Amidst the sand dunes and
thorny vegetation of Thar desert towers a fort, 120 metres above the plain.
The fort overlooks the imperial city of Jodhpur, which is a part of the
Desert Tourist Triangle. 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. The Maruthal or 'land of death'
, came into life when the Rathores of Kanauj moved in. But the city of
Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodhaji in 1459 AD. This city was on the silk
route of the 16th century and hence was host to a number of travellers.
In Jodhpur, the genius of its sculptors comes to life in
its exquisite palaces, forts, temples and havelis, which stand 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.
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Major Attractions of Jodhpur |
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Mehrangarh Fort : Situated on a steep
hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in India. The beauty and
the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrates a saga of hard
sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures.
Sardar Samand Lake and Palace : Rajasthani village
life and vibrant cultural colours come alive as you drive along the 55 kms
stretch. The monotony of the drive is broken by Chinkaras and Black Bucks
who frisk pass the road.
Umaid Bhawan Palace :
Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh (1929 -1942) and named after him, this
exquisite palace is also known as Chittar Palace because of the local
chittar sandstone used. It is a splendid example, of Indo-colonial and art
deco style of the 30s. A unique feature of this palace is the fact that the
hand chiseled sandstone blocks have been put together in a special system of
interlocking, there is not mortar binding.
A portion of the palace
has been converted into a hotel, the other remains on view to visitors in
form of excellent museum which houses model airplanes, weapons, antique
clocks and bob watches, priceless crockery, and hunting trophies. Both
sections retain the ambience of royal splendor .
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 : This museum has a rich collection of weapons, textiles,
miniature portraits, local crafts and images of Jain Tirthankars. It is
situated in the middle of the Umaid public gardens.
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Places to Stay in Jodhpur |
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The variety of hotels and guest houses in Jodhpur makes one
feel at home. Accommodation here is available to suit tourists of every
budget. Hotel Karni Bhawan, Ajit Bhawan are heritage hotels. The Rajasthan
Tourism Department has the Ghoomar Hotel. The palace hotels options include
theUmaid Bhawan Palace, Ratanada Polo Palace, Rajputana Palace. Raj Basera
also provides good accommodation facilities. There are low budget
accommodations avaialable too.
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Shopping in Jodhpur |
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The Sadar Market near the Clock Tower gives immense shopping
pleasure to the locals 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, lacquerware, antiques,
carpets and puppets. Here, one can buy exquisite Rajasthani textiles, clay
figurines, miniature camels and elephants, marble inlay work and classic
silver jewellery.
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How to Get there |
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Air : Jodhpur has its own airport and
regular flight services conect the city with other major cities in and
around Rajasthan.
Rail : The city is also well
connected by the railway lines and trains are available for other major
cities in the country from here. The 'Palace on Wheels' also visits this
city of royal splendour.
Road : The state
transport has bus services from other cities of the state and some services
are interstate too.