Introduction:
Famous for its magnificent forts and palaces, Jodhpur is the 2nd largest city of Rajsthan and one of the favourite tourists destination of India. It is located at the edge of Thar Desert bordering Jaisalmer, Barmar, Bikaner and Nagaur. The city is like an oasis in the vast desert, with variety of thorny shrubs all over the area. It also has some animal species, which can survive in arid and dry environment. Jodhpur is also known as “Blue City” as almost all the houses of this city are painted with blue color. The main attraction in Jodhpur are its festivals and fairs, which are equally aromatic and charismatic.
History: If we revert to the history of Jodhpur, we come to know that, Rajput chief Rao Jodha founded this amazing city in 1459. The city was the erstwhile capital of the Mewar state. The city is surrounded by a long wall (say about 10 km in length). It is made of concrete stone. Jodhpur prospered due its proximity to Delhi-Gujarat route.
Places of interest: Mehrangarh Fort is one of the finest forts of Rajsthan, looking down protectively over the city from hilltop. Located on a 15m high hill, the fort is about 5 kms away from the city. The museum inside the fort houses weapons and ornaments of historical value. Architectural wonder of Jodhpur, Jaswant Thada, was built in 1899 in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Also known as the Taj Mahal of Rajasthan, it is made of milky white marble. It looks like a temple attracting the tourist with its pavilions, domes and worth looking pillars. Umaid Bhawan Palace was built somewhere in the 1940s by Maharaja Umaid Singh. The red stone palace has 347 rooms and is amongst the finest palaces in India. Some portion of the palace has been converted into a museum and some into a luxury hotel. It is situated at a short distance from Mehrangarh Fort. Just nine kilometers away, Mandore is a fascinating complex of sprawling garden, massive cenotaphs, temples, ruins and sculptures. It was the established capital of the old Mewar Kingdom, before foundation of Jodhpur.
Places To See :
Mehrangarh FortMehrangarh fort is about 5km from Jodhpur Town. Guarding the city below, crowning a perpendicular cliff, the fort was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD when he shifted his capital from Mandore. Standing sentinel to the city below, it over looks the rugged and rocky terrain and houses a palace intricately adorned with long carved panels and latticed windows exquisitely wrought from red sandstone.
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Jaswant Thada
Built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II , in 1899 , the imposing white marble memorial marks the site of a royal crematorium. The cenotaph houses portraits of successive rulers. These four cenotaphs commemorate notable acts of bravery, generosity of the four successive rulers.
Timings 0900 to 1700 hrs.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh (1929 -1942) and named after him, this exquisite palace is also known as Chittar Palace because of the local chittar sandstone used. It is a splendid example, of Indo-colonial and art deco style of the 30s. A unique feature of this palace is the fact that the hand chiseled sandstone blocks have been put together in a special system of interlocking, there is not mortar binding.
Government Museum
Nestling in the middle of the Umaid Public Garden, this museum houses a rich collection of exhibits - armoury, textiles, local arts and crafts, miniature paintings. Portraits of rulers, manuscripts and images of Jain Tirthankars. Umaid Public Garden houses a zoo also. Timing : 1000 to 1630 hrs (Friday closed).
Girdikot & Sardarkot Market
Throbbing with activity, the colourful bazaar, near Clock tower, has narrow lanes dotted with tiny shops selling exquisite Rajashani textiles, handicrafts, clay figurines of camels and elephants, marble curios with inlay work and exquisite Rajasthani silver jewelry.
Maha Mandir Temple
Leterally, the great temple, a place where sacred glory reigns in a peaceful tranquility. Situated on Mandore road, the temple is an architectural splendor, supported by 84 pillars and ornamented with detailed designs and figures depicting various postures of Yoga. The entire structure is marked by a unique and original style.
Exursions:Mandore Garden
Mandore was the capital of Marwar before the foundation of Jodhpur. Today, its extensive gardens with high rock terraces make it a popular local attraction. The highlight of this place is the "Hall of Heroes" which houses sixteen gigantic figures, chiseled out of one single rock. The statues are either of popular Hindu deities or famous folk deities. The royal cenotaphs or "Devals" of Jodhpur rulers on a high plinth crowned with souring spires, ornate carving are amongst other attractions of the Mandore. The longest and fines of all cenotaphs, are those built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh and Maharaja Ajit Singh.
Kailana Lake
Situated on Jaisalmer road. This is a charming picnic spot with a small artificial lake. And if you are here to stay on to take delight in the sunset. It is like a canvas with a splash of romantic colors. The beauty will linger on with you for a long time.
Balsamand Lake & Palace
An enchanting picnic spot with cool breeze weaving through the lush grove of mango, guava, papaya and other fruits. A placid artificial lake with a summer palace on the embankment. It was built by Balak Rao Parihar in 1159 AD. The serene surroundings will leave you at peace with yourself.
Sardar Samand Lake & Palace
As you go up to the shimmering lake and palace, a meandering and interesting drive will keep you entraced. The countryside with its lively villages and smiling, gay village folk of Jhalamand and Goora, will make you stop by and taste a bit of their hospitality. Photographers and adventurists can have day packed with enthralling excitement. Freely roaming herds of Chinkaras and Black Bucks can be seen here in large numbers.
Travel information: Jodhpur is well connected through air to Delhi and other cities of Rajasthan. You can always explore Jodhpur whilst biking. If you are a cycling freak, then do consider this option also. Otherwise, there are many forms of public transport also available. November and March are the best time for a journey to Jodhpur with sunny and pleasant days.
