THE CITY Jodhpur is the second largest city of the state of Rajasthan. It has been drawing the attention of tourists from all over the world. Standing as the sentinel of the country’s western border, Jodhpur is famous for its magnificent forts and palaces. LOCATION Jodhpur is situated at the edge of the Thar Desert with Jaisalmer on its west, Barmar, Jalor and Pali on its south, Bikaner on its north, and Nagaur on the eastern side. | |||||||||
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It has a typical desert climate, dry and hot. The ideal time to visit this place is the period between November and March.The city is like an oasis in the vast desert, with a variety of thorny shrubs all over the area. It also has some of the animal species that can survive in an arid and dry environment. THE PAST The Rajput chief Rao Jodha founded the city of Jodhpur in 1459. Earlier, it was the capital of the Marwar state of Rajasthan. A 10-km-long wall made of stone surrounds the city. Eight doors stand all through the wall leading to different places of Jodhpur. The city has about 100 towers most of which are surrounded by defensive battlements. The guards’ chambers, constructed high up above the ground and fitted with iron spikes on top, could be seen alongside these walls. IN AND AROUND There are a number of places to visit in and around Jodhpur. |
- Situated in the middle of the city, the Mehrangarh Fort is a living testimony of the military might of the Rajputs. With the strategically located cannons on the walls, the fort is spread over an area of 5 km at an altitude of about 125 meters. Thousands of tourists visit this fort every year to have a glimpse of the artillery system of the Rajput warriors. A bird’s eye view of the city from above the fort is fascinating.
- Umaid Bhawan, the only 20th-century-built palace, was constructed to give employment to the famine-struck population of Jodhpur. Made of sandstone, it took 16 years to complete. This majestic building is presently the residence of the former rulers with a part of it running as hotel and remaining part as a museum.
- Another example of Rajput glory is the Jaswant Thade, which is a shrine built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899. A story goes that Maharaja Jaswant succumbed to injuries in this place while fighting the Mughal king Jahangir.
- Mandar Garden was the ashram of Rishi Mandu. This garden has a gate known as the Ajit pole. It is decorated with paintings of the gods and goddesses of Indian mythology.
- Giridkot and Sardar Market, located in the heart of the city, are popular for a wide range of handicrafts.
- About 4 miles away from the Jodhpur lay the Balsamand Lake and Garden. It is an artificial lake built in ad 1159. It is an ideal place for picnics and excursions.
- The Mahamandir Temple (9 km) is another site to visit. The architecture and the cutwork on the stone are amazing. Built in 1812, it has 84 carved pillars.
- Kailana Lake, 11 km from Jodhpur, is an idyllic picnic spot.
- Situated on the Jodhpur-Bikaner highway diversion, Osian (58 km) is an oasis in the desert area of Rajasthan. The Osian sunset point is famous for its panoramic view of the setting sun over the golden sands.
- There is also a wildlife sanctuary at Dhawa (45 km). It has the largest number of cheetal and sambhar.
- The Nagaur Fort is situated 135 km from Jodhpur. The Badal Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, and Hadi Rani Mahal are beautiful specimens of Rajput architecture.
- Luni Fort and its environs (20 km) are also worth visiting. The fort has now been converted into a heritage hotel
Jodhpur celebrates the Marwar festival with great fun and joy. It is a two-day program of fun, folk music, folk dance and folklore. Nagpanchami, the worship of the king of the serpents, is also celebrated with enthusiasm.
BARGAINS
One can find the usual handicrafts of Rajasthan in the local markets. Jodhpur markets are rich in antiques for which these markets have become the favorite hunt for the foreigners. Besides these, the market near the clock tower is the place for some good bargains. The traditional jewelry like the bajuband, bala, gajra and gokhru are some of the famous products of Jodhpur. Jodhpur riding breeches, colorful hand-printed cotton fabrics and traditional Rajasthani mojri slippers are also worth buying.
FOOD & SHELTER
For reasonably cheap and traditional cuisine, tourists should visit the Ajit Bhawan Palace. The adventurous ones may try the makhaniya lassi (a rich, frothy buttermilk) and mawe ki kachodi (a rich crumbly pastry typical of Jodhpur) at Sadar Market.
A good number of hotels and guesthouses are available for a comfortable stay in Jodhpur. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation also has provision for the tourists. The Umaid Bhawan provides an excellent opportunity to experience the grandeur of a royal home along with the traditional cuisine.
Small eateries and restaurants are also available in the main area of Jodhpur.
GETTING THERE
The nearest airport of Jodhpur is Udaipur. The airport is well connected to Jodhpur by roadways.
Trains are available from Delhi and Mumbai to Jodhpur.
It is also well connected by the national highways and other small roadways.
