(tales of grandeur and great heroes)

Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert.

Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha - chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana.

The massive 15th century A.D. Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rock hill, soaring 125 mts. above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall - 10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.

Mehrangarh : The 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 m high hill is one of the most impressive and formidable structure. Although invincible from the outside, the fort has four gates approached by a winding road. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels, latticed windows and evocative names.

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.


Umaid Bhawan Palace :  The only 20th century palace built under the famine relief project that gave employment to famine struck population. The palace was completed in 16 years. The opulent edifice in sandstone is still the residence of the former rulers with a part of it running as a hotel and remaining part as a museum.

Girdikot and Sardar Market : These colorful 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 favorite haunt of shoppers.

Government Umaid Museum : The museum has an exquisite ensemble of paintings, sculptures and antique weapons, in the middle of the Umaid Public Garden also houses a zoo.

Mandore (8 km) : The ancient capital of Marwar has cenotaphs of the Jodhpur rulers. The Hall of Heroes has fifteen figures carved out of the rock on the wall which represent Hindu deities. Its beautiful gardens with high rock terraces make it a popular picnic spot.

Kailana Lake (11 km) : The beautiful lake is an ideal picnic spot.

Osian (58 km) : An oasis in the desert, situated on the diversion off the main Jodhpur - Bikaner highway. A drive to this ancient township takes one past undulating terrain, punctuated by desert stretches and little hamlets. Osian has 15 beautifully sculpted jain and Brahmanical temples. Of these the most outstanding ones are the earlier Surya or Sun Temple and the later Kali temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and the main Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira.

Village Safari : Jodhpur is know for its interesting Village Safaris, The excursion to the surrounding of Jodhpur provides you a fascinating insight into the traditional rural life, crafts and wildlife of Rajasthan. The tours and travels includes visits to the villages of potters, weavers, shoemakers, shepherd, Bishnois etc. and even you can see some wildlife.

Dhawa (45 km) : A wildlife sanctuary with the largest number of Indian antelopes.

Nagaur (135 km) : An imposing for with beautiful murals. It is also the venue for a week long cattle fair held in Jan/Feb every year.

Rohit Garh (40 km) : Now one of the many heritage hotels in rajasthan, the fort is worth a visit.

Luni Fort (20 km) : Now converted in a heritage hotel, this fort and its surroundings are worth a visit.

Marwar Festival : The two day long colorful extravaganza celebrating the Maand style of folk music brings out the romantic lifestyle of Rajasthan's rulers.

Rural Rajasthan

more >