Location: North India in the state of Rajasthan
Famous for: Umiad bhawan Palace, Mehrangarh fort
Fairs and Festivals: Marwar Festival
Ideal Time to Visit: October to February
Area: 75.50 sq. km.
Altitude: 230 m
Rainfall: 31cm
Language Spoken: Rajasthani, Hindi and English.
Sitting on the edge of the Thar Desert, the royal city of Jodhpur is
embellished with its glowing history. The city is known for its mighty forts
and palaces. Marwar Roa Jodha, the chief of the Rajput clique who claim to
be the descendants of Lord Rama- the epic hero of the Ramayana established
this beautiful city Jodhpur in the year 1459. The City is encircled by a
10-km colossal wall structure embellished by 8 entrances embracing the whole
of old and new Jodhpur City.
Charms of Jodhpur City
Mehrangarh fort
Mehrangarh fort is one of the most impressive and formidable structures of
India crowned on the hilly terrain of Aravali Ranges at a height of 125m.
The beauty and the glory of many royal palaces in the fort speak epic of red
sandstone.
The fort can be accessed by 4 gateways through the turning road of the
hills. The fort housed some of the splendid palaces with remarkably engraved
array and pergola windows or balconies. Some of the magnificent specimens
are the Moti Mahal, the Phool Mahal, the Sheesh Mahal, the Sileh Khana and
the Daulat Khana. The palaces also have some unique collections of
paraphernalia of Indian royalty.
Umiad bhawan Palace
Built in 20th century Umisd bhawan Palace took almost 16 years to complete
its construction. This beautiful architectural splendor is still the
residence of erstwhile rulers of Jodhpur, the part of the palace is
converted as a heritage hotel and part is preserve as a museum.
Government Museum
The museum has sumptuous amassing of arms and ammunitions, royal dresses,
portraits of royal family. The museum also has rare collection of paintings
and sculptures of Jain Tirthankars along with Palanquin Gallery and Howdah
Gallery that treasures ancient artifact.
Jaswant
Thada
A clump of royal monument contrived in white marble were built in 1899 AD
in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. These imperial cenotaphs also house
the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers that is a great source of attraction
among the foreign tourist.
Excursions
Mandore (8 km)
Mandore once the ancient capital of Marwar is embellished with ravishing
green meadow held by rock terraces certainly bestow a prodigious look. This
beautiful garden also contains the cenotaphs of Jodhpur rulers. The walls of
the cenotaphs are festooned with 15 sculptures of Hindu deities tunneled out
of the hard rocks.
Ossian (58km)
Ossian one of the oldest cities in Rajisthan is also referred as an oasis
in the desert located on main highway of Jodhpur- Bikaner. The town is
entrusted with 15 beautifully sculptured Jain temples of 11th century
dedicated to Lord Mahavira. The other most famous shrines in the town are
Surya or Sun Temple, Kali temple and the Sachiya Mata Temple.
Imperial Forts
Rohit Fort (40 km) and Luni Fort (20 km) both of these forts have now been
converted in to heritage hotel preserving the rich ambience of the bygone
era, that definitely leaves its visitor wonder stuck.
Lakes
Sardar Samand Lake (60km) and Balsamand Lake and Gardens (5 km) are the
idle excursion spot for adventure lovers.
Historic Perspective
Jodhpur was once the capital of the mighty and stalwart empire of Marwar
also one of Rajasthan's 2nd largest princely state. During the medieval
period in 16th century Jodhpur immerged as a strong commercial and trade
center situated on the trade routes between Central Asia and the ports of
Gujarat. Jodhpur's charming archive is brimming with epic that narrates the
story of imperious maharajas, chivalrous soldiers and passionate and
romantic tales of love.
The ethereal Jodhpur's artistry arrives to zest in its majestic palaces,
colossal forts, ancient temples and royal havelis that erect with pride with
all its charismatic magnificence. The most enticing part of Jodhpur is its
edification and heritage, luminous spirit, festivals and bright glowing
people that annex allure to this princely city.
Festivities
Marwar Festivals
One of the most important festivals of Jodhpur celebrated with much
enthusiasm and fun. Marwar Festival is held in the month of
September-October during full moon, the celebration goes on for two days.
The festival is devout to the cultural activities like dance and music of
the Marwar territory. The state government also organizes many live
performances by the renowned artists coming from all over the country.
Shopping
Jodhpur A Celestial home to Shoppers
Jodhpur is famous for its tie and dye work, hand woven carpets, leather
shoes with embroidery work, and puppets. Girdikot and Sardar Market: These
kaleidoscopic markets located in the heart of the town with many shops lured
with silver ornaments, marble stone work and a wide range of handicrafts
makes it a desired rendezvous of shoppers.
Getting Around
Air: The main airport is just at the distance of 5km from the main
city. Indian Airlines connects Jodhpur by flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur
and Udaipur at least thrice a week. From the airport one can avail the
services of tourist cabs, meter taxis and auto rickshaw for traveling to the
town.
Train: Jodhpur is connected by direct rail lines to many important
cities like Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Varanasi. The city is also
connected to the nearby states of Gujarat and Delhi.
Road: The national and state highways that connect Jodhpur to
Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Ajmer and Ahmedabad are well maintained. State
roadway buses and private bus services run air-conditioned coaches and
regular buses on most routes. Some of the important distances are- Delhi-
592km, Jaipur- 343km, Agra- 577and Bikaner- 240 km.
