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Jodhpur is the second-largest city of Rajasthan in north-western India, famous as the Blue City for the indigo-painted houses of its old town and for Mehrangarh Fort, one of India's largest forts, on the rock above. Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, it was the capital of the Rathore kingdom of Marwar on the edge of the Thar Desert.
Mehrangarh's palaces and museum are the highlight, with the marble Jaswant Thada cenotaph close by. Down in the old city, the Ghanta Ghar clock tower rises over Sardar Market, and the carved Toorji Ka Jhalra stepwell has been restored. On another hill, Umaid Bhawan Palace remains the home of the former royal family and a celebrated hotel.
Outside the centre, Mandore Gardens keep the cenotaphs of the old capital, Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park has walking trails, and Kaylana and Balsamand lakes offer quiet lakeside breaks. The ancient temples of Osian, an oasis in the Thar Desert, make a popular day trip. October to March is the best season, as summers are extremely hot.
Mehrangarh Fort towers about 122 metres above Jodhpur on a rocky hill, a vast Rajput fortress begun by Rao Jodha around 1459 and mostly built in the 17th century. Its museum, carved palaces and seven gates, including Jai Pol, reward a half day, and the ramparts overlook the blue old city.
Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur is one of the world's largest private residences, a palace in Art Deco and Rajput styles completed in 1943 for Maharaja Umaid Singh. Part is still the royal family's home and part a Taj hotel, while its museum covers the family's history, with classic cars outside.
Jaswant Thada is a white marble cenotaph in Jodhpur, built in 1899 by Maharaja Sardar Singh in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Its thin, polished Makrana marble glows in sunlight, and the grounds have carved gazebos, a tiered garden and a small lake below Mehrangarh Fort.
Mandore Gardens lie about 9 kilometres north of Jodhpur at Mandore, the Rathore capital before Rao Jodha founded Jodhpur in 1459. The gardens hold the chhatris, or cenotaphs, of Jodhpur's rulers, including that of Maharaja Ajit Singh from 1793, plus a Hall of Heroes and a government museum.
Ghanta Ghar, the clock tower in Jodhpur's old city, is one of the city's best-known landmarks and rises above the bustle of Sardar Market. It is the classic starting point for exploring the old town, and from its square the lanes of the blue old city lead up towards the walls of Mehrangarh Fort.
Sardar Market is the bazaar around the Ghanta Ghar clock tower in Jodhpur's old city, entered through carved sandstone gates such as Girdikot. Its stalls are piled with vegetables, spices and everyday goods, and it is a good place to try mirchi bada, the spicy chilli fritter that comes from Jodhpur.
Toorji Ka Jhalra is an 18th-century stepwell in Jodhpur's old city, about 300 metres from Mehrangarh Fort, with carved sandstone steps dropping deep down to the water. Generally dated to around 1740 and attributed to Rani Tanwarji, wife of Raja Abhai Singh, it has been restored many times since.
The Blue City is Jodhpur's old town below Mehrangarh Fort, where many houses are painted in shades of indigo blue, giving the city its famous nickname. Wandering its narrow lanes on foot reveals small temples, havelis and rooftop views, and the fort ramparts show the blue houses at their best.
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park covers 72 hectares of rocky land below Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, restored since 2006 with native desert plants and opened in 2011. Four marked trails cross volcanic rock and sandstone, and the visitor centre and guided walks explain the plants and birds.
Kaylana Lake is an artificial lake about 8 kilometres west of Jodhpur, built by Pratap Singh in 1872 among rugged rocky hills. It is a favourite place for sunset views and boat rides, and in winter it attracts migratory birds, making it a pleasant break from the crowded old city.
Machia Biological Park is a safari-style zoological park near Kaylana Lake, about 8 kilometres west of Jodhpur, opened in 2016 on 41 hectares of protected forest land. Run by the Rajasthan Forest Department, it shows desert wildlife and pairs well with a sunset visit to Kaylana Lake.
Osian is an ancient town in the Thar Desert about 69 kilometres north of Jodhpur by road, famous for its cluster of Hindu and Jain temples from the 8th to 12th centuries. The Sachiya Mata Temple and the Mahavira Jain Temple are the highlights, and it was once a major stop for camel caravans.
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