JODHPUR
PLACES TO VISIT
Jodhpur is the second largest city of
the state of Rajasthan. It has been drawing the attention of tourists
from all over the world. Standing as the sentinel of the country's
western border, Jodhpur is famous for its magnificent forts and
palaces.
Jodhpur is situated at the edge of the Thar Desert with Jaisalmer
on its west, Barmar, Jalor and Pali on its south, Bikaner on its
north, and Nagaur on the eastern side. It has a typical desert climate,
dry and hot. The ideal time to visit this place is the period between
November and March. The city is like an oasis in the vast desert,
with a variety of thorny shrubs all over the area. It also has some
of the animal species that can survive in an arid and dry environment.
The Rajput chief Rao Jodha founded the city of Jodhpur in 1459.
Earlier, it was the capital of the Marwar state of Rajasthan. A
10-km-long wall made of stone surrounds the city. Eight doors stand
all through the wall leading to different places of Jodhpur. The
city has about 100 towers most of which are surrounded by defensive
battlements. The guards' chambers, constructed high up above the
ground and fitted with iron spikes on top, could be seen alongside
these walls.
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.
Mehrangarh Fort
The 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 metre high
hill is one of the most impressive and formidable structures. Although
invincible from the outside, the fort has four gates approached
by a winding road. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces
with marvelously carved panels , latticed windows and evocative
names. Not 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.
Excursions
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 . |
