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Jodhpur Tour |
Click Here for Jodhpur Tour Packages
Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the largest
city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. This imperial city that
echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the
desert, was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, chief of the
Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants
of Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana. The Rathores
ruled not only Jodhpur but also other Rajput princely
states. The Rathore Kingdom was then known as Marwar,
the Land of Death. The city is dominated by the massive
Mehrangarh Fort, topping a sheer rocky ridge right in
the middle of the town. The old city is surrounded by
a 10km long wall built around a century after the city
was founded. From the fort one can clearly see where
the old city ends and the new begins. As one of the
closest major Indian cities to the border with Pakistan,
Jodhpur has a large defence contingent.
Jodhpur is affectionately referred to as the 'Blue City'
because of the indigo coloured houses in the old town.
These can best be seen from the ramparts of the fort.
Traditionally, blue signified the home of a Brahmin,
but these days non-Brahmins have also taken on the practice.
Apart from looking fresh and lively, it is believed
that the colour works as an effective mosquito repellent.
It is fascinating to wander around the jumble of winding
streets in the old city.
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
lifestyle in Jodhpur is unusually fascinating with folks
wearing lovely multihued costumes artistically designed.
The colorful turbans worn by the men folk add more colour
to the city. Part of the film Rudyard Kipling's Jungle
Book was shot in Jodhpur and it was from here that those
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. A single Jodhpur tour is enough to bound one to the enchanting beauty of the placid city. However, special Jodhpur Tour packages are organized during the Marwar Festival.
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:: PLACES TO SEE ::
Mehrangarh Fort -still
run by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, this Majestic Fort is
sprawled across a 125m high hill. This is one of the
most impressive and formidable fort in fort-studded
Rajasthan. The fort is approached by a winding road
from the city 5km below. There are seven gates that
lead into the fort. The Second gate is still scarred
by cannon ball hits; the Jayapol was built by Maharaja
Man Singh in 1806 following his victory over the armies
of Jaipur and Bikaner; the Fatehpol or Victory Gate
was erected by Maharaja Ajit Singh to commemorate his
defeat of the Mughals. The Lohapol (Iron Gate) is the
final gate beside which are 15 hand prints, the sati
(self immolation) marks of Maharaja Man Singh's widows
who threw themselves upon his funeral pyre in 1843.
They still attract devotional attention.
Inside
the fort is a series of courtyards and palaces. The
palace apartments with marvelously carved panels, latticed
windows have evocative names such as Sukh Mahal (Pleasure
Palace), Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), the Phool Mahal
(Flower Palace) and the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors).
These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings
of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins,
elephant howdahs (used when the Maharajas rode their
elephants in processions), miniature paintings, musical
instruments, costumes and furniture. There is even a
display of rocking cradles. The Chamunda Devi Temple,
dedicated to goddess Durga, stands on the southern end
of the fort. There are also old cannons on the ramparts
at this end and the views from here are superb.
Jaswant
Thada -located a short distance from
the fort, just off the fort road, is a white marble
memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The cenotaph
built in 1899, was followed by the royal crematorium
and three other cenotaphs that stand nearby. There
are some beautiful marble jali (lattice) work and
fine views from the terrace in front of the cenotaphs.
Umaid
Bhawan Palace & Museum -built
of marble and pink sandstone , this immense palace
is also known as the Chhittar Palace because of the
local Chhittar sandstone used. Begun in 1929, it was
designed by the president of the British Royal Institute
of Architects for Maharaja Umaid Singh. It is said
that the palace was built under the famine relief
project to provide employment for thousands of local
people during a time of severe drought. This opulent
edifice in sandstone is still the residence of the
former rulers with a part of it running as luxury
hotel and remaining part as a museum. The museum has
an amazing array of items belonging to the Maharaja
such as weapons, antique clocks, and dainty crockery
and hunting trophies.
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AROUND JODHPUR ::
Balsamand Lake
-located about 9km northeast of the city is a picturesque
lake surrounded by beautiful gardens. An idyllic spot
for excursions. A splendid Summer Palace built in
1159 stands by the lake side. The palace has been
converted into a heritage hotel.
Mandore
-located about 9km north of Jodhpur,
this was the capital of Marwar prior to the foundation
of Jodhpur. Today with its extensive gardens with
high rock terraces and royal cenotaphs make it a popular
local attraction. The Hall of Heroes contains 15 figures
carved out of a rock wall. The brightly painted figures
represent Hindu deities and local heroes. There is
also a shrine of 33 Crore (330 million) Gods painted
with figures of deities and spirits.
