Jodhpur
city is surrounded by a 10 km long wall with eight gates
serving as entrances. The new city is settled around this
walled area. The Maruthal or 'land of death' , came into
life when the Rathores of Kanauj moved in. 
But the city of
Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodhaji in 1459 AD.
I
n
Jodhpur, the genius of its sculptors comes to life in its
exquisite palaces, forts, temples and havelis, which stand
testimony to the imperial grandeur. The most alluring part
of Jodhpur is the traditional lifestyle, festivity and the
smiling people who treasure this former princely state.
PRIME
ATTRACTIONS FORTS
Mehrangarh Fort - Situated on a steep hill,
Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in India. The
beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort
narrates a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels
of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures.
Umaid
Bhawan Palace - The only palace built in 20th century
under the famine relief programme, has now been converted
into a hotel with some parts being retained as a museum.
Jaswant Thada - The 19th century royal cenotaph is
built in white marble, in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant
Singh. Some rare portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur are also
displayed here.
MUSEUMS
Government Museum - This museum has a rich collection
of weapons, textiles, miniature portraits, local crafts and
images of Jain Tirthankars. It is situated in the middle of
the Umaid public gardens.
OTHERS
Clock
Tower & Sadar Market - In the old city, clock tower
is a prominent land mark. But main attraction is the Sadar
Market. The market has kept alive the old 'haat bazaar'
culture.
TEMPLES
Ossian : 65-km from Jodhpur, lie ruins of an ancient
city called Ossian. This city is famous for Brahmanical and
Jain temples, which belong to 8th and 11th century. Surya or
Sun temple and the Sachiya temples are famous for their
beauty. The 'shikhar' of Sachiya temple is clustered by two
rows of turrets, an ambulatory and a large assembly hall
with an elaborate ceiling.
TRIBES
Guda Bishnoi : The villages are inhabitated by the
Bishnoi tribe who are staunch believers in the sanctity of
plant and animal life. Villages are marked by Khejri trees
and deers, which thrive there. 25 kms from Jodhpur.
LAKES AND PALACES
Balsamand Lake & Palace : This picturesque
artificial lake is 7 kms from the main city. Summer palaces
along the embankment and a bird sanctuary has made it a
picnic spot.
Sardar Samand Lake and Palace : Rajasthani village
life and vibrant cultural colours come alive as you drive
along the 55 kms stretch. The monotony of the drive is
broken by Chinkaras and Black Bucks who frisk pass the road.
