Jodhpur, the Blue City

Jodhpur, also known as the Blue City because of the blue painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort, situated in the city itself. It is the second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan and is well known for tourist attraction. It is located 335 km west of the state capital, Jaipur and 200 km from the city of Ajmer. Jodhpur is popular for tourist destinations which feature many palaces, forts and temples, set in the bleak setting of the Thar Desert.

The city was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rajput clan known as the Rathores, as the city grew out of the earnings of opium, sandalwood, dates and copper. Rathore kingdom was once joyfully identified as Marwar (the Land of Death), but today its mustached men are more about smiling for the camera. Jodhpur holds Marwar festival in October.

Best Places to Visit in Jodhpur: There are a number of striking places to visit in Jodhpur.

 Mehrangarh Fort: The meaning of the name of this fort is majestic fort. It is situated 400 feet above Jodhpur and is enclosed by magnificent wide walls. It is one of the largest forts in India. There are several palaces within its boundaries, known for their beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces.

 The fort spreads over a distance of 5 km on a vertical hill, looking down 125 m, presents as an imposing view on city horizon. The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the impressive museums in Rajasthan. In one of the division of the fort museum, there is a selection of old royal palanquins, the museum exhibits the tradition of the Rathores in musical instruments, arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period rooms.

Jaswant Thada: This 19th century royal monument is an architectural landmark, built in Jodhpur. The carvings in this monument show the brilliance of the sculptors. The monument is built in white marble in tribute of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and three other cenotaphs stand nearby. Jaswant Thada was a customary burial ground of Jodhpur rulers. The monument of Maharaja Jaswant Singh holds the rare portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur.

Umaid Bhawan Palace: This palace is one of the world’s largest private residences. It is an important tourist centre in Jodhpur. A division of this palace is managed by Taj Hotels. 

The palace was also called Chittar Palce, constructed in 20^th century, due to its location on Chittar Hill. This hill point is considered as the highest point in Jodhpur city. The palace is constructed in pink marble which adds flavor to its beauty. It was constructed to provide employment for the people who were suffering from famine. Thus the palace provided employment for more than three thousand needy poor people. There is a museum inside this palace which consists of an extraordinary collection of stuffed leopards, banner from Queen Victoria and old weapons.

 There are many other tourism places in Jodhpur such as Government Museum, Rai-ka-Bag Palace, Umed Garden etc. These astounding and attractive spots have made Jodhpur city a gorgeous place for tourism.