Jodhpur gets its name from its founder, Rao Jodha, teh Rathode chieftain. The Rathodes are believed to belong to the dynasty of the sun god himself (Surya Vansha) which has produced scions such as Lord Rama and King Harishchandra. It is believed that the city came into being in 1459 A.D. Jodhpur has been an important trading center of
Rajasthan
even in ancient times and is currently the second largest city of the state.
Jodhpur boasts of an airport, located a mere 5 km from the heart of the city. Regular flights connect Jodhpur airport with the major cities of India such as Jaipur, Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi. Jodhpur is also a major railway junction and is well connected by the Indian Railways network to the rest of the state and country. A good number of RSTC buses and private luxury buses ply between Jodhpur and places such as Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Delhi.
A number of festivals and fairs such as Nag Panchami (August-September), Marwar Festival (October), Nav Sati, Veerpuri Fair (July-August), Gangaur, Holi (March) and Diwali (Oct-Nov) are celebrated in the town amidst much gaiety and cheer. Vendors set up small shops on either sides of the street. A range of colorful fabrics, textile and dresses are put up on display. Ghagras embroidered with multi hued threads, sequins and mirrors, blockprinted durries, bandhani sarees, chunky tribal and silver jewellery, brass artifacts and colorful glass and lac bangles are one display. To commemorate the Marwar or the Maand Festival a number of events such as horse riding and polo are organized. Folk music and dance recitals are held all over the city. Kacchi Ghoodi and Jhoomar are the favorites for these festive celebrations. The city is the hub of a flourishing handicraft industry. The teeming bazaars and the attractive sweet shops are almost irresistible. The historic fort and the quaint charm of the old city make Jodhpur a tourist paradise.
Some of the major tourist attractions in Jodhpur are
- Mehrangarh Fort
- Jaswant Thada
- Umaid Bhawan Palace
- Girdikot & Sardar Market
- Museum
- Balsamand Lakes & Gardens
- Mandore
- Mahamandir Temple
- Kailana Lake
- Osian
- Luni Fort
- The Dhawa
A number of excellent accommodation facilities await the tourist at Jodhpur. Hotel Karni Bhawan,Hotel Ajit Bhawan, Ghoomar Hotel, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Ratanada Polo Palace, Taj Hari Mahal Jodhpur, Rajputana Palace and Raj Basera are all excellent hotels to live in. A number of budget hotels and other accommodation facilities are also easily available.
