Jodhpur Travel Guide

Jodhpur Tales of Grandeur and Great Heroes. Set at the edge of Thar Desert, the second-largest city in Rajasthan, Jodhpur was once the capital of the Marwar state. It was founded in 1459 AD, by Rao Jodha-Chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed  to be descendants of Lord Rama-the epic hero of the Ramayana. A massive fort, Mehrangarh, topping a sheer rocky ridge in the middle of the town, dominates the city. The red stone of Jodhpur, the countless festivities  and the exquisite  handicrafts  flooding the bazaars are a treat to the visitors.

Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rajput clan known as the Rathores, founded Jodhpur in 1459. The Rathore Kingdom was once known as Marwar, the land of death.

Places of  Attraction

Mehrangarh  Fort: The 5 kms. long majestic fort on a 125 mts. high hill houses magnificent  palaces like the Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal  and the  Daulat Khana.  This is the most formidable fort in the fort-studded Rajasthan. The summit has three area: the palace ( northwest), a wide terrace to the east of the palace, and the strongly fortified  area to the south. The second gate is still scarred by cannonball hits, indicating that this was a fort that earned its keep. The gates, of which  there are seven, include  the Jayapol, built by Maharaja  Man Singh in 1806 following his victory over the armies of Jaipur and Bikaner, and the Fatehpool, or Victory  Gate, erected  by Maharaja  Ajit  Singh to Commemorate  his defeat  of the Mughals. The final gate is the Lohapol, or Iron Gate. Inside the fort, there is a series of courtyards and palaces.

The palace apartments have evocative names like the Sukh Mahal, or pleasure Palace, and the Phool  Mahal, or Flower Palace. They house a fabulous  collection  of Palanquins, howdahs, paintings, musical instruments and costumes dazzle  the visitors. At the southern end of the fort, old cannons look out from the ramparts over the sheer drop to the old town  beneath. The Chamunda Devi Temple, dedicated to Durga, stands at this end of the fort. Mehrangarh Fort Palace Museum has a magnificent collection of the Maharaja’s  memorabilia superbly maintained  and  presented.

Jaswant Thada: This white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II can  be  found  a short distance  from the fort, just off the  fort road. On the way to the Meherangarh is the cremation ground to the former rulers. A collection of royal cenotaphs, built in white marble, lies very close to the fort. Built in 1899, the cenotaph also houses portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur. There is some beautiful marble jail (lattice) work as well as some fine views from the terrace in front of the cenotaph.

Umaid Bhawan   Palace : The only palace to be built in the 20th century, it was meant to be a famine relief  project which gave employment to citizens  for 16 long years. Made of marble and pink sandstone, this immense palace is also known as the Chittaur Palace because of the local Chittaur sandstone used. Begun in 1929, it was designed by the president of the British Royal Institute of Architects for Maharaja  Umaid Singh, and took  15 years to complete. The palace is today run as a hotel while a part of it is still retained by the erstwhile royal family. The museum is worth a visit.

Girdikot  and Sardar Market: The heart of Jodhpur, colourful  markets throbbing  with activity, tiny  shops  dotting the narrow  lanes  and a wide range of handicrafts make this a specially  charming  area. The clock tower is a popular landmark in the old city. The vibrant Sardar Market is close to the tower, and the narrow alley lead from here to bazaars selling vegetables, spices, Indian sweets, textiles, silver and handicrafts.

Umaid Gardens and Sadar Government Museum : The Umaid Gardens  contain the Sardar Government Museum, the library and the zoo. The museum’s exhibits include moth-eaten stuffed animals, old weapons and sculptures.

Balsamand Lake and Gardens, Kailana Lake, Mahamandir Temple, Forts of Nagaur, Rohit Fort, Luni Fort are little further away from the city.

Shopping

The usual Rajasthani handicrafts are available here, but Jodhpur particularly specializes  in antiques . The greatest number of antique shops is along the road connecting the Ajit Bhawan  hotel  with the Umaid Bhawan  Palace. Once brides came here for their trousseau shopping because the dyes and print 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. Badalas or Zinc alloy pitchers used to carry water, covered  with felted  cloth, were an earlier version of today’s  water flask. Also wooden toys, leather  goods, paintings, jutes  and silver jewellery, all in the shops in the city.

Are you a travel agent? Register with us for leads and business opportunities.