Where is Jodhpur?
The city of Jodhpur lies in the state of Rajasthan in northwestern India.
It forms the Desert Trio along with Jaisalmer and Bikaner, lying at the edge
of the Thar Desert.
What is the city famous for?
The city is famous for the gigantic Mehrangarh Fort built in the 15th
century AD. This fortress-city is now the second largest city of Rajasthan.
How will you gain access?
Jodhpur (256 km from Delhi) is connected by air to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai,
Jaipur and Udaipur. Rajasthan Roadways runs deluxe and air-conditioned buses
from Delhi (Bikaner House, near India Gate). The city lies on the Broad
Gauge and therefore connected to all the major metropolises of the country.
What does the climate say?
The city of Jodhpur has a typical desert climate. Summers are hot with
temperature rising up to 42.2 degrees centigrade. During the winters
temperature touches a minimum of 9.5 degrees centigrade. From July to
mid-September is the time of the monsoons with humidity reaching 90%.
What magnetises people?
» Mehrangarh Fort
The Mehrangarh Fort was founded by Rathore Rajputs in the 15th century. It
was erected when the Rathore Rajputs shifted their capital from nearby
Mandore to Jodhpur.
» Jaswant Thada
The Jaswant Thada is the traditional burial ground of the Jodhpur rulers.
It is situated halfway up the road that climbs onwards to the fort. One can
find the royal portraits and other possessions inside the main hall. The
white-marble memorial to Jaswant Singh II was built in 1899.
» Umaid Bhawan Palace
Built in marble and pink sandstone, the Umaid Bhawan Palace was designed by
the president of the British Royal Institute of Architects for Maharaja
Umaid Singh. The current Maharaja Gaj Singh II still lives in the palace. A
part of the palace has been now converted into a hotel.
» Mandore
Heading 9 km north of Jodhpur one arrives at Mandore. Mandore was the
erstwhile capital of Marwar before the foundation of Jodhpur. It was founded
in the 6th century. Today the chief attraction of the place is the extensive
Mandore Gardens with the cenotaphs of the Rathod rulers.
Which are the nearby hotels?
Taj Hari Mahal (5 Residency Road) and Umaid Bhawan Palace(3 km from
Airport) are the 5-star deluxe hotels in Jodhpur. Quality Inn Chandra (1 km
from Airport) is a 3-star providing with facilities like banquet hall,
exhibition hall, health and fitness centre, beauty parlour etc. Hotel Ratan
Vilas (3 km from Airport) is a Heritage hotel.
Where
should you shop?
Numerous stalls, busy bazaar streets and hand loom houses dominate the
Jodhpur markets. Intricately carved furniture items, ethnic clothes and
exquisite handicrafts can prove to be the best buys of the place. Other
items of shopping include turbans, lahangas, beads, mirrors, sequins,
special Jodhpuri shoes, tie and dye textiles etc. The chief marketplaces of
the city are Mochi Bazar and Kapra Bazaar. Don't forget to visit Sankhala
Handloom, Salawas Durry Udyog, Thar Handloom and National Handloom
Corporation.
