JODHPUR CITY TRAVEL Guide
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About Jodhpur
Jodhpur city at the edge of the Thar desert was 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 Maruthal or land of death , came into
life when the Rathore' of Kanauj moved in. But the city
of Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodhaji in 1459. This city
was on the silk route of the 16th century and hence was
host to a number of travellers.
A major trade centre of the 16th century A.D. the
fortress-city of Jodhpur is now the second largest city
of Rajasthan. The massive fort on the top of the rocky
hill which is in the middle of the town. The old Jodhpur
city is surrounded by a 10 Km long wall with eight gates
serving as entrances. The new city is settled around
this walled area.
In Jodhpur, the genius of its sculptors comes to life in
its exquisite palaces, forts, temples and havelis which
stand as a testimony to the imperial grandeur. The most
alluring part of Jodhpur is the traditional lifestyle,
festivity and the smiling people who treasure this
former Princely state.
Shopping in Jodhpur
Shopping in Jodhpur bazaars is a unique experience which
offers a colorful display of the rich collection of
exquisite handicrafts. 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.
Best Season to Visit Jodhpur
Jodhpur has extreme type of climate with temperature
range variation being very high. Average rainfall is 32
cm annually. Therefore the best season to visit the city
is between October and March.
Close on Heels
Ajmer - 205 kms
Bikaner - 256 Kms
Jaisalmer - 285 Kms
Udaipur - 318 Kms
Marwar Festival
This festival falls in the 2nd week of October. It is a
festival devoted mainly to the music and dance of the
Marwar region. This is a festival that allows the
visitor to understand and enjoy the folk traditions of
this part of the state.
PLACE TO SEE IN JODHPUR:
Mehrangarh Fort
This very impressive fort is situated on a steep hill
125 metre high and is 5 km long. This fort which is
invincible from outside has four gates approached by a
winding road.
This fort encloses many palaces which are known for
their intricate carvings and sprawling courtyards. These
palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of
Indian royalty including a superb collection of
palanquins, elephant hawdahs, miniature paintings of
various schools, musical instruments, costumes and
furniture.
The Moti Mahal-- has a delicately carved stone
screen and treasures the Sringar Chowki, royal throne of
Jodhpur.
The Phool Mahal--houses the Jodhpur coat of arms.
The walls of this palace are covered with paintings
depicting various musical moods.
The Umaid Villas-- displays the Rajput miniature
paintings .
The Ajit Villas-- exhibits musical instruments
and the royal costumes.
Both these villas are joined by a beautiful mirror room.
The Maan Villas-- displays Rathore armoury and
the 'Tent room'. This tent room is an imperial Mughal
campaign tent, used by Shahjahan but wrested by Jaswant
Singh from Aurangzeb in a battle. Made of red velvet and
embroidered with gold thread, it gives some idea of the
grandeur with which the Mughals approached even their
battles.
Jaswant Thada
This royal cenotaph in white marble built in 1899 A.D is
a memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Some rare
portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur are also displayed
here
Umaid Bhawan Palace
This palace is the only 20th century palace, and it was
build under the famine relief project that gave
employment to famine struck population. It took 16 whole
year to get this palace completed. This palace is made
out of a particular type of sandstone which does not
weather away. It is still the residence of the former
rulers , but a part of palace has been converted into a
hotel and some remaining part serves as a museum.
Girdikot and Sardar Market
These colourful markets are a shoppers delight.
This market is situated in the heart of the city and has
many tiny shops dotting its narrow lanes. This market is
known for its range of handicrafts.
Museum
This museum situated in the middle of the Umaid public
gardens, has a rich collection of weapons, textiles,
miniature portraits, local crafts and images of Jain
Tirthankars.
Excursions from Jodhpur
Balsamand Lake and Gardens
This artificial lake, built in 1159 A.D, which is 7 kms
from the main city is a very good picnic spot. There is
a beautiful summer palace on the banks which has a
lovely garden. Also there is a bird sanctuary here.
Mandore
This ancient capital of Marwar is situated 8 kms away
from Jodhpur city in the north direction. It has 'The
hall of Heroes' where sixteen huge figures have been
carved out of a single rock. It also has the shrine of
330 million Gods and the royal cenotaphs. But one can
not miss the caves and the sprawling gardens, which are
now shelter place for monkeys and peacocks. This
beautiful garden with high rock terraces make it a
popular picnic spot.
Mahamandir
Built in 1812 A.D. this is a lovely place which is built
around 100 carved pillars of the Shiva temple
Kailana Lake
The beautiful lake is an ideal picnic spot.It also has a
lovely garden. It provides water supply to the city.
Osian
This place situated at a distance of 65 kms on the
Jodhpur-Bikaner route, was a great trading centre
between the 8th and 12th centuries and was then
dominated by the Jains. Legends say that this town was
founded by Utpaladeva, a Rajput prince of the Pratihara
dynasty. It was then known as Ukesha or Upkeshapur. This
place once had more than 100 temples but now barely 16
stand and even these have been destroyed by time.
Of all the temples at Ossian which have decayed with
time and have even lost images of their deities, there
is one temple that has remained somewhat intact, it is
the shrine of Sachiyamata on a nearby hillock. Built in
1234 A.D, this temple was dedicated to Durga or
Mahisasura Mardini. Today it has become a very important
shrine for Jains.
Dhawa
This wildlife sanctuary with the largest number of
Indian antelopes, makes it a nice place to visit.
Nagaur
This place has an imposing fort and palace. This town is
host to a smaller version of Pushkar Fair. This is a
cattle and camel fair and attracts a large number of
rurals from far and wide. This week long fair which is
held in late January also includes camel races and
various cultural programmes.
Rohit Fort
This fort has now been converted into a heritage hotel
and is worth visiting.
Luni Fort
This fort has also been converted into a heritage hotel.
But its lovely surroundings and impressive structure
make it worth visiting. |
