Jodhpur

250 km from Jaipur, also called "Blue City" is second city of Rajasthan. Founded by Rao Jodha is famous for Mehrangarh Fort, Umed Bhawan Palace, museum and handicrafts.

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 centuryA.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.

Culture
While the graceful palaces , forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts , folk dances music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city. The jumble of wide winding streets are flanked with pavement stalls. The lifestyle in jodhpur is unusually fascinating with folks wearing lovely multihued costumes, artistically designed. Women folk wear wide gathered skirts and a hip length jacket, with three quarter length sleeves , covering the front and back. The colorful turbans worn by the men folk add more color to the city . It was from here that the popularity worn baggy - tight, horse riding trousers - 'Jodhpurs', took their name.

Excursion

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.

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 onrnamental gardens and chattris is the fabulous white marble memorial to Jaswant Singh II, built in 1899. The cenotaphs of other rulers , in the same neighbourhood , are relatively simpler.

Inside the main hall are royal portraits and other possessions.

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.

Mahamandir Temple
Laterally , the great temple, is a place where sacred glory reigns in a peaceful tranquility. Situated on Mandore road, the temple is an architectural splendor, supported by 84 pillars and ornamented with detailed designs and figures depicting various postures of Yoga. The entire structure is marked by a unique and original style.

Osian
About 58km from Jodhpur on the diversion off the main Jodhpur-Bikaner Highway, is Osian, an oasis in the desert.

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 sculpted Jain and Brahmanical temples.

Of these the most outstanding ones are the earlier Surya or Sun Temple and the laterKali temple,Sachiya Mata Temple and the main temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira.

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.

TheFort 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 Dalip 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.

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Shopping
The usual Rajasthani handicraft are available here, but Jodhpur specialises in antiques. The Ajit Bhawan with the Umaid Bhawan and the well known Abani Handicraft is next to Tourist Bungalow. You will be hard pressed to find any bargains, though this is no reflection on the generally excellent quality of the goods available. The tie and dye fabric, embroidered ‘jutis’ or slippers in suede, cancel skin, velvet and more color to the city. It was form here that the popularly worn baggy-tight horse riding trousers, - "Jodhpurs", took their name.

Getting There
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 Train
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.

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