Nestling within the depths of the Thar desert, Jodhpur today is known as one of the three sculpted cities of Rajasthan, each known for its distinct flavour. Flaked on the western side by the Mehrangarh Fort and on the eastern side by the stately sandstone palace of Umaid Bhawan, its monuments, temples and gardens depict a multi-faceted grandeur. The second largest city of the State not only serves as the hub and gateway to the 'desert triangle' but also happens to be commercial heart. It is one of the largest centers for production and export of handicrafts. While the city may have changed its character, from martial to economic, it has lost nothing in its charms. It is one of the cleaner cities of India with wide uncluttered roads, good communications infrastructure, numerous attractive sites like the richly sculpted palaces and 'havelis', lakes and gardens, wealth of culture and arts, and, above all, a friendly citizenry.
The Old City is a network of winding streets marked by the fragrance of incense, roses, shops selling everything from trumpets to temple decorations that best characterize the essence of the place. It is surrounded by a 10-km long wall with eight gates.
The largest concentration of showrooms is along the road connecting the Umaid Bhawan Palace from afar down the road. These showrooms are famous for antiques. The Maharani Art Government Emporium at Tambako Market has the best collection of textiles.
Jodhpur is an important handicrafts production and exports center. The city is famous for 'bandhni' or tie and dye fabric, camel leather footwear with intricate embroidery, miniature paintings, carved wooden furniture, white metal articles and jewelry. Sojati Gate and Station Road area, Tripolia Bazaar, Nai Sarak in the walled city are major shopping areas for souvenir hunting.
Jodhpur is strewn with small time restaurants that are famous for local specialties like lassi, mawa ladoo and mawa kachori.
Sightseeing:
Mehrangarh Fort: Standing guard over the city from an isolated hill, the fort is the most imposing feature of the city. Built in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha, the founder of the city, Mehrangarh houses beautiful, intricately carved red sandstone palaces and temples. The museum in the fort displays many of the erstwhile regal trappings, paintings and artefacts. Facilities for visitors in the fort include a souvenir shop, a cafe, restrooms, and a lounge.
Jaswant Thada: Standing on the lower slope just half a kilometer away from the fort, the imposing while marble cenotaph was built in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. It houses portraits of successive rulers.
Umaid Bhawan Palace: Also known as Chittar Palace, the palace built by Maharaja Umaid Singh is a splendid example of Indo-colonial architecture. A unique feature of the palace is that the hand chiseled sandstone blocks have been put together in a special system of interlocking without any binding mortar. A part of the palace is now a luxury hotel while the rest is open to visitors in the form of a museum retaining the original furnishings and ambiance.
Mandore Gardens: The erstwhile capital of Marwar, before the foundation of Jodhpur, is now more popular for its extensive gardens. An important feature is the 'Hall of Heroes; which houses 16 gigantic figures of popular Hindu and folk deities carved out of a single rock.
Umaid Public Garden: In the heart of the city, the large, verdant expanse forms the green lung of Jodhpur and also houses a zoo.
Kailana Lake: Along Jaisalmer Road, the small artificial lake has been developed into a picnic spot.
Osian: Located at 65 km away from Jodhpur and a staging post of ancient times for the caravans in the inhospitable Thar Desert, Osian developed into an important trading and religious center. The beautifully sculpted Jain and Bramanical temples dating between 8th and 12th centuries AD are its main attraction. Another attractive feature is the number of sand dunes at the western edge of the town which have become popular for camel safaris. The colorful sunset in the desert seen from the dunes is a favorite with tourists.
Marwar Festival: It is a colorful extravaganza celebrating Maand style of fold music in the month of October every year. Artistes performing under full moon bring alive the legends and folklore of the region.
