HomeRajasthanJodhpur

Best time to visit: October - February

The second largest city of Rajasthan, the regal Jodhpur reverberates with tales of antiquity in the sands of time. Once the capital of Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD at the edge of the Thar desert by Rao Jodha who claimed to be a descendant of Lord Ram. The massive 15th century Mehrangarh Fort sits magnificently on a cliff's shoulder 125 metres above the plains. Encompassed by a high wall with eight gates and innumerable bastions, the towers of the fort were built by Rao Maldeo in the 16th century when Jodhpur was a flourishing trade town. Positioned on both the international east-west trading route between Central Asia and China and on the strategic Delhi-Gujarat route, the Marwari traders made fortunes from the passing camel caravans.

In Jodhpur, all traditional homes are painted in a pale indigo. Folk dances and music add to the romance of this desert town. The locals are colourfully turned out, be it the wide skirts and jackets worn by the women or the turbans sported by men. Jodhpur gifted the world "Jodhpurs" or riding breeches, as known today. Sir Pratap Singh is credited with the creation of the ankle-length Jodhpuri boots and the princely Jodhpuri coat.
 

By Air: Jodhpur airport is 5 kms from the city centre. It is well connected with the metropolitan cities in India through direct flights. The nearest international airport is New Delhi (528 kms)

By Road: The main highway between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer is via Agoli and Pokaran. The highway is well connected with Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur by bus.

By Rail: Jodhpur is well connected by railway lines. Trains to Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata are easily available.
 

Jaipur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Ajmer