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Jodhpur
Jodhpur is the second largest city in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan. It is increasingly becoming popular as a tourist destination, thanks largely to some monumental forts in the region and its proximity to the vast Thar Desert. Jodhpur is located in a strategically crucial point on the road that links the western Indian state Gujarat with the country’s capital New Delhi.
In the history of India, this region had been a silent witness to the violent rivalry between the Mugals, who ruled Delhi, and the Marathas, who ruled the states in the western part of India. It was in 1459 that Jodhpur rose to prominence when Rao Jodha (from whom the region got its name), a powerful Rajput king who headed the Rathore dynasty that ruled a kingdom known as Marwar, made Jodhpur the capital of his kingdom.
Apart from famous religious festivals like Dussera (October), Diwali (October), Vinayak Chathurdhi (September) and Holi (February/ March), one important fair and festival celebrated in Jodhpur is International Desert Kite Festival held during January month.
In the history of India, this region had been a silent witness to the violent rivalry between the Mugals, who ruled Delhi, and the Marathas, who ruled the states in the western part of India. It was in 1459 that Jodhpur rose to prominence when Rao Jodha (from whom the region got its name), a powerful Rajput king who headed the Rathore dynasty that ruled a kingdom known as Marwar, made Jodhpur the capital of his kingdom.
Apart from famous religious festivals like Dussera (October), Diwali (October), Vinayak Chathurdhi (September) and Holi (February/ March), one important fair and festival celebrated in Jodhpur is International Desert Kite Festival held during January month.
| State | : | Rajasthan |
| Location | : | Jodhpur District, Rajasthan |
| District Area | : | 75.50 sq. km. |
| Altitude | : | 230 metres above sea level |
| Population | : | 8,46,408 |
| Sex Ratio | : | 907 females : 1000 males |
| Literacy | : | 67% |
| ISD/STD Code | : | +91 291 |
| Best time to visit | : | October - March |
| Rainfall | : | 31 cms |
| Temperature | : | Summer: Min. 27.3°C to Max. 42.2°C Winter: Min. 9.5°C to Max. 27.5°C |
| Climate | : | Hot and Dry climate |
| Clothing | : | Summer: Light tropical Winter: Light woolen |
| Local Languages | : | English, Hindi, Marwari |
Mehrangarh Fort
The 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 metre high hill is one of the most impressive and formidable structures. Although invincible from the outside, the fort has four gates approached by a winding road. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels , latticed windows and evocative names. Not worthy of these are the Moti Mahal, the Phool Mahal, the Sheesh Mahal, the Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana. These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant hawdahs, miniature paintings of various schools, musical instruments, costumes and furniture.
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.
Girdikot and Sardar Market
These colourful markets with tiny shops dotting the narrow lanes are situated in the heart of the city and are popular for a wide range of handicrafts, making them the favorite haunt of shoppers.
Museum
The museum has an exquisite ensemble of paintings, sculptures and antique weapons.
Jaswant Thada
A cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899 A.D. in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers.
EXCURSIONS
Balsamand Lake and Gardens (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 ancient capital of Marwar has cenotaphs of the Jodhpur rulers. The Hall of heroes has fifteen figures carved out of the rock on the wall which represent Hindu deities. Its beautiful gardens with high rock terraces make it a popular picnic spot.
Mahamandir Temple (9 km)
Built in 1812 A.D. it is noteworthy temple with 84 carved pillars.
Kailana Lake (11 km)
The beautiful lake is an ideal picnic spot.
Osian (58 km)
An oasis in the desert, situated on the diversion off the main Jodhpur-Bikaner Highway. A drive to this ancient township takes one past undulating terrain,punctuated by desert stretches and little hamlets.
Osian has 15 beautifully sculptured Jain and Brahmanical temples. Of these the most outstanding ones are the earlier Surya or Sun Temple and the later Kali temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and the main Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira.
Dhawa (45 km)
A wildlife sanctuary with the largest number of Indian antelopes.
Nagaur (135 km)
An imposing fort with beautiful murals. It is also the venue for a beautiful murals. It is also the venue for a week long cattle fair held in Jan/Feb every year.
Rohit Fort (40 km)
Now a heritage hotel, the fort is worth a visit.
Luni Fort (20 km)
Now converted into a heritage hotel, this fort and its surroundings are worth a visit.
