Jodhpur
[Rajasthan]
Jodhpur is the  second
largest city of the state of Rajasthan. It has been drawing the
attention of tourists from all over the world. Standing as the
sentinel of the country's western border, Jodhpur is famous for
its magnificent forts and palaces 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. Location :
Jodhpur is situated at the edge of the Thar Desert with Jaisalmer
on its west, Barmar, Jalor and Pali on its south, Bikaner on its
north, and Nagaur on the eastern side and Nagaur on the eastern
side. The ideal time to visit this place is the period between
November and March. The city is like an oasis in the vast desert,
with a variety of thorny shrubs all over the area. It also has
some of the animal species that can survive in an arid and dry
environment. History Of Jodhpur
The Rajput chief Rao Jodha founded the city of Jodhpur in 1459.
Earlier, it was the capital of the Marwar state of Rajasthan.
A 10-km-long wall made of stone surrounds the city. Eight doors
stand all through the wall leading to different places of Jodhpur.
The city has about 100 towers most of which are surrounded by
defensive battlements. The guards' chambers, constructed high
up above the ground and fitted with iron spikes on top, could
be seen alongside these walls. Places Of Interest
( Jodhpur) 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. Inside the fort, there
is a series of courtyards and palaces. Umaid Bhawan Palace
Built of marble and pink sandstone, this immense palace is also
known as the Chittar Palace because of the local Chittar sandstone
used. 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
This white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II is a short
distance from the fort, just off the fort road. The cenotaph,
built in 1899, was followed by the royal crematorium and three
other cenotaphs which stand nearby. There is some beautiful marble
jali work and fine views from the terrace in front of the cenotaph. Clock Tower & Sadar Market
The clock tower is a popular landmark in the old city. The vibrant
Sardar Market is close to the tower, and narrow alleys lead from
here to bazaars selling vegetables, spices, Indian sweets, textiles,
silver and handicrafts. It is a great place to ramble around at
leisure. 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. Mahamandir Temple
Built in 1812, this is an old walled town with few hundred houses.
The temple with 84 beautifully carved pillars is an architectural
wonder. Kailana Lake
An artificial lake on the Jaisalmer road. An idyllic picnic spot
with spectacular sunsets. Nearby Places
(Jodhpur)
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 where sixteen huge figures which have
been 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. Osian
It is 65 Kms from Jodhpur. This city is famous for Brahmanical
and Jain temples, which belong to 8th and 11th century. The Jain
Mahavir Temple is is unique among the Osian temples, with the
vaulted design of its hall-ceiling.Surya or Sun temple and the
Sachiya temples are famous for their beauty. Guda Bishnoi
The villages are inhabitated by the Bishnoi tribe who are staunch
believers in the animal life. Villages are marked by Khejri trees
and deers which thrive there. It is 25 kms from Jodhpur. Balsamand Palace & Maha Mandir
Maha Mandir is about 4 kms north-east of the city.It is built
around a 100 - pillared Shiva temple. Balsamand is a comfortable
and serene hotel. Summer palaces along the embankment and a bird
sanctuary has made it a picnic spot. Sardar Samand
Lake and Palace
The route to this wildlife centre, 66 kms south-east of Jodhpur,
passes through a number of colourful little villages. Some of
the wildlife to be seen at the lake includes blackbuck, chinkara
and a variety of birdlife. Sardar Samand Palace, formely the maharaja
of Jodhpur's summer palace, has now been converted into a hotel. Best Season to
visit
October to February Travel Information
( Jodhpur)
Air : Indian Airlines
connect Jodhpur with Jaipur, Delhi, Udaipur and Bombay.
Rail : Jodhpur is
connected by rail with Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad,
Abu Road, Bombay via Ahmedabad Barmer and Udaipur via Marwar.
Road : By road Jodhpur to Agra 577 kms, Ajmer 198 kms, Barmer 220 kms,
Bikaner 240 kms, Bombay 1073 kms, Delhi 592 kms, Jaipur 343 kms,
Jaisalmer 290 kms, Mount Abu 264 kms, Udaipur 275 kms, Ranakpur
175 kms.
Bus : Regular bus
services available from Jodhpur to Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Jaipur, Udaipur,
Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Ranakpur and Nathdwara.
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