Jodhpur

It's Inception
In 1459 AD, Rao Jodha, chief of Rathore clan of Rajputs, laid the foundation of Jodhpur. A high stone wall protects the well-fortified city. The wall is nearly 10km in length and has eight gates facing various directions. The city lies at the foot of the hills. The clear distinction between the old and the new city is visible from the ramparts of the fort.

A Princely State
Famous for its magnificent forts and palaces, Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan and a major tourist attraction in the country. The city is situated at the edge of the Thar Desert with Jaisalmer on its west, Barmar, Jalor and Pali on its south, Bikaner on its north, and Nagaur on the eastern side. Home of the Rathores, this awesome princely state of Rajasthan is a doorway to the land of sand dunes and shrubs, rocky terrain and thorny trees.

Shopping
Jodhpur has world famous gifts shops and is known for its tie & dye saris. One can also find excellent quality leather, embroidered shoes and utensils. The local handicrafts and textiles. Throbbing with activity, the colorful bazaar, near Clock tower, has narrow lanes dotted with tiny shops selling exquisite Rajashani textiles, handicrafts, clay figurines of camels and elephants, marble curios with inlay work and exquisite Rajasthani silver jewelry.

Relevant Places

Mehrangarh Fort
Guarding the city below, crowning a perpendicular cliff, the fort was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD, when he shifted his capital from Mandore.

Jaswant Thada
Built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II , in 1899 , the imposing white marble memorial marks the site of a royal crematorium. The cenotaph houses portraits of successive rulers. These four cenotaphs commemorate notable acts of bravery, generosity of the four successive rulers.

Umaid Bhawan Palace
Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh and named after him, this exquisite palace is also known as Chittar Palace.

Government Museum
Nestling in the middle of the Umaid Public Garden, this museum houses a rich collection of exhibits - armory, textiles, local arts and crafts, miniature paintings. Portraits of rulers, manuscripts and images of Jain Tirthankars

Maha Mandir Temple
Literally, the great temple, a place where sacred glory reigns in a peaceful tranquility. Situated on Mandore road, the temple is an architectural splendor, supported by 84 pillars and ornamented with detailed designs and figures depicting various postures of Yoga.