Introduction: Jodhpur is a doorway to the wonderland
of sand dunes and shrubs, rocky terrain and thorny trees. The Mehrangarh
Forthome of the Rathroes - the awesome princely state of Rajasthan.
They conquered Marwar or Maroodesh, land of the sand after the fall
of Delhi and Kannauj.
In 1459 AD, Rao Jodha, chief of Rathore clan of Rajputs, who claimed
descent from Rama, the epic here of the Ramayana, laid the foundation
of Jodhpur. A high stone wall protects the well-fortified city.
The wall is nearly 10km in length and has eight gates facing various
directions.
Within, stands an imposing fort on a low range of sandstone hills,
about 125m above the surrounding plains. Invincible! And dauntless
in its league with time! The city lies at the foot of the hills.
The clear distinction between the old and thEnquiry Nowe new city
is visible from the ramparts of the fort. On the other side of the
city, facing the fort is the Umaid Bhawan Palace. One of the most
spacious, sprawling and well-planned palaces in India. And from
here, as you look at fort, a tantalizing view rises before your
eyes at sunset.
The peculiar slant of the sunset lends the desert landscape an awe-inspiring
glow and the people, a chivalry undaunted.
Sightseeing at Jodhpur -
Mehrangarh Fort : Jaswant ThadaThe magnificent City Palace is in the centre of the Mehrangarh fort is about 5km from Jodhpur Town. Guarding the city below, crowning a perpendicular cliff, the fort was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD when he shifted his capital from Mandore. Standing sentinel to the city below, it over looks the rugged and rocky terrain and houses a palace intricately adorned with long carved panels and latticed windows exquisitely wrought from red sandstone.
Jaswant Thada : Built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II , in 1899 , the imposing white marble memorial marks the site of a royal crematorium. The cenotaph houses portraits of successive rulers. These four cenotaphs commemorate notable acts of bravery, generosity of the four successive rulers.
Timings 0900 to 1700 hrs
Umaid Bhawan Palace : Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh (1929 -1942) and named after him, this exquisite palace is also known as Chittar Palace because of the local chittar sandstone used. It is a splendid example, of Indo-colonial and art deco style of the 30s. A unique feature of this palace is the fact that the hand chiseled sandstone blocks have been put together in a special system of interlocking, there is not mortar binding.
Mandore : MaEnquiry Nowndore was the capital of Marwar before the foundation of Jodhpur. Today, its extensive gardens with high rock terraces make it a popular local attraction. The highlight of this place is the "Hall of Heroes" which houses sixteen gigantic figures, chiseled out of one single rock. The statues are either of popular Hindu deities or famous folk Mandoredeities. The royal cenotaphs or "Devals" of Jodhpur rulers on a high plinth crowned with souring spires, ornate carving are amongst other attractions of the Mandore. The longest and fines of all cenotaphs, are those built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh and Maharaja Ajit Singh.
Oisan : This ancient town of Thar Desert, was a great trading center between 8th - 12th century. Today, it is a desert oasis with sixteen Brahamanical and Jain temples, beautifully sculpted and designed, most of which have stood ravages of time. The largest of these are Sachchiya mata temple and Mahavir Jain temple, which are both functional. This medieval town is surrounded by rows of sand dunes on western end. While in Osian watch out for lovely sunsets and camel rides.
Jodhpur Weather
Climate: Extreme Type
Summer temperature : Minimum: 37 °C - Maximum:
42 °C
Winter temperature: Minimum: 15.5 °C - Maximum:
27.5 °C
Annual rainfall: 31.87 cm.