Jodhpur : Jodhpur the former capital of Marwar state, was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha who claimed descent form Rama (the hero of the epic Ramayana). The city was built as a result of warring brothers.
The massive fort – Mehrangarh – came first and around it grew the city of Jodhpur protected by a high stone wall with seven gates and countless bastions. Today, the city has grown on all sides to become the second largest city of Rajasthan.Jodhpur is still one of the leading centers for cattle, camels, salt and agricultural crops.
Exploring the city promises you a delightful encounter with an array of tempting art craft creations as also the unusual lifestyle and costumer of Jodhpuris. The roads are wide but crowded with pavement stalls. The women folk wear wide gathered skirt; slightly shorter than seen in jaipur and a hip length jacket modestly covering front and back with three-quarter length sleeves; brightly colored and aesthetically designed.
Jodhpur is a treasure trove for the bargain hunters. The bazaars are known for a large collection of the dye and ite fabrics in extremely fine designs; and for beautiful jutees or slippers in suede camel skin, velvet, and leather decorated with thread embroidery. There are innumerable shops selling souvenirs made of marble from nearby Makrana. Choose from an expansive range of decorative and useful-enamelware jugs water bottles, to name a few sogati Gate, Jalori Gate and the more modern Mehta Market are the ideal places for shopping.
Jodhpur and its historic origins are best revealed by countless cultural celebrations taking palace here. Of these Marwar Festival and annual feature is the most inspiring spectacle of the region. A variety of Rajasthan folk music and dance performances introduce the audience with the local folklore marked with ecstasy, the cultural bonanza enlivens the environ and transports the participants back into the historic origins of this colourful region of Rajasthan.

Major Attractions :

Mehrangarh Fort : Spread over 5 km on a stiff rugged hill and looking down from a height of about 100 meters, the fort appears invricible and impenetrable from outside but houses some of the most intricately adorned palaces with exquisitely carved panels and latticed windows. Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are some of the important palaces to visit and view the collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles miniatures, musical instruments, costumes, colourful pagaris and furniture.

Jaswant Thada : A cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble lies very close to the fort. Built in 1899 in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, the cenotaphs also house portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur. It has extremely rare 15 cm thick milk white marble slabs.

Umaid_Bhawan-JodhpurUmaid Bhawan Palace : The only palaces to be built in the mid 20th century, it was meant to be a famine relief project which gave employment to citizens for 16 long years. A enormous and impressive sandstone structure, some parts of the palace is today run as a hotel while a part of its is still retained by the erstwhile royal family.

Girdikot and Sardar Market : Located in the heart of Jodhpur, these colourful markets throb with activity. Tiny shops dot the narrow lanes and a wide range of handicrafts make this a specially charming area.

Madore : The ancient capital of Marwar. It contains the cenotaphs of Jodhpur rulers and sixteen gigantic figures carved out of a single rock depicting popular Hindu and folk deities in bright colour which are very well maintained. The area is surrounded by a landscaped garden with high rock terraces. An ideal picnic spot.