Jodhpur Information

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Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha. Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. The world famous Mehrangarh fort dominates the skyline. From its ramparts, one can see where the old city ends and the new one begins. It is fascinating wandering around the old parts of the city, browsing through the antique shops or experiencing the ambience of this chaotic, bustling, sun-struck city of red sand stone.

A resplendent city, Jodhpur has got a blend of both modern and traditional buildings. The expert talent that brings out life in sculptures carved on the walls of its palaces, forts, temples and havelis stand as testimony to the imperial grandeur of Jodhpur. The most attractive feature of this city is its traditional lifestyle, festivity and the people who have beautifully preserved their ethnicity within them.

The Legacy of the Jodhpur Past
Until recent times, the district of Jodhpur was known as Marwar. It was the largest kingdom in the Rajputana and the third largest of the Indian kingdoms, after Kashmir and Hyderabad.

The Jodhpur royalty comprised of Rathore Rajputs and originally hailed from Kanauj in Uttar Pradesh. Consolidating in the region, the Rathores ousted the local tribal leaders and settled at Pali, southeast of present-day Jodhpur. Later stationed at Mandore, the Rathores chose Jodhpur because of the superior natural fortifications that the city provided. The building of Mehrangarh Fort under Maharaja Rao Jodha only enhanced the natural fortifications and deterred marauding enemies. Every successor of Rao Jodha contributed his mite and the House of Marwar gained a pre-eminent position in the region. By the time of Rao Maldeo, Jodhpur was a flourishing entrepot at an intersection of caravan routes from China, Central Asia and Gujarat. The Muslim historian Farishta described Maldeo as ‘the most potent prince in Hindustan’.

Jodhpur Climate
Jodhpur is situated at the edge of the Thar Desert. It has a typical desert climate i.e. dry and hot. The ideal time to visit this place is the period between November and March. The city is like an oasis in the vast desert, with a variety of thorny shrubs all over the area. It also has some of the animal species that can survive in an arid and dry environment

Reaching Jodhpur

By Air
Indian Airlines connects Jodhpur with Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur and Bombay. Ratananda Airport is only 5 kms away from the city.

By Rail
Jodhpur is connected by rail with Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Lucknow, Ajmer, Ahmedabad, Mt. Abu, Udaipur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Barmer.

By Road
Jodhpur is connected by road with major tourist centers in Western Rajasthan by Rajasthan State Roadways Corporation.

Distances
Ajmer.....198 kms
Bikaner..240 kms
Delhi......592 kms
Jaipur....300 kms
Mt. Abu..264 kms
The Myriad Attractions of Jodhpur

Desert Safari
The Desert Circuit, as it is known, is a triangle made up of the cities of Jodhpur, Bikaner and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India. The three cities are surrounded by sand dunes and picturesque Thanis [small hamlets of no more than half a dozen houses] – making it an ideal area for a camel safari. Time and budget permitting, one can either take an entire trail combining these three cities or travel around just one of the cities.

Mehrangarh Fort
Situated on a steep hill, the 5 km long majestic Mehrangarh Fort on a 125 metre high hill is one of the largest forts in India. It has been a witness to the splendour of a bygone era. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrate a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures. To enter the fort, seven gates have to be crossed. Some of these gates still bear marks of numerous sieges which this fort withstood. 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. Noteworthy 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.

Village Safaris
It has become a popular tourist attraction. Many agencies are offering a trip by jeep to the surrounding villages to see the local way of life. Settlements of the Bishnoi Tribal Community who are famous for their reverence for plant and animal life can be seen in the villages. These trips offer good opportunity to buy rugs and handicrafts. Visitors are shown how villagers make dhurries and can try making pots, grinding grain and firing slingshots

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 .

Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada is a marble pillared memorial (cenotaph) built in 1899, dedicated to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, by his wife after his death. People often compare this memorial to the Taj Mahal, because both are symbolic of eternal love. You can get a panoramic view of the city from this place.

