Tales
of Grandeur and Great Heroes
Set
at the edge of the Thar desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur
echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of he desert.
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 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. Women folk wear wide gathered skirts and a hip length
jacket, with three quarter length sleeves , covering the front
and back. The colorful turbans worn by the men folk add more
color to the city . It was from here that the popularity worn
baggy - tight , horse riding trousers- ‘ Jodhpurs’
took their name.
Shopping in Jodhpur bazaars is
a heady experience with a colorful display of the rich collection
of exquisite handicrafts. The tie and dye fabric, embroidered
‘jutis’ or slippers in suede, camel skin, velvet and
more color to the city.it was form here that the popularly worn
baggy-tight horse riding trousers,-" Jodhpurs" ,took
their name Countless festivities
celebrate the rich past and culture of the princely state. The
Marwar Festival held annually is one such spectacular bonanza.
Accommodation
Hotel
Umaid Bhawan Palace | Taj
Hari Mahal Palace | Ranbanka
Hotel | Ajit
Bhawan.
More
Hotels & Resorts >>
Places
to Visit
 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
rulers with a part of it running as 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 favorite haunt of shoppers.
Mehrangarh
Fort: The 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 metre
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 marvelously carved panels , latticed windows
and evocative names. Not worthy 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 hawdahs,  miniature
paintings of various schools, musical instruments, costumes
and furniture.
Jaswant
Thada: 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.
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 favorite 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 1812 A.D. it is noteworthy
temple with 84 carved pillars.
Kailana
Lake (11 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 sculptured 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 beautiful murals. It is also the venue for a
week long cattle fair held in Jan/Feb 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
Climate
Conditions
| Area
|
75.50
sq. km. |
| Altitude |
230 metres |
| Climate |
Mean
Max. |
Mean
Min. |
| Summer |
42.2 degree
C |
27.3 degree
C |
| Winter |
27.5
degree C |
9.5
degree C |
| Rainfall |
31 cms |
| Best
Season |
Oct.
- March |
| Clothing |
Summer Light
Tropical |
| Winter |
Light
wollen |
| Languages |
Rajasthani,
Hindi, English |
|
