Jodhpur “The Blue City”

Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Jodhpur is second largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur and was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha of the Rathore dynasty, the place is not surprisingly named after him. Rao Jodha’s sixth son Rao Bika it may be mentioned founded the city of Bikaner some 30 years later, and extended the sphere of influence of the Rathores all across the Marwar region of western Rajasthan.

The city is known as the "Sun City" for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year. It is also referred as the Blue City, due to the indigo tinge of the whitewashed houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination, featuring many beautiful palaces, forts and temples, apart from a stark, scenic desert landscape.

Places to see in Jodhpur:

Umaid Bhawan Palace:

The palace was constructed by Maharaja Umaid Singh. The main motive of constructing this palace was to provide occupation to his people during long drawn famine in the early 20 th century. The palace designed by HV Lanchester was originally started as a famine relief project which gave employment to more than 3000 people, for 16 years. Part of this magnificent sand stone and marble palace containing over 300 rooms have been converted into a museum, deluxe hotel and a royal residence. This was a perfect example of early modern period architecture. Umaid Bhawan palace forms the grandest private royal houses of the world. Some portion of this grand palace has been converted into a luxurious hotel and a museum.

Jaswant Thada

A collection of royal crematorium including that of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, in white marble, is situated near to Mehrangarh fort. Built in 1899, the cenotaph also houses the portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur. Jaswant Thada lies quite close to the Mehrangarh Fort complex. The main cenotaph has rare portraits of many Rajput rulers on display. If you travel to Jodhpur, this is a place you must visit.


The Meherangarh Fort


Meherangarh, meaning the Majestic Fort is one of the largest forts in India. Located at the centre of the city the fort spreads over 5km atop a 125m high hill. Fort at Jodhpur is such that the fort walls and the sheer basalt escarpment are not distinguishable, one from the other. The fort with walls up to 36m high and 21m wide houses some of the most intricately adorned palaces with exquisitely carved panels, latticed windows and brilliant stained glass. Huge gates at the entrance are fitted with iron nails to prevent elephants from bringing them down. The palaces and the mansions within the complex are more delicately designed. The chief palaces you can see in the fort are the Phool Mahal, the Moti Mahal, the Jhanki Mahal, the Sheesh Mahal and the Sadar Vilas.

Government Museum

Located in the Umaid Public gardens this museum has a collection of weapons, textiles, miniature portraits, local crafts and images of Jain Tirthankars. There is also a library and a zoo.
Architectural Splendor of Jodhpur
Given the rough terrain it is not surprising that the architecture of the city was influenced by it. Desert architecture is noted for two distinct traits, the need to guard against the heat and to fortify itself against invasions. Fortifications tend to merge with the colour of the land, providing it with a natural camouflage.

Climate of Jodhpur:

Here the summer sizzles, the hot dry winds scorches the flesh, the winters chill the bone marrow and years pass by without rainfall. Like the mystery of the Bermuda triangle where a number of ships and planes have disappeared never to be found again; so too at Marwar countless caravans of camels have known to have vanished without a trace.