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Jodhpur
is at the edge of the Thar desert and is the largest
city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. The city is dominated
by a massive fort, topping a sheer rocky ridge right
in the middle of the town. Jodhpur was founded in
1459 by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rajput clan known
as the Rathores. His descendants ruled not only Jodhpur,
but also other Rajput princely states. The old city
of Jodhpur is surrounded by 10 kms long wall, built
about a century after the city was founded. From the
fort, you can clearly see where the old city ends
and the new begins. It's fascinating to wander around
the jumble of winding streets in the old city, out
of which eight gates lead. Jodhpur is affectionately
referred to as the 'Blue City' because of the indigo-coloured
houses in the old town. These can be seen from the
ramparts of the mighty Mehrangarh, which looms high
above the buzzing city.
Special
Packages
Flaming Torch Dinner
Mehrangarh Fort Dinner
Attractions
Mehrangarh
Fort: Situated
on a steep hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest
forts in India. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous
palaces in the fort narrates a saga of hard sandstone's
yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures.
Inside the fort, there is a series of courtyards and
palaces.
Umaid Bhawan Palace: Built
of marble and pink sandstone, this immense palace
is also known as the Chittar Palace because of the
local Chittar sandstone used. The only palace built
in 20th century under the famine relief programme,
has now been converted into a hotel with some parts
being retained as a museum.
Jaswant Thada: This
white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II
is a short distance from the fort, just off the fort
road. The cenotaph, built in 1899, was followed by
the royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs which
stand nearby. There is some beautiful marble jali
work and fine views from the terrace in front of the
cenotaph.
Clock Tower & Sadar Market: The
clock tower is a popular landmark in the old city.
The vibrant Sardar Market is close to the tower, and
narrow alleys lead from here to bazaars selling vegetables,
spices, Indian sweets, textiles, silver and handicrafts.
It is a great place to ramble around at leisure.
Government 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 is
an artificial lake on the Jaisalmer road. An idyllic
picnic spot with spectacular sunsets.
Travel
Information
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. |
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