Jodhpur unique tourist attractions, lifestyle, industries.

• Area 22850 sq. Kms.

• Altitude 250 - 300 meters above the sea level.

Like most other Indian cities nestling within the depth of the Thar desert, is the strong hold of the Rathore clan – Jodhpur, once the capital of the former princely state of Marwar, the second largest city of Rajasthan after Jaipur.

The town was once known as Marwar, referring to the harsh climate of desert. It is an island of marble palaces, that is cordoned off from the desert by an immense wall, with eight gates facing different directions.

Jodhpur is bound by Nagaur in East, Jaisalmer in west, Bikaner and Barmer as well as Pali in South.

The length of the district from North to South and from East to West is 197 km. & 208 km. respectively. Best time to visit- November to March.

The town is also recognized for various unique type of industries. The major industries are Lime stone, Sand stone, Emery stone & other minerals, wooden & bone handicrafts, textile handicrafts & textile printing (Bandhej), Mod-Turra & Rakhi Manufacturing, Traditional turban (Safa) & Sherwani.

Manufacturing, spices, Red chilli, Guar gum, steel re-rolling industries, sand – shot blasting machine manufacturing and sweets & namkeens.

The combination & variety of industries makes a versatile industrial economic status of the town across the globe.

The district comes under Arid zone of the Rajasthan state. It covers 11.60% of total area of Arid zone of the state.

Some of the area of great Indian desert Thar also comes in the district.

General slope of the terrain is towards west. Despite its arid climate, Jodhpur is blessed with a variety of flora and fauna.

A survey conducted by district administration with the help of forest officials shows 162 flora and 144 fauna at Machia Safari situated only 10 kms from Jodhpur.

The district vitnesses pretty extreme heat in the summer and cold in the winter, which simply are the characteristics of the desert.

The temperature varies from 49° (degrees) in summer to 1° in winters. The sandstorm (andhi) spectacle for the peoples from other region of India, the rainy days are limited to maximum 15 in a year. Maximum average rainfall is 302 mm.

The soil of the desert is classified mainly as sandy . Bajra (Pearl millet) is the major crop in Kharif.

Jodhpur has excellent ground water taste in many parts of district.

In Rabi Wheat, Pulse and a variety of masala like jeera, dhania and red chilly are also grown.

Jodhpur has a name for its red chilly, onion and garlic.

It is one of the major production centre for Gaur Gum.

There is no perennial river in the district. However, there are important rivers in the district, viz, Luni, and Mithri rivers but their base is saline water, main sources of irrigation besides rainwater are tube-wells, dug-wells.

The highest-irrigated area in the district is Bilara Tahsil followed by Bhopalgarh and Osian tehsil.

Umaid Bhawan Palace is the last of the great palaces in India and one of the largest residences in the world—set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens.

Named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present Maharaja of Jodhpur, this golden-yellow sandstone monument was conceived on the grandest possible scale, in the fashionable art Deco style of that time.

After 15 years in construction, the 347-room palace was finally completed in 1943—and has served as the principal residence of the Jodhpur royal family since.

The clock tower is a popular landmark in the old city near the Sarder market and narrow alleys lead from here to bazaars selling vegetables, spices, Indian sweets, textiles, silver, and handicrafts.

It is a great place to ramble around at leisure.

The Kaylana lake is located 8 km (5 MI) Northwest of Jodhpur, built by Pratap Singh in 1872 the lake spread over an area of 84 square kilometre.

It is believed that in the ancient past the region had palaces and gardens made by two rulers of Jodhpur, Bhim Singh and Takhat Singh, these made way for the making of kaylana lake.

Kaylana lake is today a popular boating spot, a narrow strip of land separates kaylana from another lake called Takhat Sagar.

The Jodhpur-Jaisalmer highway passes through this stretch. The picturesque setting of this lake draws many, it is an excellent place for bird watching as well.

A bird watching point and a fort inside offer a vantage point for birding and sunset viewing respectively.

One can also visit Machiya Safari on route, just 1 km from Kaylana lake.

The Jodhpur Machiya Safari Park lies on the way to Jaisalmer, it is about 1 km from Kalyana lake.

This Safari is a must-see place please for those interested in wildlife.

The main fauna of Machiya Safari Park of Jodhpur, is its wildlife including deer, wild cats, desert fox, monitor lizard, Blue bulls rabbits, mongoose, monkeys etc.

There is also an exclusive bird watching point from where you can see numerous birds that serves as a good place for bird watchers too.

The safari Park also has a fort inside its complex. The fort also gives a nice view of the sunset, the safari Park is an interesting place to visit with kids.

Balsamand lake palace is 5 km North of the city limits of the Jodhpur, on the Mandore road.

The welcomheritage Balsamand Lake Palace built in red sandstone, employing the typical ornate Rajput architectural style, it was initially conceived as the summer residence of the Jodhpur Maharaja.

The lake itself, artificially created in the 13th century as a water reservoir that supplied drinking water to the city-now compliments the lush green lawns and staggered, terraced gardens of the property.

It has now been fitted with all modern amenities, which however does not take away from the old world charm of the property.

Fort Chanwa-Luni is a small Hamlet 35 km from Jodhpur, the fort Chanwa reflects the charms of bygone age.

The heritage hotel was restored to its former glory by its owner, Maharaja dalip Singh.

Enchanting ambience, theme evenings and princely hospitality makes the exquisite little fortress an ideal destination.

Khimsar Fort is in the midst of sand dunes, this amazing fort stands as secure as it did over many centuries of battle and strife.

The construction of the fort was begun in 1523 by Rao Karamsji, 8th son of the founder of Jodhpur Rao jodha who chose the spot of Khimsar, 90 kilometres away from Jodhpur where one brother resided and 150 km away from Bikaner fiefdom of another brother.