Jodhpur is the second biggest city of Rajasthan after the capital city, Jaipur. It is also called as Sun City and lies in Western Rajasthan. Well connected by train, road and air from Jaipur, Delhi and Mumbai. It was also called as Marwar in olden days. A majority of Marwari?s, which are spread all over India, belongs to Marwar.
Rajasthan also called as place of Kings and Rajput warriors is very famous for its fort and palaces. The city is very famous for the Mehran Garh fort built on a hill around five centuries before. A live tribal man was buried beneath the foundation to save the fort from evils and enemies.
The fort is a magnificent and huge structure with an excellent museum. It is a huge attraction for the tourist from all over the world and also from India. The view of Jodhpur city from the Mehran Garh Fort is superb.
The present Maharaja (King) of Jodhpur is living in one of the world?s most beautiful palaces called Umaid Bhawan Palace. It is a marvelous example of architecture. The beauty lies in its symmetry that is it is symmetrical about both X-axis and Y-axis. If you cut the palace in two parts both the parts will be identical. The palace was built in 1939 when there was a disastrous famine in western Rajasthan and famine workers were employed against distribution of food. It is made of red stone called Chitar hence in local languages it is also called Chitar palace. Presently it is maintained and run by Welcome group hotels but the Maharaja still lives in it. The palace has a great collection in museum and it is open to public almost all the days.
There is an old city inside the four walled and streets are very narrow. The scenes in the street truly represent the old culture and heritage of India. The colorful people with ladies wearing yellow, pink, orange sarees and man wearing yellow, white and colorful turbans gives a mixture of all religions. The enchanting sounds of prayers and bells in the temples early morning makes the air more melodious.
The Jodhpuri coat designed by renowned designer Raghvendra Rathore also speaks the old rich tradition of Jodhpur. Besides fort and Palaces Jodhpur is very famous for its sweets, namkeens (snacks), lassi (buttered milk and yogurt). It is true that people in Jodhpur do not compromise on the quality of food. That is why Jodhpur consumes maximum quantity of Ghee (butter) in the foodstuffs in the whole country.
It is a very safe city with autos running all parts of the city. The weather is very hot in summer with little rains. Hence the best time to visit the city is from October to February, which is very cool and pleasant. It is also the Junction point to go to sand dunes of Jaisalmer.
Hotels vary from budget to Luxurious Umaid Bhawan and Taj Hari. People are very cooperative and friendly. The language spoken is marwari or Rajasthani is very sweet with a great regard to elders and guests. The famous song Kesariya Balam padharo ne mare desh originates from Marwar which means guests are welcome to my land.