Jodhpur is a former imperial capital, and currently the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan. It was at one time the capital of the Marwar state, and an important trading hub, situated at the very edge of the Thar desert. Founded in the mid-15^th century by Rao Jodha, chief of the Rathore clan, it is protected still by a high, fortified wall that stretches for more than 10kms – accessible by gates in eight different places.

Balsamund Lake & Palace
Built in the mid-12^th century, this lake and garden complex is situated just under 8kms from Jodhpur. A palace was constructed on the site in 1936, which is still standing, looming over the lake and gardens. The complex has recently been turned into a park and bird sanctuary, open to the public, and is a popular spot for family excursions.

Guda Bishnoi
These settlements, known as guda, are typical of the Bishnoi community, whose residents are not only environmentalists in the modern sense, but also traditional believers in the sanctity of animal and plant life. This is an educational opportunity for families travelling with children to share this interesting cultural phenomenon, located just 25kms from Jodhpur.

Machiya Safari Park
This park is situated just a couple kilometres from Kailana lake, on the road to Jaisalmer. Animal species represented here include: wild cat, deer, desert fox, indigenous rabbit, mongoose and many others. You’ll also see a range of birdlife, particularly if you take advantage of the park’s bird-watching point. Sunsets can be spectacular when viewed from the fort in the park.

Umed Garden
This massive garden site was originally developed by Maharaja Umed Singh, and boasts lush green lawns, towering Ashoka trees, rose gardens and many plantings of seasonal flowers. You’ll also find a museum and library, fountains, a zoo and a walk-in aviary. The aviary was constructed in 1978 and is home to many types of bird species, including ducks and parrots, which are a favourite with young visitors.

The state of Rajasthan is alive with history, boasting grand palaces, massive forts and exotic temples; tales of warriors and colourfully-clad tribal peoples; and an unrivalled tradition in folk art, dance and music. In Jodhpur – and throughout the state – there are museums devoted to the region’s archaeological finds, the history of its forts and battles, and art galleries housed in palaces that were once homes to the rulers of this romantic land.

Cultural Entertainment
At various times of the year, you’ll find events that focus on Rajasthan’s cultural and folk history, showcasing its arts and crafts, and its songs and dances. The romantic history of the region is also the subject of films that are shown here in the many cinemas found throughout the city. Other Indian blockbusters are regularly shown as well, and whether or not that constitutes a cultural activity is up to you to decide.

Government Museum of Jodhpur
The government museum is located in the centre, on High Court road, in the middle of the public gardens. Both the building housing the museum and the garden date from the reign of Maharaja Umaid Singhji. Featuring a wide-ranging collection of miniature portraits, Rajasthani textiles, weapons and local handicrafts, the museum is popular with visitors of all ages. Also on display are portraits of all Jodhpur’s former rulers; and the manuscripts of Jain Tirthankars as well. There’s a public library onsite, and also a zoo – located in the Umaid Gardens.

Mehrangarh Fort Museum
The fort museum features excellent collections of interesting and rare artefacts, paintings, textiles and other items of historical interest that are well-organised and displayed. In particular, the howdah and palanquin galleries feature comprehensive collections of priceless, centuries-old objects – that bring that period in Rajasthan’s history to life for the visitor.

Umaid Bhavan Palace Museum
The early ruler Maharaja Umaid Singhji had a fascination for Western lifestyles, and hired renowned Edwardian architect Henry Vaughan Lanchester for the design and construction of Umaid Bhavan Palace. A wing of the palace is now home to the Umaid Bhavan Palace Museum. On display here is a collection of household, personal and other items belonging to Maharaja and his family. Included are examples of unusual crockery, clocks, stuff animals, trophies and a large banner presented to the Maharaja by Queen Victoria of England.

Jodhpur’s eateries offer up cuisines from Chinese to continental European, in addition to many local specialities – including Mughali dishes. Particularly popular are the well-known chutney snacks, called kachouri; and for those who really like sweets, a treat known as laddoos. A glass of buttermilk or a lassi are favourite local drinks.

Sweet shops are found on most street corners in the centre, where delicacies of all sorts are on offer, and crowds gather. A Jodhpur tradition is that a meal starts with something sweet, followed by other dishes. The tradition is known as mithi manuhar, or ‘sweet hospitality’, and is said to be the reason for the particularly ‘sweet’ hospitality of the city’s residents. The more popular sugary delicacies include mave ki kachori, besan ki chaaki and maakhan vade; and some of the most well-known shops include Janta Sweet Home, Jodhpur Sweet Home and Pokhar Sweets.

The city’s handicrafts are world renowned, featuring items made from camel bone, iron and wood. You’ll find many fabric shops in Jodhpur selling bandhini (a high quality tie-dyed fabric) and hand-block prints; shops selling traditional silver jewellery by weight; and a good selection of shops offering antiques.

The popular Sadar Market is located near the clock tower, and provides hours of browsing and shopping pleasure for all. This colourful, hectic market fills many narrow alleyways that are lined with small shops. You’ll find a good selection offering antiques, carpets, local tie-dye textiles, embroidered footwear, lacquer ware and puppets.

In addition to the Sadar Market, there are several others which might be of interest, including: Sarafa Bazaar, Sojati Gate and the Tripoli Bazaar. A favourite department store is National Handloom in Nai Sarak, which offers up accessories and fabric.

For a traveller looking for active outdoor pursuits, Jodhpur features facilities for horseback riding and polo, as well as golf, swimming and tennis. Those more interested in observing sporting events may enjoy the kite-flying competitions and polo matches – both are quite popular here.

Golf
The local aristocracy became fascinated with what they saw to be a popular British gentleman’s sport but the local climate wasn’t very cooperative in the creation of lush green golf courses, due to the prevailing hot and arid conditions. A course was developed in nearby Jaipur under the direction of Maharaja Man Singh, and is still the only 18-hole course in Rajasthan. This is not a professional course, but provides for a round of golf in unusual surroundings that include palace and exquisite garden views and peacocks strutting along the fairways.

Kite-flying
Kite-flying is not only popular is Jodhpur, it is a passion across India. From children’s early years, they learn to fly and eventually design and create their own kites. Competitions take place frequently, and visitors are warmly welcomed to join in. In more serious competitions, participants attempt to cut the strings of their opponents’ kites by dragging their strings, covered with abrasives, across the strings of the other kites.

Polo
Jodhpuris have been horsemen for centuries and polo came to them quite naturally. Early association with polo dates to the Mughal period, as miniature paintings on display at the Mehrangarh Fort bear testimony. It wasn’t until the British era, however, that polo became a passion here – and it has remained so since that time.