Jodhpur, the former capital of Marwar state, was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha who claimed descent from Lord Rama (the hero of the epic Ramayana). The city was built as a çesult of warring brothers.

The massive fort-Mehrangarh, came first and around it grew the city of Jodhpur protected by a. high stone wall with seven gates and countless bastions. Today, the city has grown to become the second largest city of Rajasthan.

Jodhpur is still one of the leading centres for wood, cattle, camels, salt and agricultural crops.

Exploring the city promises you a delightful encounter with an array of tempting art and craft creations as also the unusual lifestyle and costumes of Jodhpuris. The roads are wide but crowded with pavement stalls. The women-folk is witnessed wearing wide gathered skirt; slightly shorter than seen in Jaipur anda hip-length jacket modestly covering front and back with three-quarter length sleeves; brightly coloured and aesthetically designed.

Jodhpur is a treasure-trove for the, bargain hunters too. The bazaars are known for a large collection of the tie & dye fabrics in extremely fine designs; and for beautiful Jutees or slippers in suede, camel skin, velvet, leather and heavy all-over Zari or gold thread embroidery. There are innumerable shops selling souvenirs made of marble from near-by Makrana. Choose from an expansive range of decorative and useful items—enamelware, . jugs, waterbottles, to name a few. Sojati Gate, Jalori Gate and the 'more modern Mehta Market are the ideal shopping districts of Jodhpur.

Jodhpur is endowed with layer upon layer of history. And the historic origins are best revealed by countless cultural celebrations taking. place here. Of •these, Marwar festival, an annual feature, is the most inspiring spectacle of the region. A variety of Rajasthani folk music and dance performances introduce the audience with the local folklore. Marked with ecstasy, the cultural bonanza enlivens the environ and transports the participants back into the historic origins of the sentiments and character of Rajasthan. In the course of bewitching Marwar Festival, this valiant land of Rajputs recaptures proud moments and the entire terrain is enveloped in an air of mirth and gaiety. The festivities project a veritable reflection of the best that the Rajasthani culture can offer. Indeed, an unequalled and unmatched opportunity to become part of the scintillating celebrations and carry back home a sweet and an unending experience of the desert land.

Spread over 5 km on a perpendicular hill and looking down from a height of about 100 metres, the fort is one of the best preserved in Rajasthan. It houses some of the most intricately adorned palaces with exquisitely carved panels and latticed windows. Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Silel Khana and Daulat Khana are some of the important reas to visit and view the collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniatures, musical instruments, costumes and furniture.

A cluster of royal cenotaphs, in white marble, lies very close to the fort. Built in 1899 in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, the cenotaphs also house portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur. It has extremely rare 15 cm thick pure infinite marble slabs.

The only palace to be built in the mid 20th century in India, it was meant to be a famine relief project which gave employment to citizens for 16 long years. An impressive rose colour sandstone structure, the palace resembles the Taj Mahal. It is today run as a hotel while a part of it is still retained by the erstwhile royal family.

Located in the heart of Jodhpur, these colourful markets throb with activity. Tiny shops dot the narrow lanes and a wide range of handicrafts make this a specially charming area.

An old palace, now a hospital for women.

Displayed are a wide collection of paintings, sculptures and antique weapons

5 km A pretty lake with a pleasure or summer palace on its banks An ideal picnic spot.

8 km from Jodhpur lies the ancient capital of Marwar. It contains the cenotaphs of Jodhpur rulers and sixteengigantic figures carved out of a single rock depicting popular Hindu and folk deities in bright colour which are very well maintained The area is surrounded by landscaped garden with high rock terraces It is also ideal for picnic

9 km It was built in 1812 with 84 carved pillars

11 km It is quite popular as a picnic spot

58 km It is an ancient town on the famous oriental trade route. On the diversion off the main jodhpur-Bikaner highway, in a deserted valley stand the temples of Osian The road winds through undulating terrain between small hillocks punctuated by desert stretches and a few hamlets From a distance, one gets a picturesque view of the ancient township on a gentle rise Of the fifteen-odd temples, three are outstanding—the earlier Surya or Sun temple, and later Kali temple, Sachiya Mata Mandir and the main Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira.

These are built around the artificial lake constructed in 1159 AD, the oldest in Asia The gardens were developed later on.

45 km It is a wildlife sanctuary with the largest headcount, in India, of Indian antelope

135 km It has an imposing fort with beautiful murals Its cattle fair attracts many buyers

60 km It is worth a visit It has been converted into a .heritage hotel

Air :Indian Airlines flights available from Delhi, Bombay, Udampur and Jaipur

Rail :Railways connect Jodhpur with many important cities of the country.

Road :Jodhpur can also be reached through a dense network of road connections Some key distances are : Delhi 597 km, Udaipur 260 km, Jaipur 336 km

A shopper's paradise, Jodhpur boasts of array of handicraft items. The internationally known Jodhpur-breeches, locally called Jodhpuris, are a favourite buy. Besides, you can go for embroidered shoes, white metal curios and silver ware, quilts weighing just 1/2 kg, plus a range of other souvenirs, wooden toys, leather goods, paintings and tie-and-dye fabrics. The main areas include Sojati Gate, Tripolia Bazaar, Mochi-ki-Gali, Lakhara Bazar. The Rajasthan Khadi Sangh is recommended for textiles.

Marwar Festival held every October. The Ramdeoji Cattle Fair is held at Nagaur in January-February. Nag Panchami is celebrated in July-August.