Jodhpur City Guide – Jodhpur Travel Attractions
Jodhpur also called as ‘Sun City or Blue City’ is one of the most fascinating cities of India located in the state of Rajasthan. It is a popular tourist destination that has many beautiful palaces, forts, temples, and a scenic desert landscape. The city is named after its founder Rao Jodha. Jodhpur has typical desert weather, which is very hot and dry. The minimum temperature is 10 °C during winters and the maximum rises up to 42 °C during the summer seasons. The best part of the year to visit Jodhpur is from October to March. Some of the interest locations worth visiting are listed with a brief introduction in the following sections.
Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort is situated on a perpendicular steep hill spreading over 5 km. A look at the fort from the bottom of the hill makes one feel awe. This unassailable fort was built in the year 1459 by Rao Jodha. Latticed windows, carved panels, intricately decorated windows and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal are the highlights of this incredible fort. The well preserved antiques, such as musical instruments, palanquins, and royal costumes narrate the glories of the past.Jaswant Thada
The Jaswant Thada is one of the well known landmarks of Jodhpur. It is a white marble cenotaph of Maharja Jaswant Singh II built in 1899. Jaswant Thada being the traditional cremation ground for rulers of Jodhpur has two more tombs. The beautiful multi-tiered garden and the small lake near by add beauty to the place. The most surprising feature of this location is that the villagers unlike Shelley’s Ozymandius still revere the bravery of past kings of their land. It is located very close to the Mehrangarh Fort making it easy for the tourists.Umaid Bhawan Palace
Umaid Bhawan Palace built in 1943 is one other residing place of the royals of Jodhpur. The royal family still resides in a part of the palace that spreads over 26 acres of land while other part houses a museum that displays royal antiques, such as weapons, clocks, crockery, and trophies. The dramatically illuminated building looks fabulous during the nights. Named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, the building is truly a magnificent display of the wealth of the royal family.Other must visit places in Jodhpur include the Government museum, Rai-ka-Bag Palace, Umed Garden, Raj Ranchhodji Temple, Achal Nath Shivalaya, and Siddhnath. Some of places worth seeing located close to the city of Jodhpur include Mandore, Ossian, Balsammand Lake & Palace, Kaylana Lake, Guda Bishnoi, and Jaswant Sagar Dam.
Transport and Stay
Jodhpur airport is located just 5 km from the center of the city. Both government and private airlines operate flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, and Jaipur. Trains to all major cities of India are available from Jodhpur, which is well connected by the Indian railways. RSTC buses operated by the government of Rajasthan and also luxury buses operated by private sectors connect Jodhpur with many cities of Rajasthan. Taxies and auto rickshaws, best suited for local transportation, are available at ones beck and call.
Heritage hotels like Ajit Bhawan, Balsamand Lake Palace, Devi Bhawan, and Haveli Inn Pal make the tourists feel at home. The hotels that offer star comforts to tourists include Hotel Fortune Ummed, Park Plaza, Taj Hari Mahal, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur Deluxe Hotels and many more. The hotels that are best fit for a tight budget are Bhev Vilas, Inn Season, Hotel Ratnawali, Residency Palace, Royal Palace, and RTDC Hotel Ghoomar.