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Jodhpur History
Jodhpur Fort 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.
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About Jodhpur travel guide :
The second largest city in Rajasthan, Jodhpur has been the hub of
Marwari traders since time immemorial. The Mehrangarh Fort rises
dramatically out of the rugged mountainside and is surrounded by the
blue washed houses that dominate the city's landscape. Started in
1459 by Rao Jodha, the fort compound has various later structures
that are more ornate and decorative - the Phool Mahal, Takhat Mahal,
Moti Mahal and Jhanki Mahal. In contrast to the medieval fort is the
early 20th century Umaid Bhavan Palace a magnificent mix of Rajput
and European architecture - built by Maharaja Umaid Singh to flaunt
his princely power. The palace museum is a reminder of this grand
past, while if you really want to feel like royalty you can live in
the luxury hotel that occupies a part of the palace. Jodhpur brings
to mind a bygone era with its old havelis, bustling bazaars and
loads of rustic charm. The enigmatic city that was once
Places to Visit :
Mehrangarh Fort :
Located atop a 125 m high hill, the Mehrangarh Fort lies at the
outskirts of Jodhpur city. The magnificent Mehrangarh Fort (Jodhpur
ka kila) is one of the most majestic and colossal forts in India.
The fort was originally started (c.1459) by Rao Jodha, founder of
Jodhpur. However, most of the extant fort dates from the period of
Jaswant Singh (1638-78). The walls of the fort are up to 36 m high
and 21 m wide; they enclose some lovely structures. The beauty and
the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrate a saga of hard
sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures.
Noteworthy of these palaces are the Moti Mahal, the Phool Mahal, the
Sheesh Mahal, the Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana. There is a
museum inside this fort which contains wonderful collection of
palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniatures, musical instruments,
costumes and furniture.
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Umaid Bhavan Palace : (Jodhpur
travel guide)
This massive palace is one of India's most recent palaces. The
romantic looking Umaid Bhavan Palace was actually built as a public
relief and employment project during a long period of drought. A
special type of sandstone, called Chittar sandstone, has been used
in the construction of this palace and this gives it a special
effect. For this reason, it is also referred to as Chittar Palace by
the locals. The palace was designed by H.V. Lanchester The palace
was completed in 16 years. Part of this magnificent sand stone and
marble palace containing over 300 rooms have been converted into a
museum, deluxe hotel and a royal residence.
Sardar Market :
These colourful markets are located in the heart of Jodhpur. It has
a wide range of Rajasthani handicrafts. Narrow lanes lead to little
shops selling antiques, silverware and a wide range of handicrafts
and regional textiles.
Jaswant Thada :
A collection of royal crematorium including that of Maharaja Jaswant
Singh II, in white marble, is situated in the close proximity to
Mehrangarh fort. Built in 1899, the cenotaph also houses the
portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur. There is some beautiful marble
lattice work. Jaswant Thada, Jodhpur Tours
Mandore Garden :
Located at the distance of 8 km north of Jodhpur, Mandore is the
ancient capital of Marwar. The main attraction of Mandore is Mandore
Garden. The extensive garden is beautifully laid with high rock
terraces. Garden is open to visitors daily from sunrise to sunset.
There is a famous 'Hall of Heroes' here that contains 16 colossal
figures carved out of a single rock wall. This garden also had a
small museum. It houses the royal cenotaphs of Maharaja Ajit Singh.
Shoppers Stop Here :
Jodhpur city has a vast wealth of historic attractions and
colourful markets which specialises in handicrafts & antiques.
Jodhpur is favorite place for exclusive shopping.
Handicrafts & Antiques :
Jodhpur is the major exporter of wooden & iron furniture,
antiques and traditional style Jodhpuri handicrafts. The emporiums
in Jodhpur are organized for exporting large quantities of
handicrafts and antique reproductions. One can find here textiles,
silver, jewelry, instruments, pottery, boxes, carved ducks,
metalwork, marble figures, paintings, copper, brass, antique
reproductions, ivory, insignias in white German metal, bed covers,
wall hangings, puppets, clothes, old doors, and lots of furniture.
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Fairs and festivals of Jodhpur : (Jodhpur travel guide)
Rajasthan is well known for colourful fair and festivals. Being an
important city in Rajasthan, Jodhpur too celebrates many festivals
with great zeal and enthusiasm. Some of the important festivals of
the region are Marawar Festival, Gangaur Festival, Teej Festival,
Nag Panchami Festivals. In all these you can see the colorful
culture of Rajasthan.
Reaching Jodhpur :
By Air
Jodhpur is well connected to all the major cities which includes
Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Jaipur, Udaipur.
By Bus
Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe & air conditioned
buses from Delhi (Bikaner House, Nr. India Gate) to Jodhpur. The
roads are very good, and it takes around 8-9 hrs from Jodhpur. You
can also come by taxi.
By Train
Jodhpur is on the Broad Gauge and hence connected to all the metro
cities of India. There are daily trains from Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai &
Kolkata.
Getting around
In the city you can travel by un-metered auto-rickshaws, buses,
cycle-rickshaws or you can also use car cabs and car-taxi. The
Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation operates of Jodhpur from
8.30 to 1.00 pm and 2 to 6 pm. The tour starts from the Tourist
Bungalow.
Tour d rajasthan offers tours to
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