INTRODUCTION

Jodhpur can be your starting point. Popularly called the Sun City. Jodhpur gives the impression of being a rugged, no-nonsense city that has little time for the decorative and the pretty. Take a look at Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most impressive and formidable structures that looks down from a height of 125 m. the solid walls with tiny openings appear so daunting that it is easy to imagine which the enemies must have viewed it. That is how the fort appear from the outside-but when you're inside its as if you've entered into a different world altogether magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels an d latticed windows like the Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and Daulat Khana. Spend a lot of time in the museum, one of the best in Rajasthan, and see the fabulous collection of Jodhpur royalty-palanquins, Howdabs, furniture, miniature paintings, musical instruments and costumes.

There are other interesting areas in and around Jodhpur like the Jaswant Thada, Girdikot and Sardar Market, and the 20th century Umaid Bhawan Palace. A little further away from the city is Balsamand Mahamandir Temple, and Kailana Lake. the observant visitor will notice that most of the houses here use the red stone typical of Jodhpur, giving a rather neat and uniform look to the city. Today, craftsmen use the stone to produce a wide range of gift items that the visitor demand for this stone from other cities where carved pillars and balconies are shaped to give a unique look to houses.