Jodhpur, formerly known as Marwar, the capital of the Rajput rulers, has long history of various traditions which are followed till date. Located towards the western side of the capital city of Jaipur, this city is the second biggest city in the state of Rajasthan. Being a place of princely palaces, magnificent forts as well as age old temples, this city of Rajasthan is among the famous tourist destinations in the state as well as India. Positioned in the Thar Desert's stark landscape, Jodhpur experiences a bright and sunny weather all through the year. For this, the city is also known as "Sun City". One of the specialties of this metropolitan city is that almost all the houses based around the fort of Mehrangarh are painted in blue color, due to which the city is even known as the "Blue City".

Jodhpur city is one of the major cities of Rajasthan. It encompasses an area of 22,850 sq.km and houses a population of 21,53,483. It is well connected to the rest of India by airways, road and rail links. This city basks in the golden history and heritage of the state and is located at the fringe of the great Thar desert. The entire city dons a colorful and gay look. The age-old traditions and culture of Jodhpur City interest most tourists who undertake a visit to this city.

Jodhpur is also well known for its furniture industry, handicrafts, glass bangles, cutlery, carpets and marble goods. Jodhpur also boasts of a unique cuisine. The local eateries accord the tourists a delectable platter of local culinary delights. The traditional folk dance and music performances, which are held at night, are great attractions to the visitors. 

Famous Food and Cuisine: Makhaniya Lassi, Pyaaj Ki Kachori, Mirchi Bada, Dal Bati Churma, Lasan Ki Chutney, Mirchi Ka Kutaa, Gatte Ki Sabzi, Ker Sangri Sabzi Raab, Lapsi, Jaggery, Aate Ka Halwa, Kachara Mircha Sabzi, Kadhi Pakoda, Baajre Ka Sogra, Makhanbada, Mawa Ki Kachori, Malpua, Ghevar, Motichur Ke Laddu, Besan barfi, Kabuli Pulaw, Thorr and Gulab Jamun, and Ras Malai etc.

Famous Monuments: Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada, Ghanta Ghar and Flying Fox, Kaylana Lake and Garden, Balsamand Lake, Mandaleshwar Mahadev Temple (Mandalnath), Ratanada Ganesh Temple, Sardar Samand Lake and Palace, Masooria Hills, Veer Durgadas Smarak, Bhim Bhirak Cave etc.

Famous Markets: Sojati Gate, Station Road, Tripolia Bazaar, Mochi Bazaar, Nai Sarak, Clock Tower, Sarafa Bazaar, Lakhera Bazaar, Sardar Market etc.

Educational Institutions: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (IITJ), National Law University (NLU), National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jai Narain Vyas University (JNVU), Dr. S. N. Medical College, MBM Engineering College, Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, Sardar Patel University of Police Security and Criminal Justice, Agriculture University, Petroleum University, etc.

Nearby big City of attraction Jaipur (Capital of Rajasthan) 

Jaipur, popularly known as the ‘Pink City of India’, was founded in 1727 A.D. by one of the greatest rulers of Kachhawaha clan, the astronomer king Sawai Jai Singh. It is most important tourist place of northwest India famous for semi-precious stones, handicrafts, cloths, jewelry, Miniatures, traditional food and hospitality. It is at the corner of the triangle of other two historic cities i.e. Agra and Delhi (around 250 Km. from Jaipur), which are also most attracting tourists places in India. Agra is famous for “Taj Mahal”, one of the wonders of the world, Red Fort, Fatehpur Sikari, Sikandara and Swami Bagh Temple (almost comparable to Taj Mahal for its beauty) whereas Delhi is known for Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Lotus Temple, Swami Narayan Temple and India Gate etc.  Jaipur is a shopper’s paradise. This is one of the few places where the shoppers may actually watch the skilled artists producing the articles they want to buy.  Jaipur has beautifully laid out and well decorated bazaars. This historic city has plenty to offer to the visitors. It has recently acquired the status of technical education city.    

Some of the historic locations that can catch the fancy of the visitors are: City Palace, Amber Fort, Jai Garh, Hawa Mahal, Birla Mandir, Nahar Garh etc. and many newly built shopping centres are the other attractions. A brief historic overview of the few exciting places is given below. 

