Rao Jodha who
claimed descent from Lord Rama (the hero of the epic Ramayana)
founded Jodhpur, the former capital of Marwar State, in 1459. The
city was built as a result of warring brothers, each of whom felt
the need to rule his own independent state. A flourishing trading
centre in the 16th century, Jodhpur is still one of the leading
centres for wood, cattle, camels, salt and agricultural crops.
However, the past is never very far away and Jodhpur boasts of
some very fine reminders of this glorious past - palaces, forts,
temples and other elegant monuments of architectural and
historical value.
(Distance from the Airport 5 Kms, Approx. time 15 Mins.)
Places of Interest
The massive fort
The massive fort
- Mehrangarh - came first and around it grew the city of
Jodhpur protected by a high stone wall with seven gates and
countless bastions. Today, the city has grown to become the
second largest city of Rajasthan while still maintaining its
medieval character.
Jaswant Thada
A collection of
royal cenotaphs, in white marble, lie very close to the fort.
Built in 1899, the centophs also house portraits of the rulers
of Jodhpur.
Girdikot and
Sardar Market
Located in the
heart of Jodhpur these colourful markets teem with activity.
Tiny shops dot the narrow lanes and their contents, a wide
range of Handicrafts, make this an especially charming area.
Mehrangarh
Fort
Spreading over 5
kms on a perpendicular hill and looking down from a height of
about 100 meters, the fort appears rugged and impenetrable
from outside, but houses some of the most intricately adorned
palaces with exquisitely carved panels and latticed windows.
Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Sheesh
Mahal (Mirror Palace), Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are some
of the important areas of visit and view the collection of
palanquins, howdahs royal radials, miniatures, musical
instruments, costumes and furniture. The cannons, placed
strategically on the ramparts are well preserved and
impressive.
Umaid Bhawan
Palace
It was meant to
be a famine relief project, which gave employment to citizens
for 16 long years of drought. An impressive sandstone
structure, the palace is today run as a hotel while a part of
it is still retained by the erstwhile royal family.
Mandore
The ancient
capital of Marwar lies 8 kms north of Jodhpur. This area is of
immense historical importance, but what makes it worthy of a
visit is the Hall of Heroes. Sixteen gigantic figures carved
out of a single rock depicting popular Hindu and folk deities
stand there in bright colours and we very well maintained. The
area is surrounded by landscaped gardens. Other areas of
interest are the Mahamandir Temple built in 1812 with 84
carved pillars, Kailana Lake which is 11 km away and quite
popular as a picnic spot.