The 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 metre high hill is one of the most impressive and formidable structures. Although invincible from the outside, the fort has four gates approached by a winding road. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels , latticed windows and evocative names. Not worthy of these are the Moti Mahal, the Phool Mahal, the Sheesh Mahal, the Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana. These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant hawdahs, miniature paintings of various schools, musical instruments, costumes and furniture.
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.
Girdikot and Sardar Market
These colourful markets with tiny shops dotting the narrow lanes are situated in the heart of the city and are popular for a wide range of handicrafts, making them the favorite haunt of shoppers.
Museum
The museum has an exquisite ensemble of paintings, sculptures and antique weapons.
Jaswant Thada
A cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899 A.D. in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers.
EXCURSIONS
Balsamand Lake and Gardens (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 ancient capital of Marwar has cenotaphs of the Jodhpur rulers. The Hall of heroes has fifteen figures carved out of the rock on the wall which represent Hindu deities. Its beautiful gardens with high rock terraces make it a popular picnic spot.
Mahamandir Temple (9 km)
Built in 1812 A.D. it is noteworthy temple with 84 carved pillars.
Kailana Lake (11 km)
The beautiful lake is an ideal picnic spot.
Osian (58 km)
An oasis in the desert, situated on the diversion off the main Jodhpur-Bikaner Highway. A drive to this ancient township takes one past undulating terrain,punctuated by desert stretches and little hamlets.
Osian has 15 beautifully sculptured Jain and Brahmanical temples. Of these the most outstanding ones are the earlier Surya or Sun Temple and the later Kali temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and the main Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira.
Dhawa (45 km)
A wildlife sanctuary with the largest number of Indian antelopes.
Nagaur (135 km)
An imposing fort with beautiful murals. It is also the venue for a beautiful murals. It is also the venue for a week long cattle fair held in Jan/Feb every year.
Rohit Fort (40 km)
Now a heritage hotel, the fort is worth a visit.
Luni Fort (20 km)
Now converted into a heritage hotel, this fort and its surroundings are worth a visit.
A desert type climate is prevailing in Jodhpur. Summers (March - June) are severely hot and weary with temperature levels ranges between 36°C and 42°C. Winters during December to February are pleasant with mild cool atmosphere. Temperature levels during winters range within 10°C to 24°C. Monsoons during July to September offer low to medium rainfalls, varying the quantum year to year. It's very hot even during monsoons.
By Air:
Jodhpur airport is connected to Jaipur, Delhi, Udaipur and Mumbai by daily regular flights. The Airport is nearly 5 km away from the city center. Taxi charges about Rs 150 and three wheeled rickshaw cost about Rs 50 from airport to city. Delhi is the nearest international airport, which is well connected to all major cities in India and abroad. Delhi is nearly 600 km away from Jodhpur.
By Railway:
Jodhpur railhead is an important junction in the North Western railway zone in India. Jodhpur is well connected to all major cities in India including Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Jaipur, Jailsalmer and Mumbai.
By Road:
Rajasthan Road Transport Corporation provides bus services to all cities in Rajasthan from Jodhpur. Private deluxe buses are available from Jaipur (345 km), Delhi (600 km), Jaisalmer (290 km), Bikaner (240 km) and Agra (580 km). The deluxe bus charges varies between Rs 3 to Rs 4 per kilometer.
Jodhpur airport is connected to Jaipur, Delhi, Udaipur and Mumbai by daily regular flights. The Airport is nearly 5 km away from the city center. Taxi charges about Rs 150 and three wheeled rickshaw cost about Rs 50 from airport to city. Delhi is the nearest international airport, which is well connected to all major cities in India and abroad. Delhi is nearly 600 km away from Jodhpur.
By Railway:
Jodhpur railhead is an important junction in the North Western railway zone in India. Jodhpur is well connected to all major cities in India including Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Jaipur, Jailsalmer and Mumbai.
By Road:
Rajasthan Road Transport Corporation provides bus services to all cities in Rajasthan from Jodhpur. Private deluxe buses are available from Jaipur (345 km), Delhi (600 km), Jaisalmer (290 km), Bikaner (240 km) and Agra (580 km). The deluxe bus charges varies between Rs 3 to Rs 4 per kilometer.
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