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India Travel Guide » Rajasthan Travel Guide » Jodhpur Travel Guide Jodhpur Travel Guide Jodhpur History : Set at the edge of the Thar desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century A.D. Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. A major trade centre of the 16th century A.D. the fortress-city of Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. How to Reach By Air : Jodhpur is well connected to all the major cities which includes Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Jaipur, Udaipur. By Bus : Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe & air conditioned buses from Delhi (Bikaner House, Nr. India Gate) to Jodhpur. The roads are very good, and it takes around 8-9 hrs from Jodhpur. You can also come by taxi. By Rail : Jodhpur is on the Broad Gauge and hence connected to all the metro cities of India. There are daily trains from Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai & Kolkata. Getting Around : In the city you can travel by un-metered auto-rickshaws, buses, cycle-rickshaws or you can also use car cabs and car-taxi. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation operates of Jodhpur from 8.30 to 1.00 pm and 2 to 6 pm. The tour starts from the Tourist Bungalow. Places to See : Mehrangarh Fort Mehrangarh Fort was founded in 15th century by the Rathore Rajputs when they shifted their capital from nearby Mandore to Jodhpur.Mehrangarh appears to rise from bluff-coloured sandstone hill itself , so well built into the base that it is difficult to tell where the hill ends and the walls begin. It is approached by a series of seven gateways set at an angle so that armies could not charge them with any success. Past the gates, the fort-palace takes one's breath away . Across from huge courtyards are the set wings of palatial apartments that have been built over five centuries of bristling history. Today, managed as a museum by the royal trust that maintains it, only some of the more spectacular palaces of Mehrangarh are open to the visitors .These consists of Moti Mahal with its pierced screen windows overlooking the coronation seat where the Rathore ruler have been ritually anointed to rule ; Jhanki Mahal , the apartment from where the zenana women would watch ceremonial events ; Chandan Mahal, where affairs of state were discussed ; the royal Darbar Takhat or throne room with its octagonal throne ; and the Rang Mahal where the maharaja would play Holi with his Zenana .Also noteworthy are Sheesh Mahal , Phool Mahal , Umaid Vilas and Maan Vilas , while a large tent seized from the Mughals in battle is spread for viewing in what has came to be referred to as the Tent Room . Mehrangarh from the outside is impressive, and certainly forbidding. There is a surprizing lightness to it though, once actually within the fort. Jaswant Thada About Jaswant Thada The Jaswant Thada, located half way up the interminably long road that climbs onwards to the fort, is the traditional cremation ground of the rulers of Jodhpur. Taking pride of place amongst the ornamental gardens and chattris is the fabulous white marble memorial to Jaswant Singh II, built in 1899. The cenotaphs of other rulers , in the same neighborhood , are relatively simpler. Umaid Bhawan Palace Constructed of marble and pink sandstone this immense palace is also known as the Chhittar Palace because it uses local Chittar sandstone. Begun in 1929, it was designed by president of the British Royal Institute of Architects for Maharaja Umaid Singh and took 15 years to complete. Probably the most surprising thing about this grandiose palace is that it was built so close to Independence, after which Maharajas and their grand extravagances were a thing of the past. Umaid Singh died in 19478, four years after the palace was completed; the current Maharaja Gaj Singh II, still lives in part of the building. The rest has been converted into a hotel. Museum The museum has fine collection of sculptures, weapons and stuffed animals, including almost featherless desert birds in two glass cases. The military section includes wooden biplane models. Bal Samand Lake A pretty lake with a pleasure or summer palace, the Balsamand palace, on its banks. These are built around the artificial lake constructed in 1159 AD. Luni Fort Fort Chanwa of Luni is an exceptional example of Elegance and Symmetry in Indian architecture of the last century. The entire fortress is carved out of the famous red sandstone of Jodhpur and with its ornately carved lattice work friezes and intricate Jherokas it exquisitely captures the romance and grace of a bygone age. The Fort is composed of a lyrical complex of courtyards, towers, water-wheels, stables, passages and unexpected stairways to secret pavilions and panoramic roof tops spanning the village below and the Thar horizon beyond. The traditional paintings on the walls harmoniously reflect the skill of the master craftsmen and the bygone days. The village of Luni nestles in the shadow of the Fort walls and is a hub of activity with its many artisans fashioning metal, clay or wood into intricate forms and demonstrating the skills passed down over the centuries by their ancestors. The Fort has been beautifully restored to its former glory by its owners Maharaj Dilip singhji, the youngest son of H.H. Maharaja Umaid Singhji and his wife Rani Madhu. Each room has been created and decorated with its own particular charm and the many courtyards, verandahs and gardens all offer a setting and ambiance set to capture your heart. | ||||