Jodhpur
Standing on the threshold of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is counted as the second largest city of Rajasthan. Rightfully called the Gateway to Thar, the city of Jodhpur was founded by the Rao Jodha. He was a Rajput Chief and belonged to the Rathore clan and hailed from the town named Mandore. He led the foundation of the city of Jodhpur in the year 1459. After successful conquests of the near by territories, Rao Jodha gradually built up a separate state as his kingdom. Initially, Mandore, his hometown served as the capital, the role of which was later taken up by Jodhpur. Being situated on the main trading route that led from Delhi to Gujarat, Jodhpur prospered a lot by trading in items like silk, copper, opium, date palms, and coffee.The desert landscape of Jodhpur forms the perfect natural background to the magnificent forts, palaces, havelis, gardens and temples. As Jaipur is nicknamed as the Pink City, Jodhpur is called Blue City. The name is attributed for the blue colored residential houses primarily meant for the Brahmins located in the surrounding areas of the Mehrangarh Fort. A thick stone wall surrounds the old city of Jaipur. Six massive gates adorn the protective wall and are named Merati Gate, Nagauri Gate, Jalori Gate, Sojati Gate, Chand Pol and Siwanchi Gate.
This colorful city is well known for its fairs and festivals. The Nagaur Fair, Jodhpur International Desert Kite Festival and the Marwar Fair are an integral part of the cultural life of the city and attract thousands of tourists every year. A perfect shopping haven, tourists can spend a great time here picking up colorful bandhni fabrics, antique pieces, jewellery, local handicrafts, lac bangles and leather goods. Some of the well known shopping areas are Sojati Gate, Tripolia Bazaar, Station Road, Clock Tower and Mochi Bazar.
The Sun City enjoys an extreme climate and so the best time to visit this historic city is during the months of October and March. The color, the aroma of the spices, the history and the legends, all weave a web of attraction which traps the heart of every wandering tourist.