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Jodhpur Travel Guide
¤ The Great Jodhpur Legend
 Located
on the periphery of the Thar desert, Jodhpur is second largest city in
Rajasthan after Jaipur. According to one fable when Lord Rama, hero of
the Hindu epic Ramayana wanted to cross the ocean to rescue
his wife Sita, who had been abducted by the demon-king Ravana, he was
turned back by the Sea-God. Furious, Rama mounted his arrow to dry up
the ocean forcing the Lord of the Sea to retreat. However the arrow
once mounted had to be discharged, and Rama fired it into another body
of water located in western Rajasthan, thus drying it up. This is the
area known as Marwar or Marusthali or the land of the dead.
¤ The Challenging Climate of Jodhpur
Here the summer sizzles, the hot dry winds scorches the flesh, the
winters chill the bone marrow and years pass by without rainfall. Like
the mystery of the Bermuda triangle where a number of ships and planes
have disappeared never to be found again; so too at Marwar countless
caravans of camels have known to have vanished without a trace. This
is the general topography of Jodhpur, which was once the capital city
of the Marwar. Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha of the Rathore dynasty,
the place is not surprisingly named after him. Rao Jodha’s sixth
son Rao Bika it may be mentioned founded the city of Bikaner some 30
years later, and extended the sphere of influence of the Rathores all
across the Marwar region of western Rajasthan.
Quick bytes
| Area : |
75.50 sq. km |
Altitude :
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230 metres |
| Climate : |
Summer 42.2°C (MAX) - 27.3°C (MIN) Winter 27.5°C
(MAX) - 9.5°C (MIN) |
| Rainfall : |
31 centimeters |
| Best Season : |
October - March |
| Clothing : |
Summer - Light tropical Winter - Light Woollen |
| Language : |
Marwari, Hindi, English |
¤ Jaisalmer Fort
If the Jaisalmer fort is known as an architectural masterpiece, the
Jodhpur fort is no less and you can see it looming in the horizon long
before you enter the city. The incline on which the Meherangarh Fort
was built was known as Bakharchiriya or bird’s nest, and today
the top of the castle presents a bird’s eye view of the entire
city and its suburbs.
The circumstances, which led to the foundation of Jodhpur bears an
uncanny resemblance to the founding of the other desert city of
Jaisalmer. Like Jaisal who shifted his capital from Lodurva to
Jaisalmer as his earlier capital was too vulnerable to invasions; so
too did Rao Jodha move from Mandore to Jodhpur as the earlier city was
not secure enough. and incredibly the advice once again came from a
hermit who advised Rao Jodha to shift his base. If Jaipur is known as
the ‘pink city’ then Jodhpur can be called the ‘blue
city’ because its traditional homes are often painted in pale
blue colour. According to one story, a few hundred years ago the
Brahmins of Jodhpur had painted their houses in pale blue because they
discovered that the colour repels mosquitoes. and till some time ago
the colour blue signified that it was the residence of a Jodhpuri
Brahmins.
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¤ Main Attractions in
Jodpur |
Being one of the fascinating
destination of Rajasthan, Jodhpur is dotted with number of big and
small attractions.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
The palace was constructed by Maharaja Umaid Singh. The main motive
of constructing this palace was to provide occupation to his people
during long drawn famine in the early 20 th century. This was a
perfect example of early modern period architecture. Umaid Bhawan
palace forms the grandest private royal houses of the world. Some
portion of this grand palace has been converted into a luxurious hotel
and a museum. » Mehrangarh Fort The Mehrangarh Fort is an
architectural marvel, which stands proudly on a 125 m long hill. It
spreads over an area of around 5 km and is one of the largest forts in
India. The Fort was built in 1459 AD and stands as a reminder of the
royal splendor and bravery of those times. This imposing structure,
which overlooks the city of Jodhpur, has a good collection of royal
accouterments on exhibition besides housing a number of charming
palaces.
Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada lies quite close to the Mehrangarh Fort complex. It was
built in 1899 AD in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and houses
the cenotaphs of a number of Rajput royals. The main cenotaph has rare
portraits of many Rajput rulers on display. If you travel to Jodhpur,
this is a place you must visit.
