seem to make the medieval splendour come alive. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins, royal costumes, furniture and the cannons on the fort's ramparts are preserved.
 
PLACES OF INTERESTS IN JODHPUR
 
Mehrangarh : One of the most stunning hill forts of Rajasthan, Mehrangarh appears to rise from the bluff-coloured sandstone hill itself, so well built into the base that it is difficult to tell where the hill ends and the walls begin.

Umaid Bhawan Palace : Umaid Bhawan Palace can qualify for several firsts: the largest private residence in the world, the finest extant example of art-deco, the only palace to have painting from the Ramayana painted by a Polish artist, the first to use air-conditioning, electricity and elevators, and the most impressive for its size and dimensions.

Jaswant Thada : A cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899 A.D. in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers.

Government Museum : Located in the Umaid gardens on High Court Road, it has a large and fairly interesting collection.

Mehrangarh Fort Museum : This is an excellent museum with rare and interesting artifacts, textiles, paintings, transport items etc. laid out with utmost care and thought. The Palanquin Gallery and Howdah Gallery display a superb collection of old and costly specimens of great historical value.

Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum : Recently the ruling family of Jodhpur has converted a part of the gigantic Umaid Bhawan Palace as a Palace Museum. Government Museum, Mandore: About 8 kms form Jodhpur; Mandore was the capital of Marwar. This enchanting place having beautifully carved cenotaphs, halls of heroes, palaces and old fort, is of immense historical importance.

Girdikot and Sardar Market : These colourful markets with tiny shops dotting the narrow lanes are situated in the heart of the city and are popular for a wide range of handicrafts, making them the favourite haunt of shoppers.
 
RELIGIOUS PLACES IN JODHPUR
 
Chamundaji Temple : The Chamunda Mataji Temple in Jodhpur, Rajasthan is situated in the southern end of the Mehrangarh Fort. Chamunda Mataji was the favorite goddess of Rao Jodha. In 1460, he brought her idol from the old capital of Mandore in 1460. Then, it was installed in the Mehrangarh Fort. Till date, the goddess remains the Isht Devi (the adopted goddess) of Maharajas and the Royal Family.

Raj Ranchhodji Temple : One of the temples to visit in Jodhpur is the Raj Ranchhodji Temple. Queen Jadechi Rajkanwar built Raj Ranchhodji Temple of Jodhpur, Rajasthan. She got it constructed after the death of her husband, Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Most of the temple is built using red sandstone. Also there are carvings with beautiful filigree work on the stone adorning the temple. Inside the temple is the statue of Ranchhodji. It is made up of black marble. The main door of the temple has stained glass windows of green, yellow and blue color.

Achal Nath Shivalaya : A famous Shiv temple in Jodhpur is the Achal Nath Shivalaya. Nanak Devi, the queen of Rao Ganga, constructed Achal Nath Shivalaya temple of Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The construction of the temple got completed on 21st May 1531. There is a large water reservoir called Bawari in the temple, which was made near the Shivlinga. It is known as Ganga Bawari.

Siddhanth Shiv Temple : Siddhanth Shiv temple of Jodhpur, Rajasthan lies between Takhat Sagar hills. One has to first take up the road going from the right of filter house on Jodhpur-Chopasani Road. Then, only after crossing the stairs made by cutting rocks, one can reach Siddhnath temple.

Rasik Bihari Temple : Rasik Bihari Temple in Jodhpur, Rajasthan is located off the Udai Mandir road. It is also known as Niniji Temple in Jodhpur, India. The temple building is quite a fascinating one. It is mainly dedicated to Rasik Bihari. At present, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is overlooking the management and maintenance of the temple.

Baba Ramdeo Temple : Baba Ramdeo Temple of Jodhpur, Rajasthan is situated on the route between the Jalori Gate and the Nagori Gate in Jodhpur, India. It is also known as the Adhar Shila Temple and stands on top of a sandstone hill. The antiquity of the temple attracts tourists to this place. Do add this temple to your itinerary, while visiting Jodhpur.

Udai Mandir : Udai Mandir in Jodhpur, Rajasthan is an architectural beauty. If you are an appreciator of architectural brilliance, do visit this temple on your visit to Jodhpur. Carved sandstone makes up the upper part of the temple gate. The main temple stands on a huge platform and is supported by 102 pillars. Inside Udai Mandir are beautiful wall paintings with 84 Yogasanas. The pictures of Nath Yogis made up with gold are also there in the temple.

Kunj Bihari Temple : Kunj Bihari Temple in Jodhpur, Rajasthan seems like a replica of the Ghanshyamji temple in Jodhpur. Kunj Bihari Temple is another example of architectural splendor in Jodhpur. Specifically the top of the temple and its entrance are artistically made. Devotees of Krishanji should try to visit this temple on their trip to Jodhpur.

• Rameshwar Mahadev Temple
• Ganesh Temple
• Badli Behron
• Ghanshyamji Temple

 
WHEN TO GO JODHPUR
 
The most excellent time to visit Jodhpur is during winters from October to March or even April. Jodhpur has desert climate and the summers are very oppressive with maximum temperatures going up to 48-49 degrees making it almost impossible to venture out. During the rainy season the humidity rises and adds to the discomfort. In winters the temperature occasionally touches 4-5 degrees but most of the days are pleasant making it excellent for sight-seeing.
 
