GENERAL INFORMATION

         Jodhpur, the former capital of Marwar state, was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha who claimed descent from Lord Rama (the hero of the epic Ramayana). The city as built as a result of warring brothers.

The massive fort-Mehrangarh-came first and around it grew the city of Jodhpur protected by a high stone wall with seven gates and countless bastions. Today, the city has grown on all sides to become the second largest city of Rajasthan.

Jodhpur is still one of the leading centres for cattle, salt and agricultural crops.

Exploring the city promises you a delightful encounter with an array of tempting art and craft creations as also the unusual lifestyle and costumes of Jodhpuris. The roads are wide but crowded with pavement stalls. The women-folk wear wide gathered skirt; slightly shorter than seen in Jaipur and a hip length jackety modestly covering front and back with three-quarter length sleeves brightly coloured and aesthetically designed.

Jodhpur is a treasure trove for the bargain hunters. The bazaars are known for a large-collection of the dye-and-tie fabrics in extremely fine design; and for beautiful jutes or slippers in suede, camel skin, velvet, leather decorated with thread embroidery. There are innumerable shops selling souvenirs made of marble from nearby Makrana. Choose from an expansive range of decorative and useful items-enamelware, jugs, water bottles, to name a few.

Jodhpur and its historic origins are best revealed by countless cultural celebrations taking place here. Of these, Marwar Festivals, an annual feature, is the most inspiring spectacle of the region. A variety of Rajasthani folk music and dance performances introduce the audience with the local folklore. Marked with ecstasy, the cultural bonanza enlivens the environ and transports the participants back into the historic origins of this colourful region of Rajasthan.

WHAT TO SEE

MEHRANGARH FORT

Spread over 5 km on a stiff rugged hill and looking down from a height of about 100 metres, the fort appears invincible and impenetrable from outside but houses some of the most intricately adorned palaces with exquisitely carved panels and latticed windows. Moti Mahal. Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh khana and Daulat khana are some of the important palaces to visit and view the collection of palanquins, hawdahs, royal cradles miniatures, musical instruments, costumes, colourful pagaris and furniture.

JASWANT THADA

A cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble lies very close to the fort. Built in 1899 in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, the cenotaphs also house portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur. It has extremely rare 15 cm thick milk white marble slabs.

UMAID BHAWAN PALACE

The only palace to be built in the mid 20^th century, it was meant to be a famine relief project which gave employment to citizens for 16 long years. A enormous and impressive sandstone structure, some parts of the palace is today run as a hotel while a part of it is still retained by the erstwhile royal family.

GIRDIKOT AND SARDAR MARKET

Located in the heart of Jodhpur around colourful markets throb with activity. Tiny shops dot the narrow lanes and a wide range of handicrafts makes this an especially charming area.

EXCURSIONS

BALASAMAND

5 km. A pretty lake with a pleasure or summer palace on its banks. An ideal picnic spot.

MANDORE

10km the ancient capital of Marwar, it contains the cenotaphs of Jodhpur rulers and sixteen gigantic figures carved out of a single rock depicting popular Hindu and folk deities in bright colour which are very well maintained. The area is surrounded by a landscaped garden with high rock terraces. An ideal picnic spot.

MAHAMANDIR TEMPLE

9 km. it was built in 1812 with 84 carved pillars.

KAILANA LAKE

11 km it is quite popular as a picnic spot.

OSIAN

65km on the diversion off main Jodhpur-Bikaner Highway, in a deserted valley stand the temples of Osian. The road winds through undulating terrain between small hillocks punctuated by desert stretches and a few hamlets. From a distance, one gets a picturesque view of the ancient township on a gentle rise.

Of the fifteen-odd temples, three are outstanding-earlier Surya or Sun temple, and later kali temple; Sachiya Mata Mandir and the main Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira.

BALASAMAND LAKE GARDENS

These are built around the artificial lake constructed in 1159 AD, the oldest in Asia. The gardens were developed later on.

DHAWA

45 km it is a wildlife sanctuary with the largest headcount, of Indian antelope in India.

NAGAUR

135 km it has an imposing fort with beautiful murals, its cattle for attracts many buyers.

ROHITGARH

40 km, it is worth a visit, it has been converted into a heritage hotel.

SHOPPING

A Shopper’s paradise, Jodhpur boasts of array of handicraft items. The internationally known Jodhpur breeches, locally called Jodhpur’s, are a favourite buy. Besides, you can go for embroidered shoes, white metal curios and silver ware, quilts weighing just ½ kg. plus a range of other souvenirs, wooden toys, leather goods, paintings and tie-and-dye fabrics.

MAJOR FESTIVALS

Marwar Festival held every October. The Ramdeoji Cattle Fair is held at Nagaur in January–February, Nag Panchami is celebrated in July–August.

HOW TO GET THERE

AIR

Indian Airlines flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur.

RAIL

Direct rail connection with many important cities of the country, Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Bikaner.

ROAD

Jodhpur is well connected by road from Jaipur, Udaipur and Delhi.