Winter months
112.40 km2
1,270,000 as recorded in 2014
Jodhpur city of Rajasthan is the second largest one in the state. The city was founded in 1459 by a Rajput chief, named Rao Jodha. The city and other neighbouring territories under him were called Marwar State. This city is often referred to as Marwar for this reason. The other titles it has are Sun City, credited to the hot and bright sunny days all year round; Blue City, due to the similar looking blue houses set up around the fort and Gateway of Thar because it is situated at the threshold of this desert.
This region has a rich history of being inhabited by Aryans and finds mention in the Ramayana as well. This city has a distinct landscape, surrounded by hills, a lake, Mehrangarh Fort and blue houses. Jodhpur is an upcoming metropolitan city with a historical backdrop. It is famed for its handicrafts and Rajasthani food. Lonely Planet placed this city on the top in a list of ‘most extraordinary places to stay’ in 2014.
Climate and Geography
Jodhpur is centrally located in Rajasthan at an elevation of 231 m above the sea level. It has the Mehrangarh Fort surrounding from one side, Kaylana Lake and Garden on another and rest of the boundary is covered by hills. The climate in Jodhpur is semi-arid. Temperature is consistently high throughout the year. Precipitation is moderate and gives minimal relief from heat. The winter months are easy to bear as temperature is not extreme.
Transportation
Being a metropolitan city and a commercial hub, Jodhpur has been connected well through air, rail and road transport.
Air: The airport has daily flights to Delhi and Mumbai. The airlines operating here are Air India and Jet Airways.
Rail: The railway station in Jodhpur is a major junction in Northern Railway with frequent trains to most major cities. The taxi and bus stand are situated nearby the station.
Roadways: The city is connected with National Highways 65, 112 and 114 and several state highways. Regular bus services are available for Jodhpur from Delhi, and major cities of Rajasthan.
Local Transport: For intra-city travel the options are mini buses, cabs, rented or own cars, auto rickshaws and tongas.
Shopping & Entertainment
Apart from malls in this city, the traditional markets sell indigenous handicrafts like Bandhej, Mojris (a kind of footwear), textiles, spices and wooden showpieces. Jodhpur has many multiplexes, single screen cinema halls and open theatres to enjoy movies and live performances. The authentic Jodhupri food can be feasted on at various outlets.