Jodhpur

The second largest city of Rajasthan, Jodhpur, is a silent but courtly testament of the chivalrous Rathores who founded the city and ruled it for decades. Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, after whom the city was rechristened from Mewar to Jodhpur. It represents the rich royal traditions and culture in the sandy deserts of Thar.

Jodhpur is known for its forts, palaces and temples displaying a glorious history and architectural brilliance. The buildings of the city are dipped in blue hues, making it seem to reflect the endless sky and giving Jodhpur a kind of uniformity. The blue color marked the residential spaces of the Brahmins, which was started to be followed by the non-Brahmins too.

History:
The Rathore clan of Rajputs used to flourish in Kannauj, before being ousted by Afghans, led by Mohommad Ghori. From here they eluded to Pali, a place near Jodhpur. The Rathores got a stronghold in this region after the marriage of Rathore Siahaji's marriage to a local prince. Initially, they established their base at Mandore, after driving out the Pratiharas but later they gained a foothold in Jodhpur, erstwhile Marwar, which was a more stable and secure capital.

Jodhpur retain its independence during the Mughal reigns and shared harmonious relations with them, except with Aurangzeb. After Aurangzeb's death, Maharaja Ajit Singh took over Ajmer from the Mughals. Under Umed Singh's regimen, the city grew as a cultural centre and a trade hub. It flourished with the returns of opium, sandalwood and copper trade, supported by its location on the Delhi-Gujarat trade route. After several battles of the 17th and the 18th century, a treaty was signed with the British empire to gain peace in the region and after the country gained independence in 1947, it was included in the state of Rajasthan.

Orientation & Information:
Outside the old city are situated the city's bus and train stations. The Tourist Reception Centre is located within RTDC Hotel Ghoomar. At the train station is located the International Tourist Bureau, where you can get first hand tourist information. Close to the train station is the main post office, at Station Road. For exchanging currency and traveler cheques, you can approach State Bank of India or LKP Forex located opposite Circuit House.

Sights:
Mehrangarh Fort:
Mehrangarh Fort, earlier known as Chintamani Fort, is one of the most stunning forts of Rajasthan. It is situated on a 150 m high hill, which can be traversed by driving on a 5km long winding road and crossing seven mighty gates on the way. The fort commemorates the victorious battles of Jodhpur over other empires and states, especially Bikaner and Jaipur. It was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh, but some additions like the Fatehpol, were made by successive rulers too. The main attractions of the fort are its lavish palaces, huge courtyards, galleries and temples. A must visit are the Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Umed Vilas, Sheesh Mahal and Chamunda Devi Temple. There is also a museum displaying the rich artifacts of the royal era including palanquins, elephant howdahs and exquisite silver work.

Jaswant Thada:
1 km to the left of Mehrangarh Fort, lies the cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Thada which was built in 1899 by Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. It is decorated with latticework on translucent sheets of marble and carved wooden doors. There are three other cenotaphs and a royal crematorium situated within the marble edifice. From the fort, you will get a marvelous view of the marble structure and its lush gardens. You will also find some age-old portraits of the Rathore kings displayed here.

Clock Tower & Markets:
Clock Tower stands within the old city, as a proud landmark of Jodhpur. It was built by Shri Sardar Singh Ji, after whom the nearby market is named. The vibrant Sardar Bazaar has narrow pathways aligned with small shops selling everything from vegetables to handicrafts.

Umaid Gardens & Sadar Government Museum:
One of the most beautifully laid out gardens of Rajasthan is the Umaid Garden, named after Maharaja Umed Singh who initiated its construction. This sprawling garden spans in an area of 82 acres and has been created to inculcate variety to attract the attention of visitors. There is a zoo, library and also a museum situated within the garden. The museum is called Sadar Government Museum and has many sculptures and artefacts dating back to the 6th century.

Umaid Bhavan Palace & Museum:
Umaid Bhavan Palace, is like a treat for soaring eyes, as it seems as if time has friezed here in the royal past. It was Maharaja Umaid Singh, who laid its foundation stone in the year 1929 and hired architects from London to built this palace in an extraordinary style. This pink and white palace is also known as Chittar Bungalow because Chhittar sandstone is heavily used in its making.

This 347 room palace has a double domed hall and a huge entrance called Rajmahal. Inside the palace there are luxurious facilities provided like a huge ball room, a billiard hall, a Durbar Hall, a swimming pool and a reception hall. A major part of the palace has been converted into a hotel, while a small part still serves as a royal residence for Maharaja Gaj Singh II. The best part of the palace is the museum that showcases old photographs of the royal families, weapons, stuffed animal skin, decoration pieces and other antiques.

Activities:
In the Folk Art Museum, located in Town Hall, you can appreciate a collection of locally made crafts and rare traditional instruments. Golf is another good option as the brown turfs of Sadar Club in Ratanda, will be quite appealing for the sports enthusiasts.

Sleeping:
It would be convenient to go for sightseeing, if you find an accommodation near the Clock Tower. You will find quite a good number of budget hotels in Navchokia and on High Court Road like the Tourist Guest House and Cozy Guest House. The best and most lavish accommodations are available in Umaid Bhavan Palace and Taj Hari Mahal Palace.

Shopping:
The most shopped items in Jodhpur are the locally made handicrafts, tie and die printed textiles, accessories, antique furnitures, lac bangles, spices and leather items. At Sarafa Bazaar, you will find elegant pieces of jewelery and accessories like beads and bangles at reasonable prices. You can also take back colorful turbans or junky jewelery as souvenirs from the local bazaars. Visit the Kapra Bazaar for best of printed textiles including Lehariya, bandhini and block printed ones. Handloom House and Khadi Shop are other areas where there is no bargain on quality.

Getting There & Away:
Air: Jodhpur Airport is situated near the city centre. Flights from here leave for Jaipur, Udaipur, Mumbai and Delhi.

Rail: Jodhpur Jaisalmer Express to Jaisalmer, Mandore Express to Delhi, Intercity Express to Jaipur and other daily trains to Bikaner and to other nearby locations run from the train station of Jodhpur.

Road: RSRTC Buses are available for Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Ajmer, Bikaner, Ahmedabad and Delhi. Deluxe buses for these destinations are also available.

Getting Around:
From the airport and train station you can catch an autorickshaw or from the nearby taxi stand you can catch a taxi. A day's sightseeing tour in a taxi will cost you around Rs 200.