Architectural Splendor of Jodhpur
Given the rough terrain it is not surprising that the architecture of
the city was influenced by it. Desert architecture is noted for two
distinct traits, the need to guard against the heat and to fortify
itself against invasions. Fortifications tend to merge with the colour
of the land, providing it with a natural camouflage.
The Meherangarh Fort
Fort at Jodhpur is such that the fort walls and the sheer basalt
escarpment are not distinguishable, one from the other. Huge gates at
the entrance are fitted with iron nails to prevent elephants from
bringing them down. The palaces and the mansions within the complex
are more delicately designed. The chief palaces you can see in the
fort are the Phool Mahal, the Moti Mahal, the Jhanki Mahal, the Sheesh
Mahal and the Sadar Vilas.
Nearby lies the Umaid Bhavan Palace (Built by the former Jodhpur
Maharaja Umaid Singh), one of the largest residences in the world, and
alongside it is the Ajit Palace the house built by Umaid Singh for his
younger brother.
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¤ Excursions |
Balsamand Lake and Garden (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 former capital of Marwar, north of Jodhpur. Worth seeing are the
old cenotaphs and caves in the crags, which once sheltered ascetics.
The exquisite landscaped gardens come alive with peacocks and monkeys
and the sprawling greenery of sacred peepal, banyan, bottle-brush,
pomegranate, palm & plantains and bubbling fountains are a feast
for the eyes. Set against a rocky wall is a pillared compound, housing
the "Hall of Heroes" and "Shrine" of the 330
million gods.
Sardar Samand Lake (55 Km)
Rajasthan's village life comes into view on the way here. Chinkara
and black buck might frisk past to break the monotony of the drive.
Guda Bishnoi (25 Km)
these are immaculately kept villages of the Bishnoi community-staunch
believers in the sanctity of plant and animal life. Khejri trees and
deer thrive in these village.
Mahamandir Temple (9 km)
Just nine kilometeres from Jodhpur lies Mahamandir temples which was
constructed in 1812 A.D. The temple is beautifully carved out 84
pillars and has more architectural splendor. It was constructed in the
year 1812 and carries delicate stone work.
Kailana Lake (11 Km)
This is an ideal picnic spot and is located 11 kms from Jodhpur.
Spanning over an area of 84 sq kms, it is a charming picnic spot which
offer spectacular view of the sunset.
Jhalamand Garh (10 Km)
Just 10 kms from Jodhpur is the Jhalamand Garh which was constructed
as the 18 th centuary fort and carries a profound aura of regal
family. You can have some scenic view of the Jodhpur town from the
fort. The fort have around 18 rooms and since it has been converted
into a heritage hotel, it provides Rajasthani and continental cuisine
on request.
Luni Fort (35 Km)
Just 35 kms from Jodhpur, you have the popular Luni fort which is
been converted into a heritage hotel. It has intricate Jharokas and
have traditional paintings.
Osiyan
The other worthwhile excursion around the city is Osiyan. Situated
about 60 km away from Jodhpur, it houses some of the most exquisite
Jain and Hindu temples you will find in entire Rajasthan.
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¤ The Exquisite Interiors
of the Palaces |
The interiors of the palaces are superb, with the walls painted with
a number of motifs in a rich mosaic of colours. The Sheesh Mahal in
which tiny mirrors were embedded into the walls and ceilings was an
idea, which the Jodhpur royalty picked up from the Mughal empire at
Delhi. The stained glass windows let in the brilliant sunlight; while
master painters executed beautiful miniatures which would sweep your
breath away. Suffice to say that the fort at Jodhpur is one of the
marvels of Rajasthan and an example of the skill of the stone carvers
of Jodhpur. The grim façade of the fort contrasts greatly with
the airy, lacy textures of the zenanas or women’s quarters. The
Phool Mahal in particular is lavishly gold-plated and painted with
medallions portraying former Jodhpur rulers. Painters visiting Jodhpur
were extended all royal courtesies and patronage due to them. For the
royal women who had to be shielded from prying eyes of men as purdah
was very much in vogue, they often sat behind latticed screens and
windows which were carved with almost lace-like fineness.