Hawa Mahal

The “Palace of Winds” built in 1799 A.D., by Maharaja Pratap Singh, is the most recognizable monument in Jaipur. The five-storied stunning semi octagonal monument having 152 windows with overhanging latticed balconies is a fine piece of Rajput architecture. Most people come here to get a view of the façade but they can also climb to the top for wonderful view from latticed windows.

Chandra Mahal

The finest Complex of the City Palace, the Chandra Mahal, till today it is the home of the former Maharaja of Jaipur. It is a seven storied structure and each floor is decorated differently. Originally it was a single storied palace. Later kings added more floors. The ornamental, highly decorated rooms of Chandra Mahal, displays a flavor of the magnificent lives led by the Jaipur Kings. The topmost floor is a smaller open pavilion called Mukut Mahal, or the crown palace. It has beautiful curvilinear Bengal style roof and from here visitor can get a fabulous panoramic view of the city.

Nahargarh Fort

It is 15 Km from Jaipur beyond the hills of Jaigarh and is like a watchful sentinel guarding Sawai Jai Singh’s beautiful capital. The rooms are linked by corridors and retain some delicate frescos as well as toilets and kitchens hearths. It was used by members of royal families for excursion in summers and is now even a favored picnic spot. Durg Cafeteria just above the entrances sells meals and refreshments, while evenings can be enjoyed at Padao Bar and Restaurant from here the night view of Jaipur city looks magnificent.

Albert Hall

It is situated in the beautiful Ram Niwas Garden. Sir Swinton Jacob designed this beautiful building. It was opened in 1887 as a public museum. Built with a mix marble and sandstone, it has courtyards surrounded by arcade passages, curved windows and Rajput style kiosks.  The museum displays an impressive collection of traditional art like sculpture and miniature paintings. It contains a rare collection of decorative art objects, paintings, sculptures, natural history of specimens, an Egyptain Mummy and the well-known Persian Golden Carpet. Just opposite the Alber Hall is one of the oldest zoos in the country, harboring different species of birds and animals. Another piece of attraction near the Albert Hall is the Ravindra Rangmanch (theater) with a modern art gallery and a performing Art Theater both indoors and open air.

Jal Mahal

Eight km on the road to Amer, it has memorial of queens in the Maharani ki Chhatri complex near Ramgarh road crossing. The Island Palace Jal Mahal built by Sawai Madho Singh as a pleasure spot at the Man Sagar Lake. There are beautiful Kanak Vrindavan Complex and Temples and gardens nearby. To the west, in a narrow valley, are royal cremation ground and the cenotaphs of Jaipur rulers with exception of Sawai Ishwari Singh, who was cremated outside the Jai Niwas Garden. Sawai Pratap Singh built Jal Mahal in 1799 A.D. in the midst of Man Sagar Lake formed by constructing a dam between two hills by Sawai Man Singh. During winter months one can see large number of migratory birds at the lake.

Amber Fort and Palace 

Amber Fort is situated just off to the Delhi-Jaipur highway. It is the masterpiece of Rajputana architecture. The Kachhawaha ruled from Amber, 11 Km from Jaipur. A beautiful complex of places, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples built by Raja Man Singh, Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh over a period of about two centuries, still stands in magnificent state. The image of the patron goddess worshiped by thousands of devotees, was brought from Jessore in East Bengal (now in Bangladesh), by Raja Man Singh to be established here. The fort has four sections; each with the premises and one has to climb up through the imposing stairways or else the broad aisle, to ride on the elephant back for royal feeling. Before one enter the palace just towards the right are a steep aisle and a narrow staircase reaching up to kali temple also called Shila Devi Temple famous for its mysterious history and huge silver lions. It is a gorgeous temple featuring silver doors with raised relief. 

City Palace

The city palace of Jaipur is a magnificent example of fusion architecture that got developed with the blending of Rajputana and Mughal styles. This intimidating fort has many monuments in its premises such as Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khash. Tour to Jaipur is incomplete without a visit to city palace.