Jodhpur

Jodhpur is second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan and has long been a popular destination among international tourists. However, surprisingly few visitors know the origins of its sobriquet, “the blue city”. The old town is a wonderful example of vivid colours providing a photogenic backdrop to everyday life.
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.

History of Jodhpur
The foundation of Jodhpur was laid down in 1459 by the Rajput chief Rao Jodha. Jodhpur was the capital of the princely state of Marwar earlier. The old city of Jodhpur is enclosed by a 10 km long wall which has 7 gates and 101 bastions. In the city of Jodhpur there are about 100 towers in the city, most of which are enclosed by protective battlements. In 1211 this area was won by his Rathore Rajput clan. When the older capital of Mandore become too susceptible then Rao Jodha moved to the Jodhpur that time. Jodhpur lies on the strategic Delhi to Gujarat road network, the Marwaris got advantage from the passing traffic of opium, silk, copper which was traded to China. For the military power of the state, the marwaris provided the necessary economic base.

Tourist Attractions in Jodhpur
Prominent tourist attractions which can be visited in Jodhpur are Jaswant Thada,> Clock tower, Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace. Jaswant Thada is a royal monument which is constructed in white marble. Mehrangarh Fort is built on a steep hill, it is the best in India with elegantly latticed windows within its residential apartments.

Shopping in Jodhpur
Jodhpur is well-known for its Jodhpuri coats and breeches (riding trousers), tie-and-dye fabrics, embroidered camel leather footwear, lacquer work, cast toys and decorations. The main shopping areas of the city are Sojati Gate for gift shopsand emporia, Station Road for jewellery, Tripolia Bazaar for Handicrafts, Khanda Falsa for tie and dye, Lakhara Bazaar for lac Bangles. There are numerous antique shops in Jodhpur.