Jodhpur, erstwhile capital of the kingdom of Marwar, has had a chequered history replete with tales of valour and strife, romance and culture.

The city was founded by Rao Jodha, Chief of the Rathore clan of the Rajputs in 1459 who shifted there from Mandore. He built the first structure of the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, towering over the city from atop a 150m cliff, which several generations added to, making the Fort a sprawling edifice that grew in size and stature over time. Rao Jodha also fortified the old city which is surrounded by a 10 km high stone wall along with eight gates.
Jodhpur is also known as 'the blue city' as traditional homes here are painted in pale indigo, as can be seen with a sweeping glance from the fort heights.

In the early 16th century, Rao Jodha's descendant, Rao Ganga Singh and Rana Sangha, the great warrior king of marwar were enjoined in a battle against the invading Mughal Emperor Babur. While this and many other battles and skirmishes continued over successive years, a tentative truce was called during the reign of Babur's grandson Akbar. Jodhpur then flourished as a centre for arts and culture in that period, nurturing traditions that are evident to this day. By late 18th century, Jodhpur was indisputably the most powerful princely state in the region and remained so till it merged with the Indian Union at the time of independence in 1947.

While its location in the trade routes made it a major trading centre in the 16th century, present-day Jodhpur is best known for the skills it honed and retained in its textile, crafts and furniture traditions.

Jodhpur, the erstwhile capital of the kingdom of Marwar, Rajasthan’s largest princely state, a city awash in hues of blue, dozers the alternately sleepy and bustling city with its winding roads and teeming markets, is a popular destination for good reason.

A mere 5 kilometres north of the city limits of Jodhpur, on the Mandore Road, is the WelcomHeritage Bal Samand Garden Retreat, a series of charming rooms laid in a row with individual sit-outs overlooking an expanse of manicured lawns and exquisitely tended gardens.

At the far end of the same property is the Bal Samand Lake, overlooking the WelcomHeritage Bala Samand Lake Palace, the erstwhile summer retreat of the Jodhpur Maharajas. WelcomHeritage Garden Retreat earlier served as the accommodation for the royal retinue.

It is now equipped with all modern amenities which however, does not take away from the old world charm of the property.

Jodhpur, the erstwhile capital of the kingdom of Marwar, Rajasthan’s largest princely state, a city awash in hues of blue, dozers the alternately sleepy and bustling city with its winding roads and teeming markets, is a popular destination for good reason.

A mere 5 kilometres north of the city limits of Jodhpur, on the Mandore Road, is the WelcomHeritage Bal Samand Lake Palace, overlooking the still and clear Balsamand Lake. Built in red sandstone employing the typical ornate Rajput architectural style, it was initially conceived as the summer residence of the Jodhpur Maharajas.

The lake was artificially created in the 13th century as a water reservoir to supply drinking water to the city. It now complements the lush green lawns and staggered terraced gardens of the property.

This old royal retreat is now equipped with all modern amenities which however, does not take away from the old world charm of the property.