Jodhpur city is
surrounded by a 10 km long wall with eight gates serving as
entrances. The new city is settled around this walled area.
The Maruthal or 'land of death' , came into life when the
Rathores of Kanauj moved in. But the city of Jodhpur was
founded by Rao Jodhaji in 1459 AD.
In Jodhpur, the genius of its sculptors comes to life in its
exquisite palaces, forts, temples and havelis, which stand
testimony to the imperial grandeur. The most alluring part of
Jodhpur is the traditional lifestyle, festivity and the
smiling people who treasure this former princely state.
PRIME
ATTRACTIONS
FORTS
Mehrangarh Fort - Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh
fort is one of the largest forts in India. The beauty and the
grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrates a saga of
hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri
sculptures.
PALACES
Umaid Bhawan Palace - The only palace built in 20th
century under the famine relief programme, has now been
converted into a hotel with some parts being retained as a
museum.
Jaswant Thada - The 19th century royal cenotaph is
built in white marble, in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant
Singh. Some rare portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur are also
displayed here.
MUSEUMS
Government Museum - This museum has a rich collection
of weapons, textiles, miniature portraits, local crafts and
images of Jain Tirthankars. It is situated in the middle of
the Umaid public gardens.
OTHERS
Clock Tower & Sadar Market - In the old city, clock
tower is a prominent land mark. But main attraction is the
Sadar Market. The market has kept alive the old 'haat bazaar'
culture.
PALACE ON WHEELS
Ever wondered what
luxury in the royal times was all about! Welcome to Palace On
Wheels, a luxury train that carries with it an ambience of the
Rajputana era and an exciting fairytale journey, which takes
the visitor to the imperial cities of Rajasthan every single
day. The coaches also carry out an image of the Rajput states
with beautiful interiors. Last but not the least the "Royal
Treat" for the passengers on board include saloons, bar
lounges & libraries in every coach as well as restaurant and
organized shopping facilites.
EXCURSIONS
CITIES
Mandore : Towards the north of Jodhpur is the ancient
capital of Marwar, Mandore. It is just 8 kms from the city.
Main attractions of the place are Hall of Heroes with sixteen
huge figures carved out of a single rock, the shrine of 330
million Gods and the royal cenotaphs. But one can not miss the
caves in crags and the sprawling gardens, which are now
shelter place for monkeys and peacocks. Greenery of the place
makes Mandore, in true sense, an oasis.
TEMPLES
Ossian : 65-km from Jodhpur, lie ruins of an ancient
city called Ossian. This city is famous for Brahmanical and
Jain temples, which belong to 8th and 11th century. Surya or
Sun temple and the Sachiya temples are famous for their
beauty. The 'shikhar' of Sachiya temple is clustered by two
rows of turrets, an ambulatory and a large assembly hall with
an elaborate ceiling.
TRIBES
Guda Bishnoi : The villages are inhabitated by the
Bishnoi tribe who are staunch believers in the sanctity of
plant and animal life. Villages are marked by Khejri trees and
deers, which thrive there. 25 kms from Jodhpur.
LAKES AND PALACES
Balsamand Lake & Palace : This picturesque artificial
lake is 7 kms from the main city. Summer palaces along the
embankment and a bird sanctuary has made it a picnic spot.
Sardar Samand Lake and Palace : Rajasthani village life
and vibrant cultural colours come alive as you drive along the
55 kms stretch. The monotony of the drive is broken by
Chinkaras and Black Bucks who frisk pass the road.
HOW TO GET
THERE
Air:
Jodhpur has its own airport
and regular flight services conect the city with other major
cities in and around Rajasthan.
Rail: The city is also well connected by the railway
lines and trains are available for other major cities in the
country from here. The 'Palace on Wheels' also visits this
city of royal splendour.
Road: The state transport has bus services from other
cities of the state and some services are interstate too.
PLACES TO STAY
The variety of
hotels and guest houses in Jodhpur makes one feel at home.
Accommodation here is available to suit tourists of every
budget. Hotel Karni Bhawan, Ajit Bhawan are heritage hotels.
The Rajasthan Tourism Department has the Ghoomar Hotel. The
palace hotels options include the Umaid Bhawan Palace,
Ratanada Polo Palace, Rajputana Palace. Raj Basera also
provides good accommodation facilities. There are low budget
accommodations avaialable too.
General Information
Location
2260-km From
Udaipur, Rajasthan
Tourist Attractions: Umaid Bhawan
Palace, Mehrangarh Fort
Festival Attraction: Desert
Festival
Best Time To Visit: October To
March
MAIN LANGUAGES Rajasthani, Hindi & English |
