Phalodi

Phalodi, town, west-central Rajasthan state, northwestern India. It lies in a sandy upland region of the Thar (Great Indian) Desert about 70 miles (110 km) northwest of Jodhpur.

Phalodi is an old caravan centre, believed to have been founded in the 15th century. Architectural monuments include a fort and palaces. The town is connected by road and rail with Jodhpur and Jaisalmer (west) and by road to Bikaner (northeast). It is a trade centre for camels, sheep, hides, and salt. Local manufactures include metal utensils, camel-hair mats, and pottery. Just north lies the Phalodi salt source, a large saline depression in the desert. Camels are bred nearby. Pop. (2001) 44,782; (2011) 49,766.