Founded by Rao Jodha of the Rajput clan in 1459, Jodhpur has history that is marked by centuries of royal rule and the battles that fought around it. It is in fact the invincibility of Jodhpur that prompted Rao Jodha to shift his capital from exposed site of Mandore to more enclosed location of Jodhpur. Rao Jodha named the capital on his own name and hence the name Jodhpur. Later, Jodhpur flourished and became an important trading center as traders used to pass through Jodhpur before moving on to Gujarat coast. Vacations India takes you on a tour to Jodhpur.

Jodhpur is also known as the 'Blue City' and is located on the eastern side of the Thar Desert. Jodhpur serves as a transit point for the travellers heading to Jaislamer, on the west or coming from Jaisalmer and moving to Jaipur, which is on the east of Jodhpur. But a traveller looking for traditional marwari hospitality and an experience of rustic Rajasthan, Jodhpur is more than a transit point. Today, Jodhpur has become one of the important tourist destinations in Rajasthan.

Jodhpur has a number of good hotels that serve as a right base to explore the various forts and palaces that are scattered around Jodhpur. Mehrangarh Fort towers all the other monuments in Jodhpur and in fact is the best way to start your Jodhpur tour. The fort stands tall on a steep hill and is one of the largest in India. This sentinel of the bygone era houses many palaces and forts inside its impregnable walls. Once inside the fort, you realise the invincibility of the fort, as the walls are huge and strong.

The palaces inside the fort have intricate carvings and latticework on the windows and jharkohas is a treat to watch. The Moti Mahal or the Pearl Palace is beautiful monument with its delicately carved stone screen. You can also visit Umaid Villas that houses Rajput miniature paintings and Ajit Villas that has royal instruments and costumes inside. You can also stroll around the Phool Mahal and the Maan Villas. It is wonderful to watch the cluster of blue houses from the fort.

Umaid Bhawan Palace is another important monument that most tourists visit. Built by Umaid Singh and designed by Henry Vaughan the palace is an example of exemplary craftsmanship. It took about 3000 artisans and 14 years to complete the palace. A part of the palace has been converted into a heritage hotel today. The palace still serves as a royal residence of the family.

Other important tourist places in Jodhpur include Jaswant Thada, which is a 19th century royal cenotaph built in white marble, the Government Museum and Clock Tower.

A visit to sand dunes and camel safari are other exciting activities that one can look forward to when in Jodhpur. Shopping is an interesting part of your Jodhpur Tour, as the city has some colorful bazaars that pass through many narrow streets. You can shop for embroidered leather shoes, antiques, carpets, lacquerware and puppets. Miniature camels and elephants make perfect souvenirs of Jodhpur. Come and discover Jodhpur with Vacations India.