Jodhpur is situated amidst the sand dunes and thorny vegetation of
Thar desert. The city of Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodhaji in 1459 AD and
was on the silk route of the 16th century, hence was host to a number of
travelers. It has a fort, 120 metres above the plain which overlooks the
imperial city of Jodhpur. The beautiful Jodhpur city is encircled by a 10 km
long wall with eight gates serving as entrances. The new city is settled
around this walled area.
Jodhpur, has some exquisite palaces, forts, temples and havelis, which
stand signifying the imperial grandeur. Jodhpur is known for its traditional
lifestyle, festivity and the warm people who have preserved this former
princely state.
Attractions in Jodhpur
» Mehrangarh Fort : The Mehrangarh fort is situated
on a steep hill and is one of the largest forts in India. It is spread over
an area of 5 km at an altitude of 125 meters. The beauty and the grandeur of
numerous palaces in the fort narrates a saga of hard sandstones yielding to
the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri artists.
» Umaid Bhawan Palace : The Umaid Palace was is the
only palace built in 20th century under the famine relief programme. Made of
sandstone, it took 16 years to complete. It has now been converted into a
hotel with some parts being retained as a museum.
» Jaswant Thada : The 19th century royal cenotaph is
built in white marble, in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Some rare
portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur are also displayed here.
» Government Museum : 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.
» Clock Tower & Sadar Market : In the old city,
clock tower is a prominent land mark. But main attraction is the Sadar
Market. The market has kept alive the old 'haat bazaar' culture.
» Balsamand Lake : About 4 miles away from the
Jodhpur lay the Balsamand Lake and Garden. It is an artificial lake built in
1159 AD. It is an ideal place for picnics and excursions.
» Mahamandir Temple : The Mahamandir Temple (9 km)
is another site to visit. The architecture and the cut work on the stone are
amazing. Built in 1812, it has 84 carved pillars.
» Osian sunset point : Situated on the
Jodhpur-Bikaner highway diversion, Osian (58 km) is an oasis in the desert
area of Rajasthan. The Osian sunset point is famous for its panoramic view
of the setting sun over the golden sands.
» Nagaur Fort : The Nagaur Fort is situated 135 km
from Jodhpur. The Badal Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, and Hadi Rani Mahal are
beautiful specimens of Rajput architecture.
» Luni Fort : Luni Fort and its environs (20 km) are
also worth visiting. The fort has now been converted into a heritage hotel
Getting There
» By Air : Jodhpur has its own airport and regular
flight services connect the city with other major cities in and around
Rajasthan.
» By Rail : The city is also well connected by the
railway lines and trains are available for other major cities in the country
from here. The 'Palace on Wheels' also visits this city of royal splendor.
» By Road : The state transport has bus
services from other cities of the state and some services are interstate
too.
