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The city of Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodhaji in 1459.
Within, stands an imposing fort on a low range of
sandstone hills, about 125m above the surrounding
plains. The clear
distinction between the old and the new city is visible from
the ramparts of the fort. On the other side of the city,
facing the fort is the Umaid Bhawan Palace, one of the most
spacious, sprawling and well-planned palaces in India. And
from here, as you look at the fort, a tantalizing view rises
before your eyes at sunset.
Links
By Air : Indian Airlines operates flights from Jodhpur
to Delhi, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jaipur and Mumbai.
By Bus : There are various buses from Jodhpur to
Udaipur, Jaipur, Ajmer, Jaisalmer, Ahmedabad and Delhi.
By Train : There are rail connections to Jaisalmer,
Jaipur, Kota, Bikaner, Ahmedabad and Delhi.
Places to visit:
Mehrangarh Fort : This formidable hilltop fort is one
of the most impressive in Rajasthan. A series of gates lead
into it, like Jayapol built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806 and
Fatehpur or 'Victory Gate' erected by Maharaja Ajit Singh to
celebrate his victory over the Mughals. Inside the fort, see
the palaces: Moti Mahal or 'Pearl Palace', Sukh Mahal or
'Pleasure Palace' and Phool Mahal or 'Flower Palace'.
Jaswant Thada : A marble cenotaph built in 1899 as a
memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
Umaid Bhawan Palace : Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh
in1943, this marble and sandstone palace is an imposing sight.
The museum here has a fascinating collection of antique clocks
and miniature paintings.
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.
Mahamandir Temple : 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.
Shopping
Jodhpur is a veritable shopper's paradise with entire streets
and localities in the walled city devoted to single
commodities. The city is famous for bandhani and lahariya,
block printed textiles, silver jewellery, antique furniture,
wood and metal handicrafts. Carpets and durries can be found
on the Umaid Bhawan Palace road. Jodhpur is home to many
talented and skilled craftsmen like textile dyers, metal
engravers and die-makers and probably the last of the tailors
of the classic Jodhpur breeches. |
