The city of Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodhaji in 1459. Right in the middle of the Thar desert rises a fort 120 meters high overlooking the imperial city of Jodhpur. The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a 10 km long wall with eight gates serving as entrances. Jodhpur is the second largest city of the state of Rajasthan. It has been drawing the attention of tourists from all over the world. Standing as the sentinel of the country's western border, Jodhpur is famous for its magnificent forts and palaces.

Travel links
By Air : Indian Airlines operates flights from Jodhpur to Delhi, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jaipur and Mumbai.

By Bus : There are various buses from Jodhpur to Udaipur, Jaipur, Ajmer, Jaisalmer, Ahmedabad and Delhi.

By Train : There are rail connections to Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Kota, Bikaner, Ahmedabad and Delhi.

What to see
Mehrangarh Fort : This formidable hilltop fort is one of the most impressive in Rajasthan. A series of gates lead into it, like Jayapol built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806 and Fatehpur or 'Victory Gate' erected by Maharaja Ajit Singh to celebrate his victory over the Mughals. Inside the fort, see the palaces: Moti Mahal or 'Pearl Palace', Sukh Mahal or 'Pleasure Palace' and Phool Mahal or 'Flower Palace'.

Jaswant Thada : A marble cenotaph built in 1899 as a memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.

Umaid Bhawan Palace : Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in1943, this marble and sandstone palace is an imposing sight. The museum here has a fascinating collection of antique clocks and miniature paintings.

Government Museum : This museum has a rich collection of weapons, textiles, miniature portraits, local crafts and images of Jain Tirthankars. It is situated in the middle of the Umaid public gardens.

Mahamandir Temple : Built in 1812, this is an old walled town with few hundred houses. The temple with 84 beautifully carved pillars is an architectural wonder.

Kailana Lake : An artificial lake on the Jaisalmer road. An idyllic picnic spot with spectacular sunsets.


Shopping
Jodhpur is a veritable shopper's paradise with entire streets and localities in the walled city devoted to single commodities. The city is famous for bandhani and lahariya, block printed textiles, silver jewellery, antique furniture, wood and metal handicrafts. Carpets and durries can be found on the Umaid Bhawan Palace road. Jodhpur is home to many talented and skilled craftsmen like textile dyers, metal engravers and die-makers and probably the last of the tailors of the classic Jodhpur breeches.