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Jodhpur
[ Edit ] Overview
The second largest city in the city of Rajasthan, Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rathore ruler of Marwar. Located in the Thar desert, the city is dominated by massive fort and palaces. The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a 10km long wall built almost a century after the city was founded. The wall has 8 gates leading out from the old city. Due to its strategic location on the overland trade route, Jodhpur became a flourishing trade centre.
The city has been called the “Blue city” because of the bluish hue created by the white washed houses around Mehrangarh fort. Even though the blue houses were originally meant only for a Brahmins, today non Brahmins also use the same color as it deflects the heat away and is also said to keep mosquitoes at bay. The palaces, forts and temples have made Jodhpur a popular tourist destination.
[ Edit ] History
Quick Facts
[ Edit ] State
[ Edit ] Location
Jodhpur is located in the heart of Rajasthan’s Thar Desert
[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit
Autumn through winter is the most welcoming time for tourist looking to visit Jodhpur as the summer heat is brutal.
[ Edit ] Tourist Offices
[ Edit ] STD Code
0291
Sightseeing
[ Edit ] Balsamand Lake and Palace
Situated 7km from Jodhpur city center, on the Jodhpur-Mandore road, is the 12th century artificial lake built as a water reservoir to provide water to the city. Balsamand Lake is a popular picnic spot now. The lake is surrounded by 300 acres of lush green gardens mango, pomegranate, guava and plum trees and is home to several animals and birds. The Balsamand lake palace is located adjacent to the lake.
[ Edit ] Jaswant Thada
Built in 1899 this is a white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II who was endeared by his subjects and highly respected by the people of Jodhpur. Cenotaphs of subsequent rulers and other members of the royal families are also here.
- Open daily.
- Entrance fees applicable.
[ Edit ] Mandore
Located 10km from Jodhpur, Mandore was the original capital of the Marwar dynasty until it was abandoned for Mehrangarh fort. The Mandore gardens are home to the cenotaphs of earlier rulers of Jodhpur. These cenotaphs were built like Hindu temples in red sandstone and have beautiful landscaped gardens surrounding them. The most impressive cenotaph here is the one of Maharaja Ajit Singh who reigned from 1678-1724.
The hall of heroes situated near these cenotaphs is dedicated to brave Rajput folk heroes from fables. There are 15 life size statues carved out of rock and stone and painted in bright colors. Near this hall of heroes is the Shrine of Three Hundred Million Gods which has brightly colored images of three hundred million hindu gods.
- Open daily from 8am – 8pm.
[ Edit ] Mehrangarh Fort and Museum
Founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 when shifting his capital from Mandore, Mehrangarh Fort is considered to be the most majestic and formidable fort in all of Rajasthan. The 68ft wide and 117ft high walls of the fort is situated across a 125m high hill. The fort dominates the surrounding plains and is a great vantage point from where the city below can be observed. A winding road leads to the entrance of the fort from the city below.
The fort is made of red sandstone has 7 gates to enter it. The 1st gate is covered with scars from cannon balls that were during battles.
The Jaypol gate was built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806 to commemorate his victory in the battle against Jaipur and Bikaner. It is now the main entrance.
Fatehpol gate or Victory gate was erected by Maharaja Ajit Singh to celebrate his victory over the Mughals.
Lahapol gate or Iron gate has 15 hand imprints of the widows of Maharaj Man Singh who threw themselves upon his funeral pyre in 1843. At the southern end of the fort old cannons are seen strategically placed looking out from the ramparts over the city.
Inside the fort there are a series of courtyards and palaces:
Phool Mahal or Flower Palace was built by Maharaja Abhaya Singh between 1730 and 1750. This palace was used for royal celebrations and was therefore richly decorated and painted.
Sukh Mahal or Pleasure Palace was the summer palace located on the Sukh Mahal lake and surrounded by lush gardens.
Moti Mahal or Pearl Palace was built by Maharaja Sur Singh between 1581 and 1595. It functioned as a hall for a private audience. The ceiling of the palace covered with mirrors and gold leaf and was plastered with crushed seashells mixed in giving it a lustrous shine. The palace has 5 alcoves leading to hidden balconies where his 5 queens were believed to sit to listen to court proceedings.
