Reaching back to 1459 Jodhpur was built to be the capital of Rajasthan and is known as the Blue City.

There are forts and palaces here, temples and Havelis, and an enriched culture and tradition, extend thins and you find spices and fabrics, and colors and textures that all point to the booming handicrafts industry.  But one thing is for sure.  Jodhpur is one historic city that is definitely worth a visit.

It is not surprising that Jodhpur is known as Sun City as the bright and sunny weather that Jodhpur enjoys is abundant and the sun shines constantly nearly every day of the year.  There is also the nickname of the blue city.  This is due to the various hues of blue houses that can be found around the Mehrangarh Fort area of the city.

Jodhpur city is geographically settled near the center of Rajasthan state means that Jodhpur makes for an incredibly convenient base for tourists in and around Rajasthan. Rajasthan as a state has much to offer and is frequented by many tourists year round.

Historical Jodhpur

Several monuments and historical buildings are spotted around Jodhpur.  Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and Osiyan Temple are all definitely worth a trip to Jodhpur.

Jodhpur was founded in 1559 by Rao Jodha who was a chief of the Rathore clan.  This area of India was previously known as Marwar but is found in the modern day as the state of Rajasthan.  Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan and is divided into two parts- the old city and the new city.  The old city id separated from the new city surrounding it by a 10km wall that surrounds the old city and this wall has eight gates leading out of it.

Jodhpur Economy and Tourism

In the most recent of years Jodhpur has been taken over by the handicrafts industry which has overshadowed every other industry in the city.  Furniture exports may bring in as much as $200 million per year and employs up to 200,000 either directly or indirectly.  Other items manufactured in Jodhpur include textiles and metal utensils, bicycles, sporting goods and ink.  There is a flourishing cottage industry that makes goods such as jewelry, cutlery, carpets and marble products. Second only to handicrafts comes tourism.  Agriculture is not a huge economy boost here however major crops include wheat and Mathania red chillies.  Gypsum and salt are mined here in Jodhpur.  There is a lot of demand for wool and agricultural products and Jodhpur is an important marketplace for these goods.The Indian air force, Indian army and border security force all maintain training centers at Jodhpur.

Jodhpur Cousine

Several worldwide Indian cuisine phenomenons have originated in Jodhpur.  Makhaniya Lassi, mawa kachori, pyaaj kachori, hot and spicy mirchibada, dal bati churma, panchkuta, lapsi and kadhi.  It is absolutely advisable to try the Jodhpur versions while you are on your package tour to India.