:: Wellcome to Jodhpur :: Jodhpur Tourism, Jodhpur Tourism in India, Lakesparadise !

Standing as the sentinel of the country's western border, Jodhpur is famous for its magnificent forts and palaces, nestling within the depths of the Thar Desert. Once the capital of the former princely state of Marwar, it is the second largest city of Rajasthan, after Jaipur. It is the stronghold of the Rathore clan - Jodhpur, founded in 1459 AD, by Suryavanshi Rao Jodha. It the land of royalty glittering in the golden sands of barren desert landscape.

Attractions In & Around

Balsamand Lake and Palace :- This lake and garden complex lies about 7 kms from Jodhpur. Balak Rao Parihar constructed a 'Bundh' here in 1159, and Maharaja Sur Singh enlarged this ‘Bundh’. It is an artificial lake with a summer palace on the embankment.

Clock Tower and Sadar Market :- A prime attraction of the city is the Clock Tower and the colourful Sardar Market near it with a wide range of handicrafts giving immense shopping pleasure to the locals and the

Government Museum :- In Ummaid public garden is situated a nicely displayed museum of local arts and crafts, exhibiting armory, textiles, miniature and paintings of Jodhpur school and big portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur.

Guda Bishnoi :- There is a small artificial lake, where one can see migratory birds, blackbucks and chinkaras. 25 kms. away from Jodhpur, are the immaculately kept villages of the Bishnoi community renowned for their abiding concern for and practice of environmental conservation. Khejri trees and deer thrive in these villages.

Jaswant Thada: :- Close to the fort complex lies this white marble cenotaph, built in 1899, in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh Il where rare portraits of Jodhpur's rulers are also seen.

Mandore :- This was the former capital of Marwar situated about 9 kms north of Jodhpur. The gardens of Mandore house the royal cenotaphs or 'dewals' of the Maharajas. The Hall of Heroes contains 15 figures carved out of a rock wall and the Shrine of 33 crore Gods, is painted with figures of gods, spirits and divinities. They provide the perfect venue for The Marwar Festival, held in memory of the heroes of Rajasthan.

Mehrangarh Fort :- Located at the very centre of the city visible from the surrounding area is Mehrangarh literally meaning "Majestic Fort”. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins, furniture and cannons on the fort's ramparts are well - preserved.

Ossian :- The ancient city of Ossian is 65 kms from Jodhpur, which was once an important religious centre. It is known for its Brahmanical and Jain temples. The Surya temple has fascinating images of Durga, Surya and Ganesh in the same area.

Sardar Samand Lake and Palace :- The 65-km drive is very picturesque to see Rajasthani village life in all its vibrant colours. Built in natural rock, this palace, is a fine example of the decorative Art Deco style of the nineteen thirties.

Umaid Bhawan :- On the other side of the city, facing the fort is the Umaid Bhawan Palace also known as Chhittar Palace built as a famine relief project. It is said to be one of the finest surviving examples of Indo-colonial style of architecture in the world. It now runs as a hotel, though, a part of it has been retained as a museum and part as royal residence.

Getting in, Around & Away
AIR : The nearest airport of Jodhpur is Udaipur. The airport is well connected to Jodhpur by roadways.
RAIL : Trains are available from Delhi and Mumbai to Jodhpur. The 'Palace on Wheels' also visits this city of Royal splendor.

Tourist Information Center
1 Tourist Information Centers(Govt)
Regional Tourist Office (Jodhpur Division) - Tourist Research Centre, Hotel Ghoomar, High Court Road, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. Tel. - +(91)--0291--45083

Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (RTDC) - Tourist Centre, Hotel Swagatam, Office Annexe Near Railway Station, Jaipur - 302 006 (Rajasthan) India. Tel. - +(91)-141-203531 / 202586 / 202152; Fax - +(91)-141-201045.

Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan (DOTGOR) - Paryatan Bhawan, Govt. Hostel Campus, M.I. Road Jaipur 302 001 (Rajasthan) India Tel. - +(91)-141-370180 / 371142 / 371223; Fax - +(91)-141-376362