Jodhpur "The Sun City" was founded by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, in 1459. It is named after him only. Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India was previously known as Marwar. Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. It is divided into two parts - the old city and the new city. The old city is separated by a10 km long wall surrounding it. Also it has eight Gates leading out of it. The new city is outside the walled city.

Jodhpur is a very popular tourist destination. The landscape is scenic and mesmerizing. Jodhpur city has many beautiful palaces and forts such as Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhavan Palace and Rai ka Bag Palace. Other charms of Jodhpur include Government museum and it's beautiful Umed garden. The city is known as the "Sun City" because of its bright and sunny weather throughout the year.

Located towards the western side of the capital city of Jaipur, this city is the 2nd 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 called the "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". It is well connected to the rest of Rajasthan 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 city was founded in 1459 A.D by the Rathore rulers.

Some local festivals of Jodhpur city, which may interest visitors, are Nag Panchami, Marwar festivals, Nav Sati, Gangaur, Veerpuri fair, Holi, Diwali. These festivals are celebrated amidst great cheer and religious fervency. 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.

Polo has been the royal sport of Jodhpur since medieval times. Polo enthusiasts visit the city to participate in the various equestrian events that are held here. 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.

Jodhpur is a colourful city. It throbs with the romance, beauty, glory and warmth of a populous desert city which has stood testimony to civil wars, love affairs, intrigues and a display of power and wealth. The traditional folk dance and music performances, which are held at night, are great attractions to the visitors.

Tourist Attractions of Jodhpur
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. Mehrangarh Fort, spreading over 5 km on a perpendicular hill and looking down 125 meters, presents a majestic view on city horizon.

It was built on advice of a saint in 1459 to establish an impregnable head-quarter. This Fort is one of the best in India with its exquisitely latticed windows, carved panels, elaborately adorned windows and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins, royal costumes, furniture and the cannons on the fort's ramparts are well preserved.

Jaswant Thada :
Close to the fort complex lays Jaswant Thada. This 19th century royal cenotaph built in white marble in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and three other cenotaphs stand nearby. The cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh holds the rare portraits of the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur. A visit inside the cenotaphs, with some villagers of the region, would bring forward the reverence they still hold for their brave kings

Umaid Bhawan Palace :
The romantic looking Umaid Bhawan Palace was actually built with the purpose of giving employment to the people of Jodhpur during a long drawn famine. The royal family of Jodhpur still lives in a part of the palace. Another part of the palace houses a well-maintained museum, displaying an amazing array of items belonging to the Maharaja and the royal family - weapons, antiques & fascinating clocks, crockery and trophies

Other tourist attractions of Jodhpur :
Government Museum
Rai-ka-Bag Palace
Umed Garden
Raj Ranchhodji Temple
Balsammand Lake & Palace
Kaylana Lake
Guda Bishnoi
Jaswant Sagar Dam
Mandor (8 KM from Jodhpur)
Ossian (65 KM from Jodhpur)