Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, Jodhpur was the capital of the princely state of Marwar, where the Rathor clan ruled. Set right at the edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is strewn with forts and palaces that go back to the 15th century. On top of a hill, at the edge of the town, looms the Mehrangarh Fort, giving it a touch of medieval majesty.


This 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. Jodhpur is situated at the edge of the Thar Desert. Jodhpur has a typical desert climate, dry and hot. The ideal time to visit Jodhpur is the period between November and March. Jodhpur is like an oasis in the vast desert, with a variety of thorny shrubs all over the area.


Jodhpur also has some of the animal species that can survive in an arid and dry environment. One should plan the visit to Jodhpur during the best time to get rid of the uncomforting heat and dry spell of the summer season. One good quality moisturizer and some light woolens for the day and some extra woolen stuff for the winter nights is advisable.


History
The Rajput chief Rao Jodha founded the city of Jodhpur in 1459. Earlier, Jodhpur was the capital of the Marwar state of Rajasthan. A 10-km-long wall made of stone surrounds Jodhpur. Eight doors stand all through the wall leading to different places of Jodhpur. Jodhpur has about 100 towers most of which are surrounded by defensive battlements. The guards' chambers, constructed high up above the ground and fitted with iron spikes on top, could be seen alongside these walls.


Places of Attraction

• Mehrangarh Fort
  Mehrangarh Fort his 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 Fatehpol 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'.
• Ummaid Bhawan
  Ummaid Bhawan Palace, built by Maharaja Ummaid Singh in1943, this marble and sandstone palace is an imposing sight. The museum here has a fascinating collection of antique clocks and miniature paintings.

Climate
Summer (Mar. to Jun.): Warm
Monsoon (Jul. to Aug.): Warm
Winter (Nov. to Feb.): Cool and pleasant


How to Reach

• Air
  Indian Airlines connect Jodhpur with Jaipur, Delhi, Udaipur and Bombay.
• Rail
  Jodhpur is connected by rail with Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Abu Road, Bombay via Ahmedabad Barmer and Udaipur via Marwar.
• Road
  By road Jodhpur to Agra 577 kms, Ajmer 198 kms, Barmer 220 kms, Bikaner 240 kms, Bombay 1073 kms, Delhi 592 kms, Jaipur 343 kms, Jaisalmer 290 kms, Mount Abu 264 kms, Udaipur 275 kms, Ranakpur 175 kms. Regular bus services available from Jodhpur to Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Ranakpur and Nathdwara.