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Area
: 75.50 sq km, Altitude : 230 meters, Rainfall
: 31 cms Best seasons : october-march Clothing
: summer light tropical, Winter light woolen, Languages
: English, Hindi, Rajasthani
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Set at the edge of the Thar desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur
echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert.
Once the capital of the Marwar state , it was founded in 1459
A.D. by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who
claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana.
The massive 15th century A.D. Mehrangarh Fort looms on the
top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The
city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates
and innumerable bastions.A major trade centre of the 16th
century A.D. the fortress-city of Jodhpur is now the second
largest city of Rajasthan. While the graceful palaces , forts
and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic
grandeur, exquisite handicrafts , folk dances music and the
brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city.
The
lifestyle in jodhpur is unusually fascinating with folks wearing
, artistically designed lovely costumes. Women folk wear wide
gathered skirts and a hip length jacket, with three quarter
length sleeves , covering the front and back. The colorful
turbans worn by the men folk add more color to the city .
It was from here that the popularity worn baggy - tight ,
horse riding trousers- ‘ Jodhpurs’ took their
name. Shopping in Jodhpur bazaars is a heady experience with
a colorful display of the rich collection of exquisite handicrafts.
The tie and dye fabric, embroidered ‘jutis’ or
slippers in suede, camel skin, velvet add more colors to the
city. Countless festivities celebrate the rich past and culture
of the princely state. The Marwar Festival held annually is
one such spectacular bonanza.
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PRIME
SITES
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Mehrangarh Fort
The 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 metre high hill is one
of the most impressive and formidable structures. Although
invinsible from the outside, the fort has four gates. Within
the fort are some magnificent palaces with marvelously carved
panels , latticed windows and evocative names. Note worthy
of these are The Moti Mahal, The Phool Mahal, The Sheesh Mahal,
The Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana. These palaces house
a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including
a superb collection of palanquins, elephant hawdahs, miniature
Paintings of various schools, musical instruments, costumes
and furniture.
Jaswant
Thada
A cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899
A.D. in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main
cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers.
Umaid
Bhawan Palace
The only 20th century palace built under the famine relief
project that gave employment to famine struck population.
The palace was completed in 16 years. This opulent edifice
in sandstone is still the residence of the former rulers with
a part of it running as hotel and remaining part as a museum.
Girdikot
and Sardar Market
These colourful markets with tiny shops dotting the narrow
lanes are situated in the heart of the city and are popular
for a wide range of handicrafts, making them the favorite
haunt of shoppers.
Museum
The museum has an exquisite ensemble of Paintings, sculptures
and antique weapons.
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EXCURSIONS
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Balsamand Lake and Gardens (5 km)
A pretty lake built in 1159 A.D. A splendid summer Palace
stands by the lake side surrounded by beautiful gardens. An
idyllic spot for excursions.
Mandore
(8 km)
The ancient capital of Marwar has cenotaphs of the Jodhpur
rulers. The Hall of heroes has fifteen figures carved out
of the rock on the wall which represent Hindu deities. Its
beautiful gardens with high rock terraces make it a popular
picnic spot.
Mahamandir
Temple (9 km)
Built in 1812 A.D. it is noteworthy temple with 84 carved
pillars.
Kailana
Lake (11 km)
The beautiful lake is an ideal picnic spot.
Osian
(58 km)
An oasis in the desert, situated on the diversion off the
main Jodhpur-Bikaner Highway. A drive to this ancient township
takes one past undulating terrain,punctuated by desert stretches
and little hamlets.Osian has 15 beautifully sculptured Jain
and Brahmanical temples. Of these the most outstanding ones
are the earlier Surya or Sun Temple and the later Kali temple,Sachiya
Mata Temple and the main Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira.
Dhawa (45 km)
A wildlife sanctuary with the largest number of Indian antelopes.
Nagaur (135 km)
An imposing fort with beautiful murals. It is also the venue
for a beautiful murals. It is also the venue for a week long
cattle fair held in Jan/Feb every year.
Rohit Fort (40 km)
Now a heritage hotel, the fort is worth a visit.
Luni Fort (20 km)
Now converted into a heritage hotel, this fort and its surroundings
are worth a visit.
