Jodhpur, is the second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was formerly the seat of a princely state of the same name, the capital of the kingdom known as Marwar. Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination, featuring many palaces, forts and temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar desert.

The city is known as the Sun City for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year. It is also referred to as the Blue City due to the blue-painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. Jodhpur lies near the geographic centre of Rajasthan state, which makes it a convenient base for travel in a region much frequented by tourists. The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a thick stone wall.

Monuments

A number of historical monuments dot the city and surrounding region. Some of these monuments are described here.

Umaid Bhawan Palace: The Umaid Bhawan Palace is not only one of India's most imposing palaces but also among its most recent. This lavish art deco monument to royal living had an improbable conception: it was built as a public relief and employment project during a long period of drought. Over one million square feet (90,000 m²) of the finest marble was used in the construction of the palace. A special type of sandstone, called Chittar sandstone, has been used in constructing the palace and this gives it a special effect. For this reason, it is also referred to as Chittar Palace by the locals. Its style of construction, with beautiful balconies, charming courtyards, green gardens and stately rooms, makes it a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The project employed three thousand artisans over a period of 15 years (1929-1943). The palace is named after its builder, Maharaja Umaid Singh (1876-1947), who was incidentally the president of the British Royal Institute of Architects. In 1977, the palace was segmented into the royal residence, the Heritage Hotel and a museum. It has total 347 rooms.It is the biggest private residence in the world, out of which 98 air-conditioned rooms are elegantly decorated with antique furniture as well as all the other amenities for a five star hotel.

Mehrangarh Fort: The Mehrangarh Fort lies in the heart of the old city of Jodhpur and is located atop a 125 m high hill. The magnificent Mehrangarh Fort (Jodhpur ka kila) is the most majestic and one of the largest forts in India. It was originally started (c.1459) by Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur. However, most of the extant fort dates from the period of Jaswant Singh (1638-78). The walls of the fort are up to 36 m high and 21 m wide; they enclose some exquisite structures.

The fort museum houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs (elephant seat), royal cradles, miniatures, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. The ramparts of Mehrangarh Fort provide not only excellently preserved cannons but also a breath-taking view of the city.

Jaswant Thada: The Jaswant Thada is architectural landmark found in Jodhpur. It is a white marble memorial built in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The monument, in its entirety, is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when the sun's rays dance across their surface. Within this cenotaph, there are also two more tombs.

Veer Durgadas Smarak, Masooria Hills: Veer Durgadas Smarak is situated on Masooria Hill and a panoramic and extremely magnificent view of Jodhpur city can be viewed from here, There is impressive 36 feet high equesterian statue of Veer Durgadas Rathore. Other facilities of restaurant, museum, park, children playing facilities, fountains, information center etc.are also available there. A very beautiful and memorable place of Jodhpur that one must visit for most prominent trip for visitors and children who will inevitable flock there in large numbers to pay their tributes and carry with them a lasting inspiration from the immortal memory of this great man. Veer Durgadas (1638-1718 AD) was the most revered guardian and protector of Marwar. It is a fact of history that the restoration of 'Gaddi' the throne after sudden death of Maharaja Jaswant Singh ji-II to the rightful heir Maharaja Ajit Singh ji from the clinch of Moghul emperor Auragzeb. Every person of marwar reveres Veer Durgadas for the preservation of the integrity and independent identity of Marwar. This statue of veer Durgadas is erected in order to acknowledge tribute to him and an enduring universal demand for a beffiting memorial to this great hero not only of Marwar but whose deeds, sacrifice and sagacity influenced the entire subcontinent and has placed him on a pedestal amongst our most venerated national patriots. This smarak was unveiled on October3, 1998 by Prime Minister of India Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and in presence of CM Rajasthan Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Maharaja Gaj Singh ji Jodhpur.

Osiyan Temple: An ancient temple, well worth the visit, lies in the village of Osiyan, about 60 km outside Jodhpur. It is believed that all the Oswal (a Major Jain community) originated from Osiyan. There are many sections of this temple, which was built in several distinct phases.