JODHPUR TRAVEL TOURISM

Location : 214 kms. From Jaipur, Rajasthan
Main Attractions : Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mehrangarh Fort
Founded In : 1459 AD
Best Time To Visit : October-March

The 16th century capital of the Rathore Rajputs, Jodhpur's history is evident in the hilltop Eyrie, Mehrangarh, from where its destiny was written. Narrow paths wind up the steep path, leading to the innards of the Mehrangarh fort. Once within, the architecture is less formidable, with delicate windows and painted chambers. From its ramparts one has a view of the 20th century artdeco Umaid Bhawan Palace.

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 lovely multihued costumes, artistically designed. 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.

Prime Attraction

Umaid Bhawan Palace Umaid Bhawan Palace can qualify for several firsts: the largest private residence in the world, the finest extant example of art-deco, the only palace to have paintings from the Ramayana painted by a Polish artist, the first to use air-conditioning, electricity and elevators, and the most impressive for its size and dimensions. Yet, that should be hardly strange, for the architect, H.V. Lancaster, who planned it, wanted it to rival the Viceregal Lodge (now Rashtrapati Bhawan) then being planned by Sir Edward Lutyens in the new capital at New Delhi, also then under construction. For starters, Umaid Bhawan is a formal building that is perfectly symmetrical, and its 347 rooms offer few concessions to Rajput architecture other than such devises as concealed corridors and balconies for the women of the 'Zenana', and the use of courtyards around which the several wings of the palace are arranged. Built at the height of the art deco period, there are several embellishments on the outer walls, such as the eagle carved from sandstone. All original fittings have been retained.

Jhalamand Garh Barely 10 km from Jodhpur, the 18th century fort has a quiet, soothing ambiance, and provides a glimpse of the way a Rajput family lives in the rural countryside. From the Dari Khana terrace, there is a breathtaking view of Jodhpur town. The fort has 18 rooms, and provides Rajasthani and continental cuisine on request.

Mehrangarh Fort This desert kingdom, founded by the Rathores, is still characterised by the hilltop Mehrangarh Fort, its basalt walls merging with its sheer stony outcrop. From here the Marwar kingdom created its influence not only in the desert, but also in the politics of India, with their centre in Delhi/Agra. Within the fort are some magnificently ornamented palaces, while close to its entrance is the perfectly detailed marble memorial, Jaswant Thada.

Ajit Bhawan Built of sandstone as the residence of the younger brother of the Maharaja of Jodhpur in the 1940s, and one of the most charming, and personalised properties of Rajasthan, known for the atmosphere in which its dinner service is held in an open courtyard, Ajit Bhawan has 51 rooms in the main building, and in cottages especially created in the gardens. Each cottage is named after the Indian zodiac, and furnished in ethnic style. There is also a swimming pool on the premises.

Karni Bhawan A modern home built by the Jagirdars of Soda, was in the 1940s, it has a swimming pool, health spa and sprawling lawns. The Dhani is a group of huts where meals are served, and breakfast can be had on the terrace with its uninterrupted view of Mehrangarh Fort. Known for its Rajasthani cuisine, the hotel has 32 rooms, of which 25 are air-conditioned.

Places Of Interest Around Jodhpur

Balsamand Palace & Maha Mandir Maha Mandir is about 4-kms north-east of the city. It is built around a 100-pillared Shiva temple. Balsamand is a comfortable and serene hotel. Summer palaces along the embankment and a bird sanctuary has made it a picnic spot.

Sardar Samand Lake and Palace The route to this wildlife centre, 66 kms south-east of Jodhpur, passes through a number of colourful little villages. Some of the wildlife to be seen at the lake includes Blackbuck, Chinkara and a variety of birdlife. Sardar Samand Palace, formerly the Maharaja of Jodhpur's summer palace, has now been converted into a hotel.

Mandore Towards the north of Jodhpur is the ancient capital of Marwar, Mandore. It is just 8-kms from the city. Main attractions of the place are Hall of Heroes with sixteen huge figures carved out of a single rock, the shrine of 330 million Gods and the royal cenotaphs. But one can not miss the caves in crags and the sprawling gardens, which are now shelter place for monkeys and peacocks. Greenery of the place makes Mandore, in true sense, an oasis.

Ossian 65-km from Jodhpur, lie ruins of an ancient city called Ossian. This city is famous for Brahmanical and Jain temples, which belong to 8th and 11th century. Surya or Sun temple and the Sachiya temples are famous for their beauty. The 'Shikhar' of Sachiya temple is clustered by two rows of turrets, an ambulatory and a large assembly hall with an elaborate ceiling.

Guda Bishnoi The villages are inhabitated by the Bishnoi tribe who are staunch believers in the animal life. Villages are marked by Khejri trees and deers which thrive there. It is 25-kms from Jodhpur.

Shopping In Jodhpur

Once brides came to Jodhpur for their trousseau shopping because the dyes and prints were resplendent, and the lame work brilliant. The same fabrics can still be found in the bazaars, and you may want to try on a sporty pair of Jodhpurs, the riding breeches that originated in this town. 'Badalas' or zinc alloy pitchers used the 'Namdah' or felted rug. Made in tonk, it is decorated with embroideries, or in applique fashion. These can be used as wall hangings as well as on floors.

The Sadar Market near the Clock Tower gives immense shopping pleasure to the locals as well as the visitors. The colourful but hectic bazaar consists of many narrow lanes, lined with tiny shops. Look for the tie & dye textiles, embroidered leather shoes, lacquerware, antiques, carpets and puppets. Here, one can buy exquisite Rajasthani textiles, clay figurines, miniature camels and elephants, marble inlay work and classic silver jewellery.

How To Get There

1. Rail
The city is also well connected by the railway lines and trains are available for other major cities in the country from here. The 'Palace on Wheels' also visits this city of royal splendour.
2. Air
Jodhpur has its own airport and regular flight services connect the city with other major cities in and around Rajasthan.
3. Road
The state transport has bus services from other cities of the state and some services are interstate too.