Jodhpur
Probably, I can never forget the time I spent in Jodhpur,
as I was awestruck by the beautiful tourist destination
it offered me.
I have some fond memories about the second largest
city of Rajasthan. Jodhpur that was founded by Rao Jodha
in 1459. I was lucky to explore the city that endorsed
beautiful palaces, forts and temples that bring back
the splendor of the past. Jodhpur lies at the edge of
the Thar desert, yet it has an abundance of parks, gardens,
artificial lakes and ponds, and rich houses with lawns
and gardens. It was after Pushkar that I visited Jodhpur.
Jodhpur is a well linked city with airport 5 kms from
down town. The airport is connected to all the major
cities. In fact, it also boost good rail and road network.
Exploring Jodhpur!
“ok. Sir, let's plan our tour, since there are
number of tourist attraction in Jodhpur” I nodded
and said “ Ranvir, call me by my name...Tom”
I persuaded and he humbly accepted it. “Ok, the
first monument that we will explore will be the Umaid
Bhawan Palace” Umaid bhawan Jodhpur is an exquisite
building that houses a museum showcasing the artifacts
that date back to the time immemorial. According to
a legend, this place was built during famine in order
to provide employment to the workers.
Then we headed towards Mehrangarh Fort. Personally
I feel, that this is a must place to visit while on
exploring Jodhpur. The diameter of the fort is 5 km
and is perched on a 125 meter high hill. The palace
has a unique architecture with exquisitely carved panels,
lattice windows and evocative names. Oh! Yes, there
was another fascinating place in Jaisalmer, the Girdikot
and Sardar Market. It is the popular colorful market
located in the heart of the city and displays array
of handicraft luring the buyers towards them.
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Pictures..
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.
THE PAST
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.
IN AND AROUND
There are a number of places to visit
in and around Jodhpur.
Situated in the middle of the city, the Mehrangarh Fort
is a living testimony of the military might of the Rajputs.
With the strategically located cannons on the walls,
the fort is spread over an area of 5 km at an altitude
of about 125 meters. Thousands of tourists visit this
fort every year to have a glimpse of the artillery system
of the Rajput warriors. A bird's eye view of the city
from above the fort is fascinating.
Umaid Bhawan, the only 20th-century-built palace, was
constructed to give employment to the famine-struck
population of Jodhpur. Made of sandstone, it took 16
years to complete. This majestic building is presently
the residence of the former rulers with a part of it
running as hotel and remaining part as a museum.
Another example of Rajput glory is the Jaswant Thade,
which is a shrine built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant
II in 1899. A story goes that Maharaja Jaswant succumbed
to injuries in this place while fighting the Mughal
king Jahangir.
Mandar Garden was the ashram of Rishi Mandu. This garden
has a gate known as the Ajit pole. It is decorated with
paintings of the gods and goddesses of Indian mythology.
Giridkot and Sardar Market, located in the heart of
the city, are popular for a wide range of handicrafts.
About 4 miles away from the Jodhpur lay the Balsamand
Lake and Garden. It is an artificial lake built in AD
1159. It is an ideal place for picnics and excursions.
The Mahamandir Temple (9 km) is another site to visit.
The architecture and the cutwork on the stone are amazing.
Built in 1812, it has 84 carved pillars.
Kailana Lake, 11 km from Jodhpur, is an idyllic picnic
spot.
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.
There is also a wildlife sanctuary at Dhawa (45 km).
It has the largest number of cheetal and sambhar.
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 and its environs (20 km) are also worth visiting.
The fort has now been converted into a heritage hotel
LOCAL HUES AND COLORS
Jodhpur celebrates the Marwar festival
with great fun and joy. It is a two-day program of fun,
folk music, folk dance and folklore. Nagpanchami, the
worship of the king of the serpents, is also celebrated
with enthusiasm.
BARGAINS
One can find the usual handicrafts of
Rajasthan in the local markets. Jodhpur markets are
rich in antiques for which these markets have become
the favorite hunt for the foreigners. Besides these,
the market near the clock tower is the place for some
good bargains. The traditional jewelry like the bajuband,
bala, gajra and gokhru are some of the famous products
of Jodhpur. Jodhpur riding breeches, colorful hand-printed
cotton fabrics and traditional Rajasthani mojri slippers
are also worth buying.
 FOOD
& SHELTER
For reasonably cheap and traditional cuisine, tourists
should visit the Ajit Bhawan Palace. The adventurous
ones may try the makhaniya lassi (a rich, frothy buttermilk)
and mawe ki kachodi (a rich crumbly pastry typical of
Jodhpur) at Sadar Market.
A good number of hotels and guesthouses are available
for a comfortable stay in Jodhpur. The Rajasthan Tourism
Development Corporation also has provision for the tourists.
The Umaid Bhawan provides an excellent opportunity to
experience the grandeur of a royal home along with the
traditional cuisine.
Small eateries and restaurants are also available in
the main area of Jodhpur.
GETTING THERE
The nearest airport of Jodhpur is Udaipur.
The airport is well connected to Jodhpur by roadways.
Trains are available from Delhi and Mumbai to Jodhpur.
It is also well connected by the national highways and
other small roadways.
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