Takhat Mahal, named after Maharaja Takhat Singh, was the favorite retreat of the king. The room is exuberantly painted and has a wooden ceiling.
There are two temples within the fort, Chamundi Devi temple dedicated to goddess Durga and Nagnechiaji temple dedicated to goddess Kuldevi. Goddess Kuldevi was the deity of the rulers. The temple also houses a 14th century image of the goddess.
- Open daily from 9am – 5pm.
- Entrance fees applicable.
[ Edit ] Osian
65km from Jodhpur is the ancient Thar desert town of Osian. Between the 8th and 12th century Osian was a famous trading centre and was predominantly a Jain community. The inhabitants were very wealthy and built grand and lavish temples that were elaborately carved. The sculptures here are said to rival the ones in the Hoysala temples of Karnataka and the Sun temple of Orrisa. Today Osian is a desert oasis and is home to several peacocks.
[ Edit ] Sardar Bazaar
Located in the heart of the old city, the colorful Sardar Bazaar is close to the clock tower. The bazaar is surrounded by a 10km wall and has 8 gates. The bazaars have shops selling silver jewellery, fabrics, leather products, lacquer bangles, handicrafts, sweets, spices etc. There are also several henna artists who have set up little stalls here.
- Open daily.
[ Edit ] Umaid Bhawan Palace
Made of marble and red sandstone, the Umaid Bhawan Palace also known as Chhittar Palace was designed by the British Royal Institute of Architects. Construction of the palace began in 1928 and was completed around 1943. It is believed that the construction of the palace was commissioned by Maharaja Umaid Singh to create jobs for his famine stricken people.
The architecture of the palace is a blend of Rajput, Jain and European Art Deco styles. The palace has a total of 347 rooms which include 8 dining areas, 2 theatres, a ballroom, and several elaborately decorated and ornate reception halls. There is also a huge underground swimming pool. A 60 ft domes covers the central hall of the palace.
Part of the palace has now been converted into a luxury hotel. Gaj Singh, the grandson of Maharaja Umaid Singh lives in one section of the palace. The palace museum has an extensive and impressive collection of weapons, paintings, French furniture and porcelain.
- Open daily from 9am-5pm.
- Entrance fees :
Indian Nationals: Rs15
Foreign Nationals: Rs 50
Planning a Trip
Getting There
[ Edit ] Air
Jodhpur Airport located 5km from the city centre is connected to major cities in India.
[ Edit ] Rail
Jodhpur Station is connected to major cities in India.
[ Edit ] Road
There are regular city buses to Jodhpur from all parts of Rajasthan.
Driving distance to Jodhpur from:
- Agra: 563 kms
- Ajmer: 200 kms
- Amritsar: 779 kms
- Bikaner: 243 kms
- Delhi: 589 kms
- Jaipur: 325 kms
- Jaisalmer: 308 kms
- Kota: 403 kms
- Mount Abu: 259 kms
- Mumbai: 984 kms
- Nagaur: 150 kms
- Udaipur: 266 kms
[ Edit ] Getting Around
Several city buses ply from Jodhpur to neighboring cities and towns. To travel within Jodhpur there are taxis and auto rickshaws. However both, taxis and auto rickshaws are unmetered and a lot of bargaining is required to reach a fair price.
[ Edit ] Other Information
Every year in October Jodhpur holds the annual Marwar festival showcasing the art and culture of the region.
Things to Do
Go for a traditional Rajasthani puppet show.
[ Edit ] Shopping
Jodhpur has a lot of shopping opportunities. Other than the regular Rajasthani handicrafts, Jodhpur is also known for its several antique shops.
Shops at the base of Chattar Hill sell doorways, caved balconies, windows, furniture, paintings and extensive varieties of miniatures.
The narrow lanes of Girdikot and Sardar Bazaar are great to buy handicrafts, textiles, silver jewellery, lacquer bangles, leather items, puppets etc.
[ Edit ] Food
For a expensive but memorable meal go to Ajit Bhawan Palace hotel or Umaid Bhawan Palace. The food is a bit more expensive at Umaid Bhawan but both have live music. It is better to make reservations in advance if you are not staying at the hotel.
In Jodhpur, try Makhania lassi, a very thick creamy lassi.
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