Jodhpur
Jodhpur
Jodhpur, once the capital of the former princely state of Marwar, is now the
second largest city of Rajasthan. Flanked on its western side by the Mehrangarh
Fort, and on the eastern side by the stately sandstone Palace of Umaid Bhawan;
the monuments temples and gardens of Jodhpur depict a multi-faceted grandeur.
Founded in 1459 AD by the Suryavanshi Rao Jodha, Jodhpur gradually grew around
the towering Mehrangarh Fort, built as a stronghold on the advice of a sage.
Alongwith Bikaner and Jaisalmer, Jodhpur too is situated on the ancient silk
route that linked Central Asia and Northern India with the seaports of Gujarat.
As a result it became a major trading centre in the 16th century. Reminiscent of
the bygone years is the fact that Jodhpur is still the leading centre for
cattle, camels, wood, salt and agricultural crops. The beauty and imagination
that has gone into the making of this monumental city proclaim the life-springs
of creative genius that appear incongurent with the harshness of this land and
its climate.
Mehrangarh Fort- In the turbulent political times of 1459 AD. Rao Jodha was
adviced by a saint to establish an impregnable head-quarter and so, the
Mehrangarh Fort was built on a steep hill. This formidable hill top fort is
among the best in India with exquisitively latticed windows in residential
apartments within. Carved panels and porches, elaborately adorned windows and
walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana, seem to make the
medieval splendour come alive. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins,
royal costumes, furniture and the cannons on the fort's ramparts are preserved.
Transportation
Air: Indian Airlines connect Jodhpur with Jaipur, Delhi, Udaipur and Bombay.
Rail: Jodhpur is connected by rail with Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jaipur,
Delhi, Ahmedabad, Abu Road, Bombay via Ahmedabad Barmer and Udaipur via Marwar.
Road: By road Jodhpur to Agra 577 kms, Ajmer 198 kms, Barmer 220 kms,
Bikaner 240 kms, Bombay 1073 kms, Delhi 592 kms, Jaipur 343 kms, Jaisalmer 290
kms, Mount Abu 264 kms, Udaipur 275 kms, Ranakpur 175 kms.
Bus: Regular bus services available from Jodhpur to Ahmedabad, Ajmer,
Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Ranakpur and Nathdwara.
What to see
Mehrangarh: One of the most stunning hill forts of Rajasthan, Mehrangarh appears
to rise from the bluff-coloured sandstone hill itself, so well built into the
base that it is difficult to tell where the hill ends and the walls begin.
Umaid Bhawan Palace: Umaid Bhawan Palace can qualify for several firsts: the
largest private residence in the world, the finest extant example of art-deco,
the only palace to have painting from the Ramayana painted by a Polish artist,
the first to use air-conditioning, electricity and elevators, and the most
impressive for its size and dimensions.
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.
Government Museum: Located in the Umaid gardens on High Court Road, it has a
large and fairly interesting collection.
Mehrangarh Fort Museum: This is an excellent museum with rare and interesting
artifacts, textiles, paintings, transport items etc. laid out with utmost care
and thought. The Palanquin Gallery and Howdah Gallery display a superb
collection of old and costly specimens of great historical value.
Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum: Recently the ruling family of Jodhpur has converted
a part of the gigantic Umaid Bhawan Palace as a Palace Museum.
Government Museum, Mandore: About 8 kms form Jodhpur; Mandore was the capital of
Marwar. This enchanting place having beautifully carved cenotaphs, halls of
heroes, palaces and old fort, is of immense historical importance.
Excursions
Balsamand Lake and Garden (5 km), Mandore (8 Km), Sadar Samand Lake (55 Km),
Guda Bishnoi (25 Km), Mahamandir Temple (9 km), Kailana Lake (11 Km), Jhalamand
Garh (10 Km), Luni Fort (35 Km)
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RAJASTHAN
CITY GUIDE
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What to Pack
New Delhi Tour
Rajasthan Historic tour 10 days
Mewari Tour with Agra 7 days
Classic Golden Triangle tour 7 days
Rajasthan Wildlife Safari tour 6 days
Rajasthan Real Adventure 16 days
Rajasthan Tour with Agra 15 days
Jaipur city tour with Pushkar 4 days
Rajasthan Desert tour 7 days
Classic Desert tour 11 days
Jaipur city tour 3 days
Jaipur Tour
Rajasthan Tiger tour 6 days
Romantic Rajasthan tour 10 days
Mughal Triangle tour 6 days
Cultural Rajasthan tour 15 days
Jaipur city tour with Pushkar 4 days
Jaipur city tour 3 days
Magic of Rajasthan tour 15 days
Agra Tour
Rajasthan Kings tour 9 days
Rajasthan Treasure tour 7 days
Rajasthan Travel tour 14 days
Magical Golden Triangle tour 6 days
Rajasthan Package tour 12 days
Ahmedabad Tour
Ancient Rajasthan tour 15 days
Colors of Rajasthan 11 days
Jodhpur Tour
Classic Desert tour 11 days
Magical Rajasthan tour 10 days
Udaipur Tour
Palace tours of Rajasthan 11 days
Forts of Rajasthan tour 11 days
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