GRANDEUR AND GREAT HEROES
To listen to the tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert come to Jodhpur Founded in 1459 A.D. the city was founded by Raja Jodha chief of the Rathore clan He claimed to be a descendant of lord Rama the hero of the epic Ramayana. Soaring 125mt. above the plain the Mehrangarh fort looms ono top of a rocky hill surrounded by a high wall -10km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.
History aside there a another side to the city. The 16th century fortress –city of Jodhpur was a major trade canter in by gone years It today stands as the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan.
Wind through the jumble of streets of Jodhpur. Smile at the unusually fascinating folks wearing multihued costumes. Admire the women in gathered skirts and hip – length jackets with three – quarter sleeves covering the front and the back. Try on the colorful turbans worm by the men folk It was here populary worn baggy tight horse riding trousers Jodhpur took their name.
Shop around in the Jodhpur barzaars for rich collection of exquisite handicrafts. Tie and dye fabric embroidered jutis or slippers in suede camel skin velvet or leather. Add beautiful silks, durries , marble souveniers to yours shopping bag. Come let your hair down in Jodhpur especially during the Marwar festivals held every years.
PRIME SITES
Mehrangarh Fort: The 5 km long majestic fort on 125m high hill is one of the most impressive and formidable structures. Although invicible from the outside the fort has four gates approached by a winding road. Within the fort are some magnificent palace with marvelously carved panels latticed windows and evocataive name. Noteworthy of these are the Moti Mahal the Phool Mahal th Sheesh Mahal, the Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins elephant howdahs miniature paintings of various schools musical instruments, costomes and furniture.
Jaswant Thada: A royal cenotaph in white marble built in 1899 A.D. in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the partraits of various Jodhpur rules.
Umaid Bhawan Palace: The only 20th century palace built under the famine relief project that gave employment to famine struck population. The palace was completed in 16 years. This opulent edifice in sandstone Is still the residence of the former rules with a part of it running as a hotel and remaining part a a museum.
Girdikot and Sardar Market These colorful markets with only tiny shops dotting the narrow lanes are situated in the heart of the city and are popular for a wide range of handicrafts making them the favourite haunt of shoppers.
Government Museum: The museum has on exquisite ensemble of paintings sculptures and antique weapons.
EXCURSIONS
Balsamand lake and Gardens (5km): A pretty lake built in 1159 A.D. A splendid Summer Palace stand by the lake side surrounded by beautiful gardens. An idyllic spot for excursions.
Mandore Gardens (9km): The ancient capital of Marwar cenotaphs of the Jodhpur rulers. The Hall of Heroes has fifteen figures carved out of the rock on the wall which represent Hindu deities. Its beautiful gardens with high rock tettaces make it a popular picnic spot.
Mahamandir Temple (4km): Built in 1812 A.D. it is a noteworthy temple with 84 carved pillars the temple is an architectural splendor.
Kailana lake (11km): The beautiful lake is an ideal picnic spot Baating facility is available.
Osian (60km): An oasis in the main Jodhpur – Bikaner Highway. A drive to this ancient township takes one past undulating terrain punctuated by desert stretches and little hamlets. Osian has 16 Brahminical temple of these the most outstanding ones are the earlier Surya or sun temple and the later kali temple Sachiya mata temple dedicated to lord Mahavira.
Dhawa (45km): A wildlife sanctuary with the largest number of Indian antelopes.
Nagaur(135km): An imposing fort with beautiful morals it is also the venue for a week long cattle fair held in Jan/Feb every year.
Rohet Garh (40km): Now a heritage hotel, this fort is worth a visit.
Luni fort (20km): Now a converted into a heritage hotel this fort and its surroundings are worth a visit
Shopping: A treasure treasure trave for shopper Jodhpur bazaars are teeming with an array of handicrafts One can shop for white metal curios silverware quilts tie and dye fabrics leather goods wooden toys paintings embroidered shoes Jodhpur breeches or Jodhpur is range of souvenirs.
The best shopping spots are sojati Gate Nai sarak Clock Tower Tripolia Bazaar Machi-ki Gali and Lakhara Bazaars . Rajasthan khadi Sangh is the best spot to buy handlooms.
FESTIVE FUN
Marwar Festival: The two day long colorful extravaganza celebration the “Maand” style of folk music brings out the romantic lifestyle of Rajasthan’s rules. Falk artists performing under the full moon bring alive the legends and the folklores of the area.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO GET THERE
Air : Indian Airlines flights from Delhi Mumbai Udaipur and Jaipur.
Rail :Direct rail connection with many important cities of the country are Marudhar train connection are: Marudhar Express (Jodhpur –Barmer)- Ranakpur Express (Jodhpur – Ahmedabaad): Intercity Express (New delhi –Jodhpur- Jaisalmer) Sury a Nagri Express (Jodhpur-Ahmedabaaad) Hawrah Express (J&K-Jaisalmer-Sawai Modhopur) (Jodhpur- Jaisalmer) Bikaner – Barmer via Jodhpur.
Road: Jodhpur can also be reached through a dense network of road connection Same key distances are: Delhi 597 km, Udaipur 260km Jaipur 336 km.
