Jodhpur
About Jodhpur
Jodhpur is the second largest desert city of Rajasthan unfolding the charisma of
its glorious past. Offering a unique royal privilege in its beautiful palaces, forts
and temples, Jodhpur also enchants its visitors with a mind blowing blue colour
that dominates the city cape.
Set at the edge of the Thar desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales
of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state,
it was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who
claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana.
The massive 15th century A.D. Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill,
soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km
long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. A major trade centre of the 16th century
A.D. the fortress-city of Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan.
Tourist Attractions in Jodhpur
The Mighty Meherangarh Fort:
One of the largest forts in India, the Mehrangarh fort is the pride of Jodhpur.
Situated on a 150 m high hill, this magnificent fort was founded in the year 1469
by Rao Jodha. The fort has seven gates, some of which still stand as a witness to
the battles fought by the armies of Jodhpur.
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Meherangarh Fort in Jodhpur
Umaid Bhawan Palace:
Constructed of marble and pink sandstone this immense palace is also known as the
Chhittar Palace because it uses local Chittar sandstone. Begun in 1929, it was designed
by president of the British Royal Institute of Architects for Maharaja Umaid Singh
and took 15 years to complete
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Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur
Jaswant Thada:
Jaswant Thada is a royal cenotaph built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh
II. A white marble memorial, the cenotaph is adorned with exquisite carvings. It
houses the portraits of the former rulers of Jodhpur. Built like a temple, the Thada
is a perfect example of skill of the Jodhpuri sculptors.
Government Museum:
The most famous museum of Jodhpur is the Government museum situated in the Umaid
public gardens. It has on display an array of weapons, textiles, miniature portraits
local arts and crafts, etc. Along with that, the other museums of Jodhpur are the
Mehrangarh fort museum and the Umaid Bhavan palace museum.
Excursions in Jodhpur
Balsamand Lake and Garden:
Bal Samand Lake, a 13th century artificial lake, provided with tranquil surroundings
is a great place to unwind.
A pretty lake with a Balsamand palace, on its banks. These are built around the
artificial lake constructed in 1159 AD.
Mandore:
The beautiful city of Mandore has extensive Mandore Gardens, the imposing Cenotaphs
of Maharja Dhiraj Ajit Singh and Maharaja Dhiraj Jaswant Singh, government museum,
hall of heroes and the fascinating shire of 33 crore gods as its prime attractions.
Mandore garden is a popular local attraction. In the Mandore garden, there are the
dewals or cenotaphs of Jodhpur's former rulers. The ruined fort and palace of yester
years are still intact on the hilltop and below this there is Mandore garden for
public amusement.
Osian:
Osian, the name that reminds you of a desert Oasis was a flourishing trading center
dating back to 8th century under the Pratihara dynasty. One of the favorite tourist
spots, Osian has a gamut of 16 temples richly chiseled and exhibiting the typical
Rahasthani architecture. Tour to Osian offers you a glimpse of the rich cultural
heritage of Jodhpur.
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Kaylana Lake:
Kaylana is an artificial lake situated 8 km west of Jodhpur. This lake was built
by Pratap Singh in 1872. The lake spreads over an area of 84 sq km. In ancient times
this region had palaces and gardens made by two rulers of Jodhpur - Bhim Singh and
Takhat Singh. These were destroyed to make Kalyana Lake.
The Dak Bungalow of the Irrigation department is situated near the lake. Boating
facilities are also offered to the tourists. For picnics the Kailana Lake is the
picture perfect place, famous for a spectacular view of sunset.
Khimsar Fort:
Another pleasurable trip includes "Khimsar Fort" nestled 75 km north of Jodhpur,
build in 1523, which is now converted into an upmarket hotel. Other amenities include
swimming pool, restaurant and pleasant gardens. Jeep, horse and camel safaris are
also arranged here.
Luni Fort Jodhpur:
Fort Chanwa of Luni is an exceptional example of Elegance and Symmetry in Indian
architecture of the last century. The entire fortress is carved out of the famous
red sandstone of Jodhpur and with its ornately carved lattice work friezes and intricate
Jherokas it exquisitely captures the romance and grace of a bygone age.
The Fort is composed of a lyrical complex of courtyards, towers, water-wheels, stables,
passages and unexpected stairways to secret pavilions and panoramic roof tops spanning
the village below and the Thar horizon beyond.
The traditional paintings on the walls harmoniously reflect the skill of the master
craftsmen and the bygone days.
The village of Luni nestles in the shadow of the Fort walls and is a hub of activity
with its many artisans fashioning metal, clay or wood into intricate forms and demonstrating
the skills passed down over the centuries by their ancestors.
How To Reach Jodhpur
Fly Away: The airport is 5km from city centre. The Indian Airlines Office
is south of the Centre on Airport Road and is open daily from 10 am to 1pm and 2
pm to 4.30 pm. It has flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur.
On Tracks: The city is well connected by the railway lines and trains are
available from all major cities in the country for here. The booking office is on
Station Road, between the railway station and Sojati Gate. The office is open from
Monday to Saturday from 8 am to s pm and only until 1.45 pm on Sunday.
On Wheels: RSTC buses and private luxury buses connect Jodhpur with almost
all major places of Rajasthan. Jodhpur is well connected to National Highway No.
65.
Where To Stay in Jodhpur
Please visit our exclusive section on
Hotels in
Jodhpur to find the best accommodation in Jodhpur.
Where To Shop in Jodhpur
Jodhpur is famous now, all over the world for handicrafts in wood, iron and camel
bone.There are a lot of fabric shops, selling 'bandhini' (very fine tie & dye),
hand block prints, silver shops selling jewellery by weight, and antique shops.
The Sadar Market near the clock tower gives immense shopping pleasure to the local
as well as the visitors.
The colourful but hectic bazaar consists of many narrow lanes, lined with tiny shops.
Look for the tie & dye textiles, embroidered leather shoes, lacquer ware, antiques,
carpets and puppets. Here one can buy exquisite Rajasthani textiles, clay figurines,
miniature camels and elephants, marble inlay work and classic silver jewellery.
Jodhpur is a veritable shopper's paradise. There are so many markets to fulfill
your thrust of shopping viz. Tripolia bazaar, Sarafa bazar, Sardarpura Market, Sojati
Gate, National Handloom is most popular departmental shop where one will find all
types of accessories and cloths situated in Nai Sarak
Jodhpur is home to many talented and skilled craftsmen like textile dyers, metal
engravers and'die-makers, and probably the last of the tailors of the classic 'Jodhpur'
breeches. Especially Jodhpuri suit gives you a royal identity to your dressing.
