'''Jodhpur''' is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is called the ''Gateway to Thar'', as it is literally on the edge of the Thar desert. It is also called the ''Sun City'' as the sun shines (very bright and hot!) almost every day of the year.

Understand

Jodhpur is a historic city and the origin dates to the year 1459 AD when it was founded by Rao Jodha, the Rajput chieftan of the Rathores. The Rathore kingdom was also known as the Marwar and was the largest in Rajputana.

The city was built as the new capital of the state of '''Marwar''' (now Rajasthan) to replace the ancient capital Mandore, the ruins of which can be seen near what is now the Mandore Gardens. The people of Jodhpur and surrounding areas are hence also commonly called as Marwaris.

Jodhpur is also known as the '''Blue City''', an apt name as most houses in the old city are shades of blue. This is particularly noticeable on the north side of the town, known as '''Brahmpuri''' for the many Brahmins that live there.

The forts and palaces, temples and havelis, culture and tradition, spices and fabrics, colour and texture, a booming handicrafts industry, all add up to make this historic city worth a visit.

  • The '''Regional Tourist office''' run by the Government of Rajasthan is located at RTDC Hotel Ghoomar, High Court Road, ''+91 291'' 2545083
  • Get in

    Jodhpur is well connected by road, rail and air to all major cities and towns.

    By plane

    Connected by air from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Udaipur; the airport is about 5 km from the city centre. Take a taxi (Rs.200) or autorickshaw (Rs.100) from the airport to your hotel.

  • '''Indian''' [http://indian-airlines.nic.in] operates daily flights to Jodhpur from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Udaipur; the airline office is located on Airport Road, ''91 291'' 2510757, 2510758. Open everyday from 10AM-1PM and 2PM-4.30PM. Contacts for the airport counter are ''91 291'' 2512617, 2511516.
  • '''Jet Airways''' [http://www.jetairways.com] operates daily flights from Delhi and Mumbai.
  • By train

    Jodhpur is an important division of the North Western zone of the Indian Rail network . It is well connected by direct trains from all metros and major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner, Ajmer, Alwar, Agra, Kanpur, Allahabad, Gaya, Kolkata, Indore, Lucknow, Varanasi, Patiala, Chandigarh, Kalka, Jammu, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. For example, the popular Mandor Express leaves Delhi at 8:45 PM and arrived in Jodhpur at 8 AM the next morning (Rs.1000 in AC2).

    The taxi stand and auto-rickshaw stand are located near the exit of the railway station.

    The advance reservation office is on Station Road, between the railway station and Sojati Gate. The office is open from Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm and on Sunday until 1.45 pm IST. If you are a foreign tourist, you can also buy Indrail passes in USD and reserve tickets at the International Tourist Bureau [http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railway/tourist/int_tou_bureau_idx-1.htm#INDRAIL%20PASSES]; this counter is located at the advance reservation office. You can also book your tickets online at IRCTC [http://irctc.co.in/], the official booking site on the internet, from 4 am to 11 pm IST on all days.

    By car

    Approximate road distances from various destinations are {| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=5

    By taxi

    Various tour operators and travel agencies offer chauferred car-taxi services; these are charged on a per km, per day basis. You can plan to take one to arrive into the city or take one for sightseeing in and around the city.

    By bus

    Jodhpur can be reached by RSRTC [http://www.rsrtc.gov.in] (Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation) buses and private luxury buses which operate from all major towns and cities in Rajasthan as well as the cities of Ahmedabad and Delhi.

    Get around

    Means of transport include:

  • '''Tourist Cabs''' (Taxis) - ply on a minimum distance/hour per day basis.
  • '''Mini buses''' - public transport is available but chaotic and not advisable except when on a shoestring budget.
  • '''Car Rental''' - Visit Jodhpur by car. There are many car rental companies available which provide world class services:
  • Enterprises Car Rental

    Savaari Car Rental [http://www.savaari.com/user/jodhpur-car-rentals/car-rentals-jodhpur.php] has a reputation for providing quality luxury car rentals Jodhpur. For more information visit the website.

    Hertz Car Rental

    The narrow lanes of the inner walled city of Jodhpur are best traversed by cars, but can also be explored by bicycle or motorcycle/scooter.

