| INDIA TRAVELS >>
RAJASTHAN >> JODHPUR |
| Jodhpur
is the second largest city of the state of
Rajasthan. It has been drawing the attention
of tourists from all over the world. Standing
as the sentinel of the country's western border,
Jodhpur is famous for its magnificent forts
and palaces 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. |
Location |
| Jodhpur
is situated at the edge of the Thar Desert
with Jaisalmer on its west, Barmar, Jalor
and Pali on its south, Bikaner on its north,
and Nagaur on the eastern side and Nagaur
on the eastern side. The ideal time to visit
this place is the period between November
and March. The city is like an oasis in the
vast desert, with a variety of thorny shrubs
all over the area. It also has some of the
animal species that can survive in an arid
and dry environment. |
History
Of Jodhpur |
| The Rajput
chief Rao Jodha founded the city of Jodhpur
in 1459. Earlier, it was the capital of the
Marwar state of Rajasthan. A 10-km-long wall
made of stone surrounds the city. Eight doors
stand all through the wall leading to different
places of Jodhpur. The city has about 100
towers most of which are surrounded by defensive
battlements. The guards' chambers, constructed
high up above the ground and fitted with iron
spikes on top, could be seen alongside these
walls. |
Places Of Interest(Jodhpur)
Mehrangarh
Fort |
Umaid
Bhawan Palace |
| 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.
Inside the fort, there is a series of courtyards
and palaces. |
Built of
marble and pink sandstone, this immense palace
is also known as the Chittar Palace because
of the local Chittar sandstone used. The only
palace built in 20th century under the famine
relief programme, has now been converted into
a hotel with some parts being retained as
a museum.
|
Jaswant
Thada |
Clock Tower & Sadar
Market |
This white
marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh
II is a short distance from the fort, just
off the fort road. The cenotaph, built in
1899, was followed by the royal crematorium
and three other cenotaphs which stand nearby.
There is some beautiful marble jali work and
fine views from the terrace in front of the
cenotaph.
|
The clock
tower is a popular landmark in the old city.
The vibrant Sardar Market is close to the
tower, and narrow alleys lead from here to
bazaars selling vegetables, spices, Indian
sweets, textiles, silver and handicrafts.
It is a great place to ramble around at leisure. |
Government
Museum |
Mahamandir
Temple |
| 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. |
Built
in 1812, this is an old walled town with few
hundred houses. The temple with 84 beautifully
carved pillars is an architectural wonder.
|
Kailana
Lake |
An artificial lake on the Jaisalmer road.
An idyllic picnic spot with spectacular
sunsets.
|
Nearby Places (Jodhpur)
Mandore
|
Osian
|
| Towards
the north of Jodhpur is the ancient capital
of Marwar, Mandore. It is just 8 kms from
the city. Main attractions of the place are
hall of Heroes where sixteen huge figures
which have been carved out of a single rock,
the shrine of 330 million Gods and the royal
cenotaphs. But one can not miss the caves
in crags and the sprawling gardens, which
are now shelter place for monkeys and peacocks.
|
It is 65
Kms from Jodhpur. This city is famous for
Brahmanical and Jain temples, which belong
to 8th and 11th century. The Jain Mahavir
Temple is is unique among the Osian temples,
with the vaulted design of its hall-ceiling.Surya
or Sun temple and the Sachiya temples are
famous for their beauty. |
Guda
Bishnoi |
Balsamand Palace & Maha Mandir
|
| The villages
are inhabitated by the Bishnoi tribe who are
staunch believers in the animal life. Villages
are marked by Khejri trees and deers which
thrive there. It is 25 kms from Jodhpur. |
Maha Mandir
is about 4 kms north-east of the city.It is
built around a 100 - pillared Shiva temple.
Balsamand is a comfortable and serene hotel.
Summer palaces along the embankment and a
bird sanctuary has made it a picnic spot.
|
Sardar
Samand Lake and Palace |
| The route
to this wildlife centre, 66 kms south-east
of Jodhpur, passes through a number of colourful
little villages. Some of the wildlife to be
seen at the lake includes blackbuck, chinkara
and a variety of birdlife. Sardar Samand Palace,
formely the maharaja of Jodhpur's summer palace,
has now been converted into a hotel. |
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