Jodhpur
The largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur, Jodhpur (about 305 km from Jaipur) stands at the edge of the Thar Desert. This kingdom of the Rathore kings was once known as Marwar, the ' Land of Death'. Named after Rao Jodha (1459), Jodhpur's houses and temples, palaces and havelis still retain and preserve the age-old traditions. Jodhpur is protected from the desert by a massive 10 km long wall. The massive fort atop a rocky hill dominates the city. A picturesque road winds up through various gates and walls.
ACCESS
The city is well connected with Delhi, Udaipur, Mumbai, etc by air and has direct rail links with all major neighbouring places. State Transport buses ply from all major cities to Jodhpur from Jaipur (338 km), Ajmer (280 km), Bikaner (248 km).
PLACES OF INTEREST
Meherangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Clock Tower and Markets, Umaid Gardens and Museum, Umaid Bhawan Palace.
EXCURSIONS
Osian (65 km), ancient temple complex, Kailana Lake (11 km) -- artificial lake with boating facilities. Sardar Samand Palace and Lake (7 km), and Mandore (9 km), famous for cenotaphs of Jodhpur kings and its extensive gardens with rock terraces.
ACCOMODATION
Welcomgroup Umaid Bhawan Palace (5-star Deluxe). Phone: 33316, 30354, 30460, 30470. Fax: 0291-35373.
Taj Hari Mahal, 5, Residency Road, Jodhpur - 342001. Phone: 91-291-439700. Fax: 91-291-614451/52. Ratanada Polo Palace (4-star), Residency Road, Post Box No.63, Jodhpur-342 001. Phone: 31910-14. Fax: 0291-33118.
Ajit Bhawan Palace (Heritage),Opp. Circuit House, Jodhpur-342-006. Phone: 37410, 612410. Telex: 0552-277. Fax: 0291-37774.
Sofitel Ummed, Jodhpur-Jaipur Highway, Banar Road, Jodhpur. Phones: 2864444/9999; Fax: 2864454.
Maharaja Resorts, Sardar Samand Palace. Phones: 33316, Fax: 35373.
Bal Samand Palace, Mandore Road. Phone: 45591; Fax: 35373.
Maharam Bagh Orchard, Retreat Sadri. Phones: 3705/3751.
Karni Bhawan, Defence Lab Road. Phones: 32220, 39380. Fax: 33495.
Rohit Garh, 31161. Phone: 66231.
Luni Fort, Fort Charwa Lines, Distt. Jodhpur. Phones: 32460, 84216.
Khejral Fort, Distt. Jodhpur, Phone: 8311.
Ghoomar Tourist Bungalow, High Court Road, Jodhpur. Phone: 21900.
Rajputana, Panch Batti Circle, Phones: 31672, 38672
Paying Guest Accommodation
Jodhpur is one of the city known for local hospitality. It has more than hundred paying guest houses offering good accommodation, at Rs. 50-1500. Contact Rajasthan Tourism office for details.