  • '''Auto Rickshaws''' (unmetered) - negotiate before you board on.
  • '''Tongas''' - horse driven carriages.
  • See

    Mehrangarh Fort

    '''Mehrangarh Fort''' [http://www.khojbin.com/Mehrangarh-Fort_Jodhpur_Rajasthan_things-to-do-overview/28/2910001] dominates the city and is the largest fort in all Rajasthan. Founded in 1458 as the site of Rao Jodha's new capital — hence the name, Jodhpur — the city has grown around it, and in the 500 years that have passed the fort has never been taken by force. It's easy to see why: it occupies the entire top of a 150-meter hill with commanding views all around, with some three kilometers of massive ramparts built around the edges.

    The name "fort" belies the size of the complex, which houses the Maharaja's palace, several temples and, tucked away in the back, an extensive garden still farmed to this day. Highlights within the palace include:

  • '''Moti Mahal''' (Pearl Hall). Pearl-colored inside and decorated with colored glass windows, this is where the Maharaja held his audiences, with the five alcoves on the far wall allowing his queens to listen in.
  • '''Sheesh Mahal''' (Mirror Hall). Just what the name says.
  • '''Phool Mahal''' (Flower Hall). The most extravagant of them all, this was the Maharaja's pleasure chamber, for dancing girls and revelry.
  • '''Zenana Deodi'''. The inner sanctum of the palace once guarded by eunuchs, this is where the Maharaja's wives whiled away their days. The delicate sandstone screens and carvings are exquisite.
  • '''Chamunda Mataji Temple'''. Tucked away at the far end of the battlements, this temple is devoted to Rao Jodha's favorite goddess and remains a local favorite to this day.
  • A number of people are employed here and there to add flavor by dressing in period costume and doing photogenic things like playing traditional instruments and smoke opium (yes, the real thing). Snap away, but they'll appreciate a tip if you do. The museum also includes galleries devoted to ''howdahs'' (elephant-mounted seats), palanquins, fine arts, weaponry, and the inevitable '''Turban Gallery'''.

    Entry to Mehrangarh costs Rs.250, including still camera fee and an excellent audioguide available in six languages. A rickshaw from the city will cost around Rs.30, or you can try to pick your way through the alleys up on foot. Open 9AM-5PM daily.

    Historical sites

  • '''Jaswant Thada''', 1 km downhill from Mehrangarh (''easily walked''). Royal cenotaphs built in marble, with a picturesque location next to a little lake. Entry Rs. 20, plus Rs. 25 for a camera.
  • '''Mandore''', 7 km outside the city. The ancient capital of Marwar, before Jodhpur was built.
  • '''Umaid Bhawan Palace'''. Clearly visible to the south of the city and completed only in 1944, this is the last great palace built in India. The Maharaja of Jodhpur lives here to this day, but half the building has been converted to a 5-star hotel (see Sleep) and there is also a small museum on grounds (Rs. 50, open 9 AM to 5 PM). You'll have to take a rickshaw to get here, and it's best to ask them to wait: figure on Rs. 100 for a round-trip with an hour's waiting time.
  • Natural sites

  • '''Balsamand Lake''' - now converted to a resort
  • '''Kailana Lake''' - a picnic spot and a main drinking water source for the city
  • '''Ranisar Padamsar''' - Ranisar was made by Queen Jasmade Hadi, Rao Jodha's wife in 1459. Ranisar is situated near Fateh Pole in Mehrangarh.
  • '''Gulab Sagar Lake''' - Gulab Sagar water storage was constructed by Gulab Rai in 1788.
  • Temples

  • '''Baba Ramdev Temple''', Masuria Hills.
  • '''Ganesh Temple''', Ratanada.
  • '''Mahamandir Temple''', Mahamandir Chauraha.
  • '''Pal Balaji Temple''', Pal Gaon.
  • '''Santoshi Mata Temple''', Lal Sagar.
  • Do

    Learn

    This is not a complete list of options, but just to indicate that if you wish to stay in this city for a longer period, there are a lot of options for education and learning.

  • '''Jai Narain Vyas University''' (JNVU) offers undergraduate, graduate/postgraduate and doctoral courses. Formerly University of Jodhpur, estd 1962, took over 4 state run colleges Jaswant College, Shri Maharaj Kumar College, Kamal Nehru Girls college and MBM Engineering College.
  • '''National Law University''' (NLU) is a national level law school established in 2001 and offers five years and three years in law as well as post graduate courses intelligently combined with other streams such as science, technology, commerce etc. to provide a complete professinal degree. The campus of NLU lies just outside the periphery of city on NH-65, at Mandore, spread over an area of 50 acres and complete with state of the art infrastructure.
  • Work

    National Law University [http://www.nlujodhpur.ac.in/], this is one of four major Universities in India specializing in Law.