WEATHER FORECAST
 
Jodhpur Climate is of an extreme type, with the variations in temperature range being very high. Weather in Jodhpur, Rajasthan is dry and hot, a typical desert weather. The average annual rainfall is approximately 32 cm. In summer, the maximum temperature is around 42 deg and the minimum temperature is around 37 deg C. In winters, the maximum temperature is around 27.5 deg C and the minimum temperature is around 15.5 deg C. Jodhpur is bright and sunny throughout the year. The best season to visit the city is between October and March, when the climatic conditions in Jodhpur, India are the best.
 
EVENTS AND FESTIVALS IN JODHPUR
 
Marwar Festival Rajasthan, the land of royalty, is a state at its colourful best all the year round with an amazing fusion of history, religion, music, dance, arts & crafts, desert sand, wildlife & birdlife, lakes, palaces and friendly people. Fairs in Rajasthan are mythological in nature, relating to Gods and Goddesses. They are even celebrated to commemorate the brave deeds of medieval heroes. The Marwar Festival, held in memory of the heroes of Rajasthan, is one such example. The festival is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin (September - October) in the Sun City of Jodhpur, the former capital of Marwar Province during the full moon of Sharad Poornima. The most popular Jodhpur festival is the Jodhpur Marwar Festival, held annually in October in Jodhpur, attempts to showcase the art and culture of the Jodhpur region.

Nagaur Fair is well known all over the state of Rajasthan and the special guests of honor at this fair are- Cattle! Yes, Nagaur Fair is has the unique distinction of being the second largest cattle fair in India. The festive ambience during the Nagaur Fair is permeated by the bellows of the cattle that are decorated by their owners and the general buzz that is associated with fairs such as these.

Makar Sankranti the festival is celebrated on the 14th of January every year. This has now become the festival of kite-flying which does not spare the soaring spirits of anyone in Jaipur. The devoted ones, however, take a holy dip in the kund at Galtaji. The traditional sweet associated with it is Phirni, made in abundance by the halwais of Jaipur

Gangaur Fair is a significant festival of Rajasthan, especially meant for the women. Gangaur festival is widely acclaimed and celebrated throughout the state of Rajasthan. The word Gangaur is derived from two words, 'Gan' and 'Gauri' which are synonyms of 'Siva' and his consort 'Parvati' respectively. Gangaur is celebrated in the honor of Goddess Gauri, who is considered as the symbol of virtue, devotion, fertility and a perfect married woman. Gangaur celebrates the union of the two and is a symbol of conjugal and marital happiness.

Elephant Festival is held on the day of Holi, the festival of colours, at the Chaughan stadium. Beautifully decorated and caparisoned elephants assemble to participate in the royal procession. Elephant polo, elephant race,elephant tug-of-war with a few tourist and holi on elephant back are some of the exciting events.

Teej Festival is one of the most popular festivals of India. Teej festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by the women in India. Since Teej fall at the outbreak of the monsoons, it is also popularly known as the 'Sawan Festival'. Teej is usually celebrated in the month of July-August. Festival of Teej is dedicated to the divine couple - Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Though Teej is celebrated at various places in India and abroad, major Teej celebrations take place in the highly cultural city of Jaipur. Here day-long processions and celebrations create a vivid atmosphere.

Dussehra Festival is celebrated by staging Ramlila in different parts of the city and cuminating in the ceremonial burning of the giant effigies of Ravan, Kumbhakaran and Meghnath, celebrating Lord Rama's victory over the Demon King, and victory of Good over Evil. A mela is organised at Amer and thousands of devotees visit the templeof Shila Mataji situated there. Special puja is offered by the former Maharaja in the City Palace amidst traditional fanfare. Durga Puja is celebrated in several community pandals for four days by the large Bengali population in the city.

Diwali Festival Celebrated every year in October- November, Diwali is perhaps the most popular of all Indian festivals. The origin of this festival can be traced back to the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana, when Lord Rama returned to his kingdom Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. The whole kingdom was lit up with diyas (earthen lamps) to celebrate his return. To date, on Diwali day, houses all over India glow with the twinkle of innumerable divas, candles and electric lights.
 
FOOD AND RESTURANTS IN JODHPUR
 
Jodhpur is famous for its sweets. One can find a large crowd at every shop of sweet delicacies. Its in tradition of jodhpur that first you have to eat sweet and then start other food. One can't escape from sweet hospitality ("Mithi Manuhar") of Jodhpur and than quite appropriate that this is the secret of the sugary tone of the citizen of this city. 'Mave ki Kachori' , 'Besan ki Chaaki', 'Maakhan Vade' are some of the most famous sweets of Jodhpur. Janta Sweet Home, Jodhpur Sweet Home", Pokhar Sweets are some of the shop where one can find a quality and variety of sweets.

• Spicy Breakfast : Most of the citizen of this city start their breakfast with the world famous 'Samosas', 'Kachoris' and 'Mirchi Vadas', Its not only famous among jodhpur people but appeal to the palate of the tourists.
• Kair-Sangri : Jodhpur's food is highly spiced to preserve and contains number of berries and roots from desert that are healthy and herbal. In a state of desert and water paucity, marwaris had to be innovative to survive and therefore the fine art of food preservation became the greatest need.
• Daal -Baati
• Pachkuta & Bajre-ka-Khich

Taj Hari Mahal Hotel (Residency Road), Sandhu Palace Hotel (Circuit House Road), Rajputana Palace Hotel (Panchabati Circle Af Road), Kalinga Hotel (Railway Station Road), Risala Restaurant (Ummaid Bhavan Palace), Hotel Karni Bhawan (Palace Road, Ratanada) , Gopal Bhojan Bhandar(Sojati Gate), Manglam Restaurant(Jaljog Chouraha).