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In 1459,
Rao Jodha founded Jodhpur after the old capital of
Mandore had proved too vulnerable. Some five centuries
later, Maharaja Umaid Singh had completed for himself
one of the largest private homes in the world with 347
rooms, to create employment as a measure of famine
relief.
The lifestyle in Jodhpur is unusually fascinating with
folks wearing lovely multihued costumes, artistically
designed. Women folk wear wide gathered skirts and a hip
length jacket, with three-quarter length sleeves,
covering the front and back. The colorful turbans worn
by the men folk add more color to the city.
Jodhpur, once the capital of Rathore kingdom called
Marwar, is an interesting city with its fascinating
winding streets, palaces, latticed worked windows, stone
screens through which light filters making varied
patterns on ancient stone floors, cenotaphs, temples,
lakes and painted ceilings
Best Season October to February
How to get there
Air
Jodhpur is connected 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
Jodhpur connects with Agra 577 km, Ajmer 198 km, Barmer
220 km, Bikaner 240 km, Bombay 1073 km, Delhi 592 km,
Jaipur 343 km, Jaisalmer 290 km, Mount Abu 264 km,
Udaipur 275 km, Ranakpur 175 km.
In and around
The Fort of Jodhpur
The Fort of Jodhpur sits on a mighty rock 400 feet tall.
A fairly steep climb leads up, winding through seven
gateways. The palaces within are carved from a hard
sandstone which the sculptors chisels hane carved as if
it were soap. The capital of Mandore, 8 km from Jodhpur,
now has landscaped gardens surrounding ancient temples
and the cenotaphs of the Marwar rulers. The Hall of
Heroes, with larger than-life figures painted in gaudy
colours, as well as the temple of the black Bhairav and
the white Bhairav (destructive manifestations of lord
Shiva), were the idols are pasted over with layers of
silver paper worth visiting. The Osian temples, 65 km
from Jodhpur, both Hindu and Jain, are unique. They date
from the 8th to the 12th centuries.
Mehrangarh Fort
The 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 m high hill is one
of the most impressive and formidable structures.
Although invincible from the outside, the fort has four
gates approached by a winding road.within the fort are
some magnificent palaces with marvellously carved
panels, latticed windows and evocative name.
Jaswant Thada
A cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in
1899 AD. In memoray of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within
the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur
rulers.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
The only 20th century palace built under the famine
relief project that gave employment to famine struk
population. The palace was completed in 16 years. This
opulent edifice in sandstone is still the residence of
the former rulers with a part of it running as a hotel
and remaining part as a museum.
Balsamand lake and Gardens
A pretty lake built in 1159 AD. A splendid summer palace
stands by the lake side surrounded by beautiful gardens.
An idyllic spot for excursions |
