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Jodhpur, India
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.
Places of Interest in Jodhpur
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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.
Excursions near 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.
How to reach
Jodhpur
==================
Jodhpur is connected to all the major Indian cities by
train. Buses, taxis and other coaches are available from
Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Udaipur and all the other major
cities.
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General Information
Area: 27,000 sq. kms
Altitude: 237 meters
Climate: Max șC Min. șC
Summer: 48 28
Winter: 22 4
Rainfall: 26-46 cm.
Best season:Oct-March
Distance
from major cities in kms
Agra
577 kms.
Ajmer 198 kms.
Bikaner 240 kms.
Delhi
592 kms.
Jaipur
343 kms.
Udaipur 375 kms |
How to get
here |
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Air
: Indian Airlines connect Jodhpur with
Jaipur, Delhi, Udaipur and Bombay.
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Rail :
Jodhpur is connected by rail with
Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jaipur, Delhi,
Ahmedabad, Abu Road, Bombay via Ahmedabad
Barmer and Udaipur via Marwar.
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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.
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Bus
: Regular bus services available from
Jodhpur to Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Jaipur,
Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Ranakpur and
Nathdwara.
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Festive Fun: |
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Teej, also known
as the festival of Swings (a reference to
the flower-bedecked swings which are erected
at this time), celebrates the onset of the
monsoon and is held in honour of the
marriage of Shiva and Parvati. It is
celebrated with particular fervour in
Jodhpur
Gangaur Festival : April
Kolayat Fair : November
Holi
: March
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Where to
stay |
Jodhpur provides a wide range of hotels
options varying from high end heritage
hotels to lower end budget accommodations.
Click for more information:
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