    Buy

    The city's main shopping drag is '''Nai Sadak''', lined mostly with sari and shoe shops and leading straight into '''Sardar Market''', a full-on bustling Indian market with a barely contained riot of sights, sounds and stinks. The clocktower in the center is a useful orientation point. Popular souvenirs include:

  • '''Bandhej''' sarees and dress material
  • '''Mojris''' or Jootis. Shoes with a pointed front, a must-have accessory if you plan on dressing like a Rajput Maharaja.
  • '''Handicrafts''' these are handmade (made to look like old antiques), the handicraft industry is a booming industry in this city.
  • One shop stands out from the crowd:

  • '''National Handloom''', Nai Sadak (''and three other outlets around the city''). A four-story shop easily identified by their logo of a gloriously mustachioed and turbaned man, the jumble of items inside is authentically Indian, but prices are cheap, clearly marked, and hassle-free. The fourth story houses handicrafts and art, with most of the rest devoted to clothes.
  • Eat

    Don't forget to try the Rajasthani delicacies
  • '''Makhaniya Lassi''' — ''lassi'' (yoghurt drink) spiced up with cardamom and butter
  • Mawa Kachori
  • Panchkuta
  • Dal Bati Churma
  • Gatte ka saag
  • Kabuli (a rice speciality)
  • Mirchi Bada / Samosa/ Pyaz Ki Kachori
  • Gulab Jamun ki Sabji. okar sweets. ai sadak. Its is very tasty sabji, made of raw gulab jamun (non sweet). This recipe is famous only in Jodhpur.

  • Gulab Jamun. haturbhuj Sweets. ungal para, City Area. 20-150. It is very tasty. Every piece is near 50 GMS.

    Budget

  • '''Cafe Mehran''', Meherangarh Fort. Simple but pleasant cafe in the fort itself, with a range of tourist favorites from pizza to burgers as well as Indian thalis. Rs.60-140.
  • '''Omelette Shop''' (aka '''Garib Hotel'''), just outside the gates to the main square. A bit of a cult favorite, although controversy and confusion have been stoked by a Lonely Planet recommendation, which has inspired signs all over the area claiming the mantle of the "real" Omelette Shop. Five yards away is the up and coming '''Vicky''', whose omelettes are identical except for the noticeable increase in the amount of ginger. There is no place to sit, so don't come here expecting to relax with your omelette.
  • '''Shahi Samosas''', Nai Sawak (''left side just before main gate to Sardar Market''). Easily spotted thanks to the neverending queue, their samosas and kachoris are made in front of your eyes with generous amounts of stuffing. Rs.6-8.
  • Mid-range

  • '''Mehran Terrace''', Meherangarh Fort. Candlelit dining with an exquisite view of the city. Thalis are Rs 300-400. Book ahead.
  • '''Bal Samand''', Balasamand Lake Palace. Outdoor dining as well as indoor dining in peaceful surroundings. Typical North Indian food. Alcoholic drinks also served. A perfect place for a quiet evening with family and friends.
  • Splurge

  • '''Pillars''', Umaid Bhawan Palace, [http://www.tajhotels.com/FoodandWine/Umaid%20Bhawan%20Palace,JODHPUR/The%20Pillars/default.htm]. Gorgeous setting in the countyard of the palace, and the quality of the food is very high -- as is the price: there's a Rs.1500 minimum for non-guests, and you can easily reach that with a main, an appetizer and a drink. Non-guests may be turned away if the hotel is full, so call ahead to avoid disappointment.
  • Drink

  • '''ON THE ROCKS''' at Ajit Bhawan, Jodhpur.
  • '''Geoffrey's''' at Park Plaza, Jodhpur.
  • Chamunda Dhaba. H-65.

    Sleep

  • Amar Niwas Guest House. 07,singh pole marg,navchowkiya. n oldest pert of city,near fort gate Named Fethpole. 91-291-2440974. ttp://www.amarniwas.com. ny time. 0.00am. asic fan room from Rs.125 per parsion. Amar Niwas Guest House is a 524 year old Haveli run by a Brahman family so you can stay in a family atmosphere. The building is rich in history and the haveli maintains many of its original features such as stone lattice work balconies, gharokha ( women can peep outside from here), antique wooden ceiling and an open central courtyard. There is a plant-filled terrace where you can relax with great views of the Mehrangarh fort and the oldest part of the blue city. We have eight (8) unique atmospheric rooms in our guest house and all the rooms have own character, well decorated with Indian textiles and great Golden paintings on the wall. Our rooms are with sharing and attached bathroom running hot and cold shower 24 hours. We also have one family room in which four adult people can stay very comfortably. We also welcome groups of maximum 18 people. We have a roof top restaurant with the great view of the fort. The food is cooked by the family members. People can get Indian as well as continental veg. & non veg food here. we can't give commission to auto-rickshaw driver that why they have pick up from bus stand or Train station by car.holly wood stars Owen Wilson & Adrien Brody also relax & have food at Roof Top in Dec 2006.web site:-www.amarniwas.com

