Jodhpur Travel Packages

Overview
Jodhpur: The Sun city of India

Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. Located 380 km away from Jaipur,  the city homes some of the classic examples of architecture in the form of forts, monuments and  palaces. This culturally rich city is also known by many as the "Blue city" for its bright blue-coloured houses near Mehrangarh fort. The panoramic view of Thar Desert adds up to the beauty of this place. This lively desert city enjoys a bright sunny weather,  giving it the name of "sun city".

 

Previously known as Marwar,  its history dates back to late 1400, when the Chief of Rathore clan, Rao Jodha founded the city and declared it to be the capital of their kingdom in 1459. It happened when the Rathores were purged out of their homeland Kaunaj, by Afghans. They took shelter in Pali, close to Jodhpur. With the wedlock of  Rathore Siahaji and the sister of a local prince, the Rathores strengthened themselves in this region and soon dethroned the Pratiharas of Mandore, 9 km away from the present day Jodhpur. At first, Mandore was the capital for the Rathores, but they soon  were in need of a safer territory. As a result, Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodha.

Following are the main attractions of Jodhpur:

Mehrangarh Fort: It is one of the oldest forts in India. Perched on a steep hill, the fort was built to have a safe head-quarter in 1459. It is one of the finest architectural beauties of India, with its finely sculptured walls and windows of Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and Moti Mahal. The fort also homes  the well preserved collection of musical instruments, royal wears, palanquins and cannons.

 

Jaswant Thada:  This 19th century  royal masterpiece was built in the remembrance of  Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The cenotaph is built in white marble, exhibiting rare portraits of brave kings of Jodhpur.

 

Umaid Bhawan Palace:  The ecstatic looking Umaid Bhawan was actually built to give employment to the people of famine affected in Jodhpur.  While a part of the palace still accommodates the royal family of Jodhpur, its another part has a well maintained museum, flaunting the amazing assemblage of antiques belonging to the Maharaja and the regal family.

 

Rai-ka-Bag Palace: located near Raika Bag railway station, the palace was built in 1663 by Hadiji, Queen of Jaswant Singh.

 

Umed Graden: Spread over 82 acres, this enchanting garden was created by Maharaja Umed Singh. It has tall Ashoka trees, roses, seasonal flowers, fountains, zoo and a museum. The feature of "Walk-in Aviary" was added to it in 1978, where one could see varieties of birds in their natural habitat.

Excursions from Jodhpur: Visitors can travel to places such as Mandor(8 km),  Kaylana Lake (8 km) and Osian (65 km),

 

Shopping in Jodhpur:
Embroidered leather shoes, lacquerwares, antiques, carpets, puppets and clay figurines can be purchased from the local shops. Fashion lovers can buy beautiful multi-coloured Bandhini fabrics and silver jewelleries also.

When to reach:
The best time to visit Jodhpur is in between October and March due to the favourable weather. .Tourists can also visit during the festivals of Dussehra and Diwali (September- October). The Marwar festival held during October/ November is also a great time to visit the city.

 

How to reach:
Air: The nearest airport is 5 km away from the city centre. Jodhpur airport is well connected with domestic flights from Delhi, Ahmedabad, Varanasi and Mumbai.
Rail:  Trains are available from almost all major cities at the Jodhpur Railway Station. The Booking office is on Station Road.
Road: Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSTC) buses and luxury coaches are available.