The Rajasthani town that lends its name to the skin tight riding breeches. Tucked into the desert landscape, the town is full of artificial lakes, landscaped gardens, palaces and other royal monuments. But ruling the skyline is the sprawling Mehrangarh Fort perched on a hillock.

For a tour of the place, it is convenient to start with Mandore Gardens, 9 km away from town. Amidst a beautifully laid garden are the cenotaphs of Jodhpur kings. The 18th century Victory Gate allows you to reach the centuries old Mehrangarh Fort. You'll have to cross seven gates to reach the Fort. Inside the fort, there is a number of courtyards and palaces, appropriately named. Looking around the collection of elephant-riding seats or howdahs, miniature paintings, weapon, palanquins, furniture and costume will require some time. There is a roomful of children's cradles too. Entry by ticket, open daily 9 am to 1 pm, 2 pm to 5 pm. Entry to the museum lies past the Surajpol Gate.

Although visitors are not permitted to look around the greater part of the Umaid Bhawan Palace since it has been converted to hotel, but one can visit the Museum, entry by ticket. The government tourist reception centre conducts daily sightseeing tours in season. Many private tour operators can arrange some very interesting village safaris.

BASICS

STD Code: 0291

Air: Jodhpur airport is only 5 km from city centre.

Rail: Jodhpur rail station is connected to Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Kota, Bikaner, Ahmedabad, Delhi and Calcutta.

Road: Major distances:
Jaisalmer- 295 km
Bikaner- 240 km
Mt. Abu- 294 km
Jaipur- 343 km
Delhi- 602 km
There are ordinary and deluxe buses to most of the touristy towns of Rajasthan- Udaipur, Jaipur, Ajmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner as well as to Delhi and Ahmedabad.
Best time: November to March is Ok. But December to February is the best time to go around, nights can be pretty cold in winter.

Accommodation: The government tourist reception centre can provide a list of addresses subscribing to their Paying Guest Houses Scheme. Umaid Bhawan Palace hotel is the grandest and costliest address.

Haveli Guest House (Tel: 614615), Madho Niwas (Tel: 434486), Durag Villas Guest House (Tel: 621300), Rajasthan Tourism's Hotel Ghoomar (Tel: 548010), Govind Hotel (Tel: 622758), Devi Bhawan (Tel: 434215), Ratan Vilas (Tel: 614418), Ajit Bhawan (Tel: 437410), Hotel Karni Bhawan (Tel: 432220), Inn Season (Tel: 616400).

Local transport: Taxis and autorickshaws.

Shopping: Antiques- both real ones and fakes- have to be careful if you are really interested, Rajasthani handicrafts and textiles.

Contact: Rajasthan Tourism Reception Centre
Tel: (0291) 545083
International Tourist Bureau
Jodhpur railway station. Tel: (0291) 439052.