    Budget

  • '''Nirali Dhani''' [http://www.niralidhani.com/] ? First Ethnic Fun, Food Destination with Accommodation in Jodhpur Hotel and Restaurant. The Resort Comprises Well Appointed Rooms and Elegant Suites Reflecting The Grand Architecture Of Rajasthan's Royal Residence With Bed And Breakfast Facility. We Provide The Conference Hall, Centrally Air-Cooled Restaurant, Musical Dances And Folk Performers. For more information contact: Email ID - niralidhani@rediffmail.com or Visit Our Link - http://www.niralidhani.com
  • '''Hotel Sachdeva Excellency''' [http://www.hotelsachdeva.com/], Bank of Baroda Lane, Sojati Gate, Jodhpur. Tel: 0291-5101324, 2635858, mobile: ?9829025707, [mailto:info@hotelsachdeva.com info@hotelsachdeva.com], [mailto:sachdeva_exc@bsnl.in sachdeva_exc@bsnl.in].
  • '''Shivam Paying Guest House'''. Nice, clean rooms (some doubles have their own separate kama-sutra sex beds with mirrors on the ceiling), and incredibly nice people. Most importantly, they don't give commission to rickshaw drivers, so you'll have to be a bit persistent to actually get there (ask to get off by the clock-tower and then walk - rickshaw drivers will take you to commission places that will tell you they are Shivam, or else have someone wait outside the door who will pretend to be the owner and tell you that they are full. Get in the door to the front desk before asking about availability).
  • '''Durag Niwas Guest House''', tel. +91-291-2512385, [http://www.durag-niwas.com]. Riotously colorful and comfortable family-run guesthouse in a quiet area of Jodhpur, a brisk stroll or 25-rupee rickshaw ride from the center of town. The owners speak excellent English and are happy to assist travellers. Basic fan rooms from Rs.350, free pickup from anywhere in town. Highly recommended.
  • '''Karni Bhawan''', Defence Lab Road, Ratnada.
  • '''Quality Inn Chandra''', Panch Batti Circle, Airport Road.
  • '''Ratan Vilas''' [http://www.ratanvilas.com/], Loco Shed Road, Ratanda, tel: +91-291-2614418, [mailto:ratanvilasjdh@sify.com ratanvilasjdh@sify.com]. Still runs as an old rajputana house, with excellent facilities and very warm hosts, this hotel is like an oasis of quiet in the mad house of rajasthan. Highlights: courtyard meals and engrossing reminisces of the owner mr. Bharat Singh.
  • '''Hotel Residency Palace''' [http://www.hotelresidencypalace.com], High Court Colony, Ratanada. Tel: +91 94141-27777, fax +91 291-2640747, [mailto:hotel@hotelresidencypalace.com hotel@hotelresidencypalace.com].
  • '''Yogi's Guest House''', Raj Purohitji ki Haveli, Naya Bas. Tel: (0291)2643436.
  • Home stays

  • '''Indrashan Homestay''' 593, High Court Colony. Tel: +91-291-2440 665, 2438 593, mobile: +91-98290 23593, [mailto:info@rajputanadiscovery.com info@rajputanadiscovery.com].
  • '''Surya Kunj Homestay''', Kr.Sajjan Singh. C-22,Panchwati Colony, Ratanada, Jodhpur 342001. Tel & fax: 91-291-2638817, mobile: 91-98290-23320, [mailto:info@suryakunj.com info@suryakunj.com], [mailto:suryakunj@rediffmail.com suryakunj@rediffmail.com].
  • Mid-range

