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Indian States Rajasthan Travel Guide Rajasthan City Guide Tour
Jodhpur
TALES OF GRANDEUR AND GREAT HEROES
Travel Angel Says: 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 capitalof 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.
While the graceful palaces, forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur. exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city.
The jumble of wide winding streets are flanked with pavement stalls.
The lifestyle in Jodhpur is unusually fascinating with folks wearing lovely multihued costumes, artistically designed. Womenfolk wear wide gathered skirts and a hiplength jacket, with three-quarter length sleeves, covering the front and back. The colourful turbans worn by the men folk add more colour to the city. It was from here that the popularly worn baggy-tight, horse riding trousers - 'Jodhpuris' took their name.
Shopping in Jodhpur bazaars is a heady experience with a colourful display of the rich collection of exquisite handicrafts. The tie-and-dye fabric, embroidered 'jutis' or slippers in suede, camel skin, velvet and leather. beautiful silks, durries, marble souvenirs from Makrana, an extensive range of useful and decorative items and much more, can be found in these bazaars. Countless festivities celebrate the rich past and culture of the princely state. The Marwar Festival held annually is one such spectacular bonanza.
PRIME SITES
Mehrangarh Fort: The 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 m high hill is one of the most impressive and formidable structures. Although invincible from the outside, the fort has four gates approached by a winding road. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with marvellously carved panels, latticed windows and evocative names. Noteworthy of these are the Moti Mahal, the Phool Mahal, the 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, costumes and furniture.
Jaswant Tbada: A cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899 A.D. in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers.
Umaid Bbawan 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 rulers with a part of it running as a hotel and remaining part as a museum.
Girdikot and Sardar Market: These colourful markets with 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.
Museum: The museum has an exquisite ensemble of paintings, sculptures and antique weapons.
EXCURSIONS
Balsamand Lake and Gardens (5 km): A pretty lake built in 1159 A.D. A splendid Summer Palace stands by the lake side surrounded by beautiful gardens. An idyllic spot for excursions.
Mandore (8 km): The ancient capital of Marwar has 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 terraces make it a popular picnic spot.
Mahamandir Temple (9 km): Built in 18 I 2 A.D. it is a noteworthy temple with 84 carved pillars.
Kailana Lake (II km): The beautiful lake is an ideal picnic spot.
Osian (58 km): An oasis in the desert, situated on the diversion off 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 15 beautifully sculpted Jain and Brahmanical temples.
Of these the most outstanding ones are the earlier Surya or Sun Temple and the later Kali temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and the main Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira.
Dhawa (45 km): A wildlife sanctuary with the largest number of Indian antelopes.
Nagaur (135 km): An imposing fort with beautiful murals. It is also the venue for a week long cattle fair held in JaniFeb every year.
Rohit Fort (40 km): Now a heritage hotel, the fort is worth a visit.
Luni Fort (20 km): Now converted into a heritage hotel, this fort and its surroundings are worth a visit.
Shopping: A treasure trove for shoppers, 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 Jodhpuris and a range of souvenirs.
The best shopping spots are Sojati Gate, Tripolia Bazaar, Mochi-ki-Gali and Lakhara Bazaar.
Rajasthan Khadi Sangh is the best spot to buy hand looms.
FESTIVE FUN
Marwar Festival: The two day long colourful extravaganza celebrating the 'Maand' style of folk music brings out the romantic lifestyle of Rajasthan's rulers. Folk artistes performing under the full moon bring alive the legends and the folklores of the area.
Nag Panchami in July/Aug.
TRAVEL INFORMATION HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Indian Airlines flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipuc and Jaipur.
Rail: Direct rail connection with many important cities of the country. Some important train connections are: Marudhar Express (Varanasi-Jodhpur); Barmer Express (Jodhpur-Barmer); Ranakpur Express (Marwar-Jodhpur); Paschim Express (New Delhi-JodhpurMumbai).
Road: Jodhpur can also be reached through a dense network of road connections. Some key distances are: Delhi 597 km, Udaipur 260 km, Jaipur 336 km.
Local Transport : Metered taxis, cycle-rickshaws and auto rickshaws. Cycles are also available on hire.
Where to stay: Deluxe Hotels: Umaic Bhawan Palace, Tel. : (0291) 33316, 30470; Ajit Bhawan Palace, Tel. : (0291) 37410; Ratanada Polo Regency Road, Tel.: (0291) 31910-14.
Standard Hotels: RTDC Hotel Ghoomar, Hotel Adarsh Niwas, Hotel Kami Bhawan, Hotel Rajputana Palace.
Budget Hotels: Arun Hotel, Shanti Bhawan Lodge, Hotel Amenity Inter Continental, Hotel Akshay, Galaxy Hotel, Marudhar Hotel, Pokar Hotel,
Hotel Rawat.
For Paying Guest accommodation, please contact Rajasthan Tourist Office.
DIning: Apart from hotel restaurants, there are many city restaurants, such as Frigo, Mangalam, Kalinaga, Mehrangarh Restaurant and Sheetal.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 75.50 sq. km.
Altitude: 230 metres
Climate: Mean Max. Summer: 42.2°C Winter: 27.5° C
Mean Min. Summer: 27.3°C Winter: 9.5° C
Rainfall: 31 cms
Clothing: Summer: Light Tropical
Winter: Light Woollen
Best Season: October-March
Languages: Marwari, Hindi, English.
*
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