Jodhpur
is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan. Representing this
colourful city with shades of blue, it has a history that is rich and a
present that beckons strongly to the discerning tourist. Forts and
palaces, temples and havelis, culture and tradition, spices and fabrics,
colour and texture, Jodhpur has them all and in plenty. Situated in
western Rajasthan, Jodhpur has long attracted both the domestic and
outside tourist.
It not only offers tangibles, in terms of what
you can see and buy but also fills one with a sense of history and the
splendors of an era gone forever. The hospitality of the locals, the
demure women, the colourful turban -all set against the unmerciful
desert is something to feel, not just see. Every pore of Jodhpur tells
its own tales of heroic tales that made legends out of kings and
soldiers, romances that continue to warm the heart and a time when epics
were lived out on the streets by everyday man.
A tour of
Jodhpur city will take you to the exquisite palaces, forts, temples and
havelis, or homes, which stand testimony to the imperial grandeur of the
erstwhile rulers of the state. The most alluring part of Jodhpur is the
traditional lifestyle and festivity, and the smiling people of this
former princely state. Come with Travel Point India for a perfect
holiday experience while on tour to Jodhpur.
Places to see
- Mehrangarh
Fort
Considered one of India's best forts, this invincible
stronghold of the Marwars sits on a steep hill lording over a
wonderful view of its surroundings. It is also a beautiful fort and
undoubtedly, the jewel. Intricate latticed windows, elaborately
carved panels and elegantly curved porches speak of beauty and
taste. No matter what part of the fort you are in, its ambience will
leave you in awe and your senses reeling. Take in the sight high up
on the rampart where the second largest cannon in Asia rests, the
recoil
of which requires an area as large as a football field. The fort is
visited by thousands of tourists every year who come to have a
glimpse of the artillery system of the Rajput warriors. One can have
a bird's eye view of the city from the fort.
- Jaswant Thada
Close to the fort complex, this 19th
century cenotaph was built in white marble, in commemoration of
Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Rare portraits of this city's past rulers
are also displayed here. Walk around and savour the intricate work
both on the lattices and the doors. The gardens and water tank built
in front of the cenotaph provide this place the perfect setting for
serenity.
- 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.
- Mahamandir Temple
Built in 1812 A.D. it is noteworthy
temple with 84 carved pillars.
Shopping in JodhpurWhile the shopping
centres of Jodhpur may not technically fall under the category of 'what
to see', the list would be quite incomplete without it. Renowned for its
tie and dye textiles, jootis, lacquerware, antiques, carpets and
puppets, make a trip to the Sadar Bazaar, where you will find all of the
above and more. Jodhpur has many a unique thing to decorate your home
and life with. Visit Mohanlal Verhomal's store for Indian spices, the
Umaid Bhawan/ Ajit Bhawan Road to shop for Antiques and don't miss the
Jodhpur Handloom House for beautiful Bandhni and Leheriya saris.
How
to Reach
- By Air
Indian Airlines operates flights from Jodhpur
to Delhi, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jaipur and Mumbai.
- By Bus
There are various buses from Jodhpur to
Udaipur, Jaipur, Ajmer, Jaisalmer, Ahmedabad and Delhi.
- By Train
There are rail connections to Jaisalmer,
Jaipur, Kota, Bikaner, Ahmedabad and Delhi.