  • '''Heritage Hotel Ajit Bhawan Palace''', Circuit House Road
  • '''Heritage Hotel Balsamand Lake Palace''', Mandore Road
  • '''Krishna Prakash Heritage Haveli''', Nayabas, Killikhana (''near Mehrangarh Fort''), ''+91 291'' 263-3448, (''[mailto:info@kpheritage.com info@kpheritage.com], mobile 98292-41547''), [http://www.kpheritage.com]. Beautiful rooms in a old heritage haveli. Located on the foot of Mehrangarh Fort, with amazing views of all monuments. Will arrange airport/train station pickup. Rs 2000-2500 (Dlx) /3500 (Suite). (singles/doubles)
  • '''Pal Haveli''', Gulab Sagar (''near the clocktower''), ''+91 291'' 329-3328, (''[mailto:info@palhaveli.com info@palhaveli.com], mobile 98292-43247''), [http://www.palhaveli.com]. Beautiful rooms in a heritage hotel-like atmosphere. A short (though steep) walk from Mehrangarh. Will arrange airport/train station pickup. Forget trying to book via the net though. Rs 1300-1500/1500-1800. (singles/doubles)
  • '''Devi Bhawan''', Defence Lab Road, Ratanada, ''+91 291'' 251-1067 (''[mailto:devibhawan@sify.com devibhawan@sify.com], reservations ''+91'' 98 2803-5359''), [http://www.devibhawan.com]. A 90 year old heritage property with delightful rooms set around a lush garden. The rooms are decorated with period furniture and Rajasthani textiles. Only 1.5 Km from the centre of the town.
  • '''Innseason''', P.W.D Road, Jodhpur 342001. Tel: 91-291-2616400, 2621481, fax: 91-291-2616400, [mailto:innseason@hotmail.com innseason@hotmail.com].
  • '''Polo Heritage''', 12th Old Residency Road, Bhanwari House, Jodhpur 342002. Tel: 91-291-2433909, 5532909, mobile: +91-9314717633, [mailto:poloheritage@hotmail.com poloheritage@hotmail.com], [mailto:reservation@poloheritage.com reservation@poloheritage.com].
  • Splurge

  • '''Umaid Bhawan Palace''', Circuit House Road, ''+91 291'' 251=0101, (''[mailto:ubpresv.jodh@tajhotels.com ubpresv.jodh@tajhotels.com], fax 91 291 2510100''), [http://www.tajhotels.com/Palace/Umaid%20Bhawan%20Palace,JODHPUR/default.htm]. This is a 5* hotel now managed by the Taj Hotels (earlier by ITC Welcomgroup) and is housed in the famous Umaid Bhawan Palace. The view is scenic and it has an underground swimming pool for the guests alongwith squash and tennis courts.
  • '''Taj Hari Mahal''', 5, Residency Road, ''+91 291'' 243-9700 (''[mailto:harimahal.jodhpur@tajhotels.com harimahal.jodhpur@tajhotels.com], fax 91 291 2614451/52''), [http://www.tajhotels.com/Leisure/Taj%20Hari%20Mahal,JODHPUR/default.htm].
  • Contact

  • '''Area Code''': The telephone area code is 0291.
  • If you are dialing into a Jodhpur number from outside India dial +91 291 xxxxxxx; if you are dialing into a Jodhpur number long distance from anywhere in India, prefix the area code by a 0 i.e. dial 0291 xxxxxxx; in Jodhpur just dial the 7 digit number xxxxxxx.

    Stay safe

    This is a comparatively safe city, however it is advisable not to venture out late in the night alone.

    While travelling in trains or buses, avoid any snacks offered by seemingly well meaning strangers. There have been some incidents where tourists or even locals have been drugged and looted after consuming narcotic-laced biscuits or tea.

    Though the incidents of rape or sexual assualt are far and few in between, women should avoid wearing revealing clothes in public places since hooligans are known to chase the girls and may cause harm. Try to move around with a couple of male friends.

    Beware of touts selling rail tickets or promising reservations on trains. It is a criminal offence to buy and sell tickets except from recognized agents or the reservation offices.

    Cope

    Get out

    You can see the neighbouring tourist destinations of Osiyan temples, Ranakpur Jain temples, Nathdwara temple, Bikaner and Deshnok, Ajmer and Pushkar, the desert city of Jaisalmer, the hill station Mount Abu, the city of lakes Udaipur or the pink city Jaipur

  • '''Bishnoi Village safari''', ''+91 98'' 2803 5359 (''[mailto:rakesh_singhs@hotmail.com rakesh_singhs@hotmail.com], [mailto:devibhawan@sify.com devibhawan@sify.com]''). Bishnois are a community that protects wildlife and environment. In safari the guide will take you around the Bishnoi villages in a jeep and there you will see deer, blackbuck and chinkara roaming around their huts and playing with their childres and village people feeding them.it is a 70 km tour.
  • '''Luni fort''' - about 40 km outside Jodhpur - now converted to a heritage hotel
  • '''Osiyan''' [http://www.khojbin.com/Osian_Jodhpur_Rajasthan_near-by-attraction-overview/28/2911002]- about 60 km - Jain temples as well as Kali temples.