Once
the capital of Marwar, the Jodhpur City was established by Roa Jodha the
Rajput clan in 1459. A major trades center of the 16th century AD Jodhpur is
now the second largest city of Rajasthan. A 10-km long wall surrounds the
old Jodhpur City with eight gates serving as entrances. The new city is
settled around this walled area.
The exquisite Jodhpur's art comes to life in its ethereal palaces, forts
and havelis, which stand in pride with the majestic splendor. The most
tantalizing part of Jodhpur is its culture and tradition, festivals and
colorful glowing people who add charm to this royal city.
Major Attractions in Jodhour Tour
Mehrangarh fort
The 5-km long Meherangarh fort looks like an unconquerable structure
crowned on the steep hill. It is one of the colossal forts in Rajasthan
treasuring some marvelous designed displays like lattice windows,
magnificent palaces, huge barricade and the seven gates to guard the fort.
Other attractions are- miniature paintings, ancient musical instruments,
royal costumes, cannons and royal furniture.
Umiad Bhawan Palace
Umiad bhawan Palace built in 20th century is now transfigured into a hotel.
The royal family of Jodhpur still lives in some parts of the palace. A
beautiful museum in the palace exhibit the belongings of maharaja and the
royal family - weapons, antiques including charming clocks, carved crockery
and trophies.
Jaswant Thada
The 19th century royal cenotaph was built in white marble in remembrance of
Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Three other cenotaphs, which stands nearby holds the
rare portraits of the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur.
Government Museum
The museum has an opulent collection of weapons, textiles, miniature
portraits, and sculptures of Jain Tirthankars. It is situated in the middle
of the Umaid public gardens.
Festivity/ Marwar Festivals
Marwar festival is one of the greatest attractions of the town. The
festival is held in the month of October and is celebrated for 2 days during
the full moon night. This festival is devout to the traditional music and
folk dances of the Marwar region and offers a good opportunity to see the
folk dancers and singers who assemble here and provide hours of lively
entertainment from all over the world.
Other attractions at the festival are the camel tattoo show and polo. The
imposing Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mandore and Mehrangarh Fort, a symbol of
puissance and bravery provides the perfect venue for the cultural
extravaganza.
Excursions
Mandore at a distance of 8km was once the capital of Marwar. Amidst the
gardens are the cenotaphs of Jodhpur kings. It also contains 16 gigantic
figures carved out of a single rock wall. Ossian is one of the oldest cities
in Rajasthan, 65km from Jodhpur. It treasures 15 splendidly constructed Jain
and Hindu temples of 11th century. Balsamand Lake/ Palace an artificial lake
is 7 kms from the main city. Palaces and a bird sanctuary make a wonderful
picnic spot here. Sardar Samand Lake is 60-kms southeast of Jodhpur. It is
an idle excursion spot for adventure and bird lovers. The palace formerly
the Maharaja of Jodhpur's summer palace has now been converted into a hotel.
Shopping
The Sadar Market the main shopping area in Jodhpur near the Clock Tower
gives tremendous shopping opportunities to the locals as well as the
visitors. It is famous for its tie and dye work, hand woven carpets, leather
shoes with embroidery work, and puppets. One can buy delicate Rajasthani
textiles, clay figurines, marble inlay work and traditional Indian silver
jewelry.
Accessibility
Air : Jodhpur is well linked with Jaipur, Delhi, and Mumbai through
Indian Airlines Flights.
Rail : The city is also connected by rail with Jaipur, Jaisalmer,
Udaipur via Marwar, Delhi, Mumbai vis Ahmedabad and Jaisalmer.
Road : Jodhpur is well connected by all other major cities in
Rajasthan and India. Regular bus services are available from Jodhpur to
Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Jaipur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer. Some important distances
are - Jodhpur to Delhi 592km, Jaipur 343km, Agra 577 Bikaner 240 kms and
Mumbai 1073 kms.