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¤ Arts & Crafts of
Jodhpur |
In their solitude, women became great patrons of art and really set
the trend for the entire city of Jodhpur. Artists were hired to paint
all the ceilings and walls, and embellish the pillars and arches. The
fabrics they wore were hand-printed and were specially designed for
them by master craftsmen. Rather like the ‘haute couture’ or
high fashion of today. Family jewellers made the newer and more exotic
jewels and they usually wore silver slippers decorated with
multi-coloured threads and beads. Later Jodhpur became the epi-centre
of western Rajasthan as far as enamelling of jewellery is concerned,
and enamelled silver and gold ornaments for the neck called timniya
are much in vogue here.
But, what really put the city on the map of the world was the
invention of ‘Jodhpurs’ or riding breeches. Invented by Sir
Pratap Singh, the most famous ruler of Jodhpur who reigned in the
1870s he was a keen horse rider. As his traditional pyjamas would get
torn when he mounted his horse, he invented this item of clothing to
meet his riding needs. Pratap Singh also invented the close-collared
Jodhpuri coat, and Jodhpuri boots which became the staple dress at the
court. Another interesting craft of Jodhpur is the painting of camel
hide skins with gold to make small containers for storing asha, the
precious liqueur that is a popular beverage in Jodhpur. Constituted of
distilled rose or saffron embellished with crushed pearls and ground
gold, with chunks of goat and sheep brains added on which are believed
by the locals to be aphrodisiacs. Jodhpur cuisine is generally a
question of making-do. With little chance of vegetables or pulses
growing in the desert, dry meat preparations of venison or rabbit-meat
are the favourites.
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¤ Dance & Music |
Rajputs brought along with them dance and music to the desert. The
instruments they play are housed in the Meherangarh Fort Museum, and
on full moon nights you can watch balladeers playing their melodies,
which can be enthralling for any visitor. Jodhpur is also home to
several folk dance forms. Although different communities have their
own distinctive dances, the most bewitching one is the tera talli
dance. The women sit in a cross-legged position in tera talli and
clash their cymbals loudly as they sway from side to side. As the beat
quickens they place terracotta pots on their heads and in their mouths
they insert a naked sword. The other electrifying dance is performed
by snake-charmers, and is called the sapera dance. The other dance
popular in Jodhpur as all over Rajasthan is the ghoomar which is
performed on festive occasions by women in their homes.
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¤ Fairs & Festivals |
The major festival held in the Marwar area is the Maand Festival
which is held during the Hindu month of Ashwin (September-October).
The festival goes on for two days and is devoted to music and dance,
which provides a good opportunity to the folk dancers who congregate
there to to display their skills and provide some lively entertainment
to the public. The folk music has a romantic has a lyrical and
romantic appeal to it. The music concentrates on the lives of Jodhpur’s
rulers, the battles they fought along with other valiant heroes who
are immortalised in their songs. The two day extravaganza is held at
the fort and the beautiful Umaid Bhavan Palace. Other events at the
festival are a camel tattoo show and polo. At Mandore a short distance
away from Jodhpur lies a gallery of statues of belonging to the heroes
of Marwar. In their honour, an annual fair is held called the Veerpuri
Fair.
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¤ Shopping in Jodhpur |
Jodhpur is considered a paradise for
shoppers. Being a Rajasthan city, Jodhpur have famous Bandhini and
Lehariya textile. It is a block prined textike and is available in
number of range.
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¤ Getting There |
Fly Away :
Major airport is 5 kms from downtown and is well connected with
Indian airlines. Delhi and Mumbai are usually the major flights which
connects Jaipur and Udaipur.
On Track :
The city is well connected by rail and with major cities in North and
West India. Jodhpur junction is well linked to Delhi by the Mandore
express, to Mumbai by the Ranakpur express and to Kolkata by Howrah -
Jodhpur express.
On Wheels : Jodhpur is a well connected city and is linked to
some of the major cities like Agra, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Mumbai and
Udaipur.
Major Tour Packages To Rajasthan
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