Rohet
- is a fortified desert village located about 40km
south of Jodhpur. The Fort, the home of the descendants
of the Rathores has been converted into a heritage
hotel.
Luni
- is another desert village and the site of Fort Chanwa,
a red sandstone fort , which has now bee converted
into a heritage hotel. The surrounding village offers
interesting walks.
Sardar
Samand Lake
-located 66km southeast of Jodhpur, this is a wildlife
centre and the route to it from Jodhpur passes through
a number of colourful villages. Some of the wildlife
to be seen include black bucks, chinkara and a variety
of bird life.
Osian
- is an ancient Thar Desert town located about 65km
north of Jodhpur. It was a great trading centre between
the 8th and 12th centuries when it was dominated by
the Jains. It is an oasis in the desert, situated
on the diversion off the main Jodhpur-Bikaner Highway.
The wealth of Osian's medieval inhabitants allowed
them to build lavish and exquisitely sculptured temples,
most of which have withstood the ravages of time.
The sculptural details of the temples rival those
of the Hoysala temples in Karnataka and the Sun Temple
of Konark in Orissa. Of these temples the most notable
are the Sun Temple, the Kali temple, Sachiya Mata
Temple and the main Jain temple dedicated to Lord
Mahavira.
Nagaur-
located 135km northeast of Jodhpur has the imposing
Ahhichatragarh fort with beautiful murals. It is also
the venue for a week long cattle fair held in January/February
every year.
JODHPUR
- CLIMATE AND LOCATION
Climate
The city of Jodhpur has a typical desert climate,
dry and hot. November and March are the best
time for a journey to Jodhpur with pleasant
and sunny days. Jodhpur receives 359.5 mm
of rain every year, most of it during the
monsoon (July/August). Maximum temperature
in Jodhpur during the summers remains in the
range of 40ºC while in the winters the
minimum average temperature is 11ºC.
Location
Located on the edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur
has Jaisalmer on its west, Barmar, Jalor and
Pali on its south, Bikaner on its north, and
Nagaur on the eastern side. 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.
JODHPUR
- HISTORY AND LEGENDS
The Rathore Rajputs moved to Marwar - 'the
region of death' in 1211 when they were defeated
by Muhammad Ghori at Kannauj. Rao Jodha, the
Rathore chieftain was forced to leave the
former Rajput capital at Mandore in 1459,
as the place was not located strategically.
They chose a new place, located 8 km from
the Mandore on the edge of Thar Desert. Rahores
controlled a large part of Rajasthan, especially
during the reigns of Rao Udai Singh (1581
AD) and his son Raja Sur Singh ((1595), who
conquered Gujarat and a good part of Deccan
for the Mughal Emperor Akbar.
The Rathores always had good relationships
with the Mughals and Maharaja Jaswant Singh
(1678) supported Shahjahan in the Mughal struggle
for war of succession. Only problematic relationship
they had was with Aurangzeb. After the death
of Aurangzeb in 1707, Maharaja Ajit Singh
became the ruler of Jodhpur. He drove out
Mughals from Ajmer and added substantially
to the Mehrangarh Fort.
The city of Jodhpur prospered because of its
location on the strategic Delhi - Gujarat
trading route.
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JODHPUR
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Area:
78.60 sq. km
Population:
6,66,279 (1991)
Altitude:
230 metres above sea level
Languages:
Marwari, Rajasthani and Hindi
Best Time to Visit:
November to March
STD Code: 0291
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JODHPUR
- TRANSPORTATION
By Air
Jodhpur is connected to Delhi,
Jaipur, and Udaipur with flights of state owned Indian
Airlines and its subsidiary Alliance Air. The airport
is located 5 km south of the city.
By Rail
Rails connections are available
to Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Kota, Ahmedabad, Delhi, and
Bikaner. Tourist quota is also available and the office
is located at the railway station itself.
By
Road
Jodhpur is the major transportation
center for onward journey to the desert town of Jaisalmer
and other places in Udaipur. Buses are available for
Udaipur, Jaipur, Ajmer, Jaisalmer, Ahmedabad, and
Delhi.
Local
Transport
Biking is the best and most
pleasant way to explore the old city. For the physically
fit, cycling up to the Mehrangarh could open up quite
beautiful landscapes. Taxis, autos, and tourist cars
are also available on reasonable rates to explore
places nearby.
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