Facilities:

Jodpur City If Jaipur is the 'pink city' of Rajasthan, Jodhpur is known as the 'blue city' because of its blue houses. And it is from here that those baggy-tight horse-riding trousers, jodhpurs, took their name The bustling desert city of Jodhpur stands at the edge of the Thar Desert and is the second largest city of Rajasthan after Jaipur. The city is distinguished by a massive fort that tops a sheer rocky ridge rising in the middle of the town. The old city is still surrounded by a 10 km long wall, built about a century after Jodhpur was founded. Eight gates lead out of the old city and there are plenty of fascinating walks through the jumble of winding streets
Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the chief of a Rajput clan known as Rathores, Jodhpur was the capital of the Rathore kingdom and was called Marwar. Earlier stationed at Mandore, the Rathores chose Jodhpur because of the superior natural fortifications that the city provided. The building of Mehrangarh Fort under Maharaja Rao Jodha only enhanced the natural fortifications and deterred the marauding enemies.

AROUND JODHPUR:

Maha Mandir & Balsamand Lake

Just two km from the city is the 100-pillared Shiva Temple. Five kilometres further north, the 13^th century artificial Balsamand Lake is a popular picnic resort. This outstanding location is the site for the Bal Samand Palace, a fine specimen of Rajput arhitecture in red sandstone surrounded by wide expanses of lush green gardens. Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1936, the palace has been an exquisite setting for royal leisure and recreation. Bal Samand is now operational as a WelcomHeritage hotel.

Mandore: The Rathores received Mandore as a result of a marital alliance and the place was the former capital of Marwar before Jodhpur. The extensive gardens at Mandore contain the beautiful chatris (cenotaphs) of Rathore rulers like Maharaja Dhiraj Ajit Singh and Maharaja Dhiraj Jaswant Singh. The Hall of Heroes has 15 figures carved out of a rock wall. The Shrine of 33 Crore (330 million) Gods is painted with figures of deities and spirits.

The Bishnoi Villages: The bishnoi villages are located along and off the Pali Road to the south-east of Jodhpur. The cult was established in the late 15^th century by Guru Jambhoji, who outlined 29 conservation principles. The bishnois hold all animal life as sacred and the rare blackbuck thrives in their region.

At Guda Bishnoi, along the small artificial lake, migratory birds, blackbucks and chinkaras can be seen.

Salawas: is a famous centre for weaving of durries (Indian carpets). These durries are known for their intricate designs and great colour schemes. Besides, you can also pick up hand-woven, block-printed cloth known as fetia which is used as a bed sheet.

Sardar Samand Lake:  The tranquil waters of the Sardar Samand Lake beckon countless varieties of migratory birds as well as tourists who come to savour peace and quiet of the place. The lake lies 60 km south-east of Jodhpur off the Jodhpur-Pali route. Enroute to Sardar Samand from Jodhpur, tourists can look forward to spotting wildlife of the region, especially the blackbuck, neelgai and chinkara. The route also passes through the bishnoi villages - a community renowned for their abiding concern and practice of environmental conservation.

Near the lake stands the stylish Art-Deco summer palace of Maharaja Umaid Singh, the Sardar Samand Lake Resort-yet another jewel from WelcomHeritage.

This superb Art Deco hunting lodge was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1933. All the original features have been retained and its expansive grounds and gardens offer delightful walks. Overlooking the large lake teeming with birdlife, the lake resort affords one of the most breathtakingly beautiful views of the lake.

Dhawa Doli Wildlife Sanctuary: 40 km south west of Jodhpur, this sanctuary shelters blackbuck, partridges, desert fox and nilgai.

Nagaur: Nagaur lies about midway between Jodhpur and Bikaner. The city of Nagaur dates back to the 4^th century A.D and was at the centre of Muslim invasions from Central Asia.The massive protective walls of the historic Nagaur Fort encompass an ancient complex of richly painted palaces, mosques, temples, intricate baoris (reservoirs), water systems, fountains, open terraces and pleasure gardens dating back to the Mughal times. Delicate paintings adorn many of the walls and ceilings of the palaces. The old city also contains several mosques, including one commissioned by Akbar.

Soak in the medieval atmosphere of Nagaur with a luxurious stay at the WelcomHeritage Royal Camp. Pitched within the fortifications of the splendid Nagaur Fort, the Camp offers a unique opportunity to participate in the rich traditions of Rajasthan and witness its vibrant culture and people. The Camp is an ideal stopover for lunch for those who wish to visit the fort, the city and the sand dunes which are only 55 km away.

Osian: Osian is another jewel of the romantic Thar Desert. Known earlier as Upkeshwar, it was a great trading centre between the 8^th and the 12 centuries. The wealthy Jains of the region dominated the city and built exquisitely beautiful temples which rival the Hoysala temples of Karnataka and Konark of Orissa. This great temple complex lies 65 km north of Jodhpur.

Phalodi & Khichan: It is the tiny village of Khichan near the town of Phalodi that brings hordes of visitors to the area. Khichan is the feeding ground for the beautiful demoiselle crane. From September to March, an estimated 7000 cranes arrive every morning and feed on the grain spread around the field by the villagers.