Location - 260km From Udaipur, Rajasthan
Tourist Attractions - Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mehrangarh Fort
Founded - In 1459 AD
Best Time To Visit - October-March
Amidst the sand dunes and thorny vegetation of Thar desert towers a fort,120 metres above the plain. The fort overlooks the imperial city of Jodhpur,which is a 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 AD. This city was on the silkroute of the 16th century and hence was host to a number of travellers.
In Jodhpur, the genius of its sculptors comes to life in its exquisite palaces, forts, temples and havelis, which stand testimony to the imperial grandeur. The most alluring part of Jodhpur is the traditional life style,festivity and the smiling people who treasure this former princely state.
Prime Attractions :
»Mehrangarh Fort - Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in India. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrates a saga of hard sand stones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures.
»UmaidBhawan Palace - The only palace built in 20th century under the famine relief programme, has now been converted into a hotel with some parts being retained as a museum.
» Jaswant Thada- The 19th century royal cenotaph is built in white marble, incommemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Some rare portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur are also displayed here.
» Government Museum -This museum has a rich collection of weapons, textiles, miniatureportraits, local crafts and images of Jain Tirthankars. It is situated in the middle of the Umaid public gardens.