Girdikot and Sardar Market
These colourful markets are located in the heart of Jodhpur. Narrow alleys lead to quaint little shops selling textiles, antiques, silverware and a wide range of handicrafts. Nearby is the clock tower which is a prominent landmark.

Government Museum
Nestling in the middle of the Umaid Public Garden, this museum houses a rich collection of exhibits - armory, textiles, local arts and crafts, miniature paintings. Portraits of rulers, manuscripts and images of Jain Tirthankars

Excursions From Jodhpur

Balsamanad Lake
Located 7kms from Jodhpur is the Balsamund Lake surrounded by garden built in 1159.A European style palace constructed in 1936, looms over the lake. Although its internal structures are in a European style, it has entirely traditional and beautifully carved red sand stone facade. The lake a popular excursion spot has been converted into a public park and bird sanctuary. The Balsamund Palace offers comfortable accommodation in a peaceful surrounding.

Khimsar Fort
Situated at a distance of 90 km from Jodhpur, in the district of Nagaur, the Khimsar Fort Palace, offers a unique regal experience. The magnificent Fort, on the edge of the great Thar Desert, reflects the glory of the then Maharaja in its many invincible battle scarred walls and turrets. Take a ride to the Fort Palace and capture the excitements of confronting the historically rich city of Khimsar with its many untold stories of valiance and chivalry.

Mandore Gardens
The ancient capital of Marwar has cenotaphs of the Jodhpur rulers. The Hall of Heroeshas 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.

Nagaur
Popular for Nagaur Fair, in the month of Jan and Feb, the city attracts lots of tourist from all over the world. The City lies 135 km from Jodhpur and endorse an impressive fort and exotic murals.

Osian
Located at about 65 kms. from Jodhpur, The temples of Osian belong to two periods. The Jain Mahavir Temple is unique among the Osian temples, with the vaulted design of its hall-ceiling. The main Sachiya Mata Temple was constructed in 1178 AD and has a shikhar clustered by two rows of turrets and a large assembly hall

Dhawa Doli Wildlife Sanctuary:
40 km south west of Jodhpur, one can spot blackbucks, partridges, desert fox and blue bull or neelgai at this sanctuary

Sardar Samand Lake& Palaces:
55 kms away is enchanting, while the drive there is made charming by the herds of Chinkara and Black Bucks which cross your path.

Salwas
Salawas is a handicraft centre, famous for weaving durries (Indian carpets). The durries have intricate designs and great colour schemes. One can also find hand-woven and block-printed cloth for bed sheets.

Rohet Fort
About 40 km from Jodhpur lies Rohet Fort. The fort has now been converted into a heritage hotel. It is in this village that Bruce Chatwin wrote The Songlines and William Dalrymple began The City of Djinn.

Khichan
Midway between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, Khichan is a tiny village, which is a feeding ground for demoiselle cranes. Between September and March, an estimated 7000 cranes arrive here. Do not forget your camera if visiting here as you will regret missing some brilliant photos

Festivals of Jodhpur

The Marwar Festival
The Marwar festival at Jodhpur is a two-day festival is devoted mainly to traditional dances and drama from the Marwar region. It is held in October every year.

Nagaur festivals (Jan- feb)
Nagaur bustles with life during its annual cattle fair which is one of the largest in the country. Exciting games and camel races are part of the festivities. Nagaur awakens to bustling life every year with the thronging of cattle, horses and camels accompanied by their turbaned owner and eager buyers. This cattle fair held annually is supposed to be one of the largest in the country.

The RTDC puts up a Tourist Village to provide accommodation for the tourists visiting Nagaur during the fair

Shopping in Jodhpur
Jodhpur is well known for its bazaars teeming with articles, typical of Rajasthan. The goods will simply fascinate you!!. The tie and dye garments, linen and mirror work glittering with an iridescence of intricate embroidery. The zinc water bottles (badha), ivory curios, beautifully carved wooden handicrafts and embroidered shoes are available in Jodhpur.Principal shopping areas include Sojati Gate, Girdikot, Ada Bazaar, Khanda Falsa and Lakhara Bazaar