Introducing
Jodhpur
Located in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan, Jodhpur is the second
largest city of the state. Jodhpur is another city that received great
patronage from the Rajput rulers of the place. As a result, many magnificent
monuments of the period adorn the landscape of the city. Located near the
Thar desert, Jodhpur, instead of giving the impression of a moribund land in
the midst of desert stands proudly as a city promoting entrepreneurship,
scholarship and the art and heritage of medieval period. Jodhpur, also
called an island of marble palaces is separated from the desert by a huge
wall. Popularly called the blue city, Jodhpur is like an oasis in the midst
of a vast desert. A few animal species that can survive in dry and arid
climate could also be found in the city.
Jodhpur was established by Rajput chief Rao Jodha in 1459. Like Jaipur,
Jodhpur is also surrounded by a long wall consisting of 8 doors.
Furthermore, there are 100 towers all around the wall. Situated on the edge
of the Thar Desert in western Rajasthan, Jodhpur is surrounded by the cities
of Jaisalmer, Barmar, Jalor, Pali and Bikaner.
Climate
Located on the edge of the desert, the climate of Jodhpur is very harsh,
particularly during summers. Jodhpur receives very little rainfall and the
climate remains dry for most part of the year. Dust winds may also blow
during day time. In summers, temperatures may shoot beyond 45 degrees.
Winters are cool and pleasant.
Best time to visit
November-February
How to reach
Air : There is an airport in Jodhpur. Flights are
available from Delhi and other major destinations of the country. The
frequency of flights may be less during the lean season.
Rail : Jodhpur is well connected by broad-gauge network
with the rest of Rajasthan and other parts of the country. Express train
services are available from many destinations including Delhi.
Road : Tourists can board luxury and deluxe buses that
operate regularly between Jodhpur and major destinations of north India.
Regular deluxe bus services are also available from national capital Delhi.
Where to Stay
Jodhpur offers many accommodation choices to suit the purse of all
categories of tourists. Umaid Bhawan Palace and Taj Hari Mahal are the two 5
star category hotels of the place. Hotels in the heritage category include
Ajit Bhawan and Bal Samand Lake Palace.
Attractions in Jodhpur
Mehrangarh
Fort : The fort of Mehrangarh is regarded as one of the most
impressive and formidable structures in the whole of Rajasthan. The fort
stretches to a length of 5 kms and is located on a 125 metre high elevated
land. The fort was built in such a way that it becomes almost impossible for
enemies to intrude into it. The fort houses a few palaces whose architecture
is very impressive.
Jaswant Thada : Jaswant Thada houses
the cenotaphs of many Rajput royals. It was built in white marble in the
year 1899 A.D. in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. There are portraits
of various Jodhpur rulers within the main cenotaph.
Umaid
Bhawan Palace : The Umaid Bhawan Palace is an example of the early
modern period architecture. A relatively new building, the magnificent Umaid
Bhawan was built in early 20th century only. Taking full 16 years for
completion, the purpose of building Umaid Bhawan was to give employment to
the famine struck population of the place. The descendants of some former
royals still stay at the palace. A section of it has been converted into
hotel and museum.
Excursion Places near Jodhpur
Balsamand Lake and Garden : Located some 7 kms away from
Jodhpur is Balsamand Lake, a popular excursion destination from
Jodhpur.Balsamand is an artificial lake constructed way back in the year
1159 A.D. The place has a breathtaking beauty.
The Mahamandir Temple : At a distance of 9 kms from
Jodhpur, Mahamandir temple is visited by devotees in large numbers. The
architecture of the temple is most impressive. There are intricate carvings
in stones including 84 well carved pillars. This temple was built in the
year 1812.
Dhawa : Dhawa is a small wildlife sanctuary located at a
distance of 45 kms from Jodhpur. It is one of the few places of Rajasthan
where there is an abundance of greenery. It has a large population of
cheetah and sambhar.
Osian : Osian is an oasis in the desert located some 58
kms from Jodhpur. Many tourists visit Osian to have a glimpse of the
splendid sunset view available from the place. Osian is a very popular
picnic spot for the local people.
Shopping in Jodhpur
Jodhpur has a flourishing trade in exports and imports. Many foreign
traders come directly to Jodhpur bypassing other Indian cities. Expectedly,
therefore, a wide variety of items are available in Jodhpur. The handicrafts
and antique pieces of the place are most popular. Other popular items
include silver jewellery, leather goods, carpets and durries, textiles and
furnitures. The central shopping place of Jodhpur is known as Ghasmandi
Bazaar.
