About Jodhpur The ‘Blue City’, as it is known, was founded on the edges of Thar Desert in 1459 A.D by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan of the Rajputs. It was the capital of the Rathore Kingdom, which was the largest in the Rajputana. Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur, and is encircled by a high 10 km long wall. The city is blessed with a number of forts, temples, gardens and lakes. The historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, music and the brightly attired people lend an aura of romance to the city. The city lies 317 km. from Jaipur and 597 km. from the national capital New Delhi. It is well connected by rail to Jaipur and New Delhi. Food Like most places in Rajasthan, Dal Baati Churma, a popular savoury, is eaten with relish. Jodhpur is popular for sweets like Laddoo and Mawa Kachori. Culture Bright colours are an integral part of the lives of the people in Jodhpur. The locals wear a variety of artistically designed costumes, aflame with bright colours and mirror work. The women folk wear wide gathered skirts and a hip-length jacket with three quarter length sleeves and the men sport colourful turbans on their heads! Jodhpur has a very strong tradition of folk art, where the figures are mainly robust warriors and dainty women. Paintings of the legendary lovers like Dhola-Maru on camelback and hunting scenes with innumerable horses and elephants dominate the paintings of the Marwar region. Spices Cardamom, Chilly, Clove, Garlic, Ginger, Kokam, Pepper, Turmeric and Vanilla are available in these areas.