Ever bathed with the sand of the desert that spells
its magic and mystic through the golden hue over the entire near by periphery
and more. Well in the desert land of Rajasthan we have a lot of great destinations
to visit and explore. With time it just gets better and better. From adventure
to history, from shopping to food you have it all. All you need is good
holiday timing and also the right kind of budget that suits your pocket
to experience all that the state has to offer.
A 10 km long wall surrounds the old city of Jodhpur with eight gates serving
as entrances. The new city is settled around this walled area. The Maruthal
or 'land of death' came into life when the Rathores of Kanauj moved in.
In Jodhpur, there is absolute potential and ability as far as fine craftsmanship
is concerned, the sculptors comes to life in its exquisite palaces, forts,
temples and havelis, which stand testimony to the imperial grandeur. The most
exciting and adventurous part of Jodhpur is the traditional lifestyle, festivity
and the smiling people who just love this state. The tradition and the culture
exhibited in the city is an absolute treat to the foreigners. It is a very
warm and friendly feeling meted out by these folks.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS AND PLACES TO VISIT
FORTS
Mehrangarh Fort – This fort stands strong on the steep hill, Mehrangarh
fort is considered to be one of the largest forts in India and Rajasthan is
the proud state that possesses this fort. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous
palaces in the fort tell us a story of hard stones and the jodhpuri sculptures.
PALACES
Umaid Bhawan Palace - 20th century saw the existence of the very famous Umaid
Bhavan under the famine relief programme, has now been converted into a hotel
with some parts being retained as a museum.
Jaswant Thada - The 19th century royal cenotaph is built in white marble,
in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Some rare portraits of the rulers
of Jodhpur are also displayed here.
MUSEUMS
Government Museum - This museum has a rich possession of various artifacts
and weapons, textiles, miniature portraits, local crafts and images of Jain
Tirthankars. It is situated in the middle of the Umaid public gardens.
EXCURSIONS
CITIES
Mandore: Mandore is a small city that is situated towards the north of Jodhpur.
It is just 8 kms from the city. The main focal attractions of the place are
the Hall of Heroes with sixteen huge figures carved out of a single rock,
the shrine of 330 million Gods and the royal cenotaphs.
TEMPLES
Ossian: Ossian n is an ancient city that is 65-km from Jodhpur.This city is
famous for the Brahmanical and Jain temples that are the major religions followed
in the peripheral areas, which belong to 8th and 11th century. Surya or Sun
temple and the Sachiya temples are famous for their beauty and vigor they
exhibit to the followers and devotees. The 'shikhar' of the Sachiya temple
is amidst the cluster of two rows of turrets, an ambulatory and a large assembly
hall with an elaborate ceiling.
LAKES AND PALACES
Balsamand Lake & Palace: This is one among the other artificial lakes
found in the state of Rajasthan .It is a beautiful and very picturesque artificial
lake that is 7 kms from the main city. Summer palaces along the embankment
and a bird sanctuary have made it a picnic spot.
Sardar Samand Lake and Palace: Rajasthani village life and vibrant cultural
colors are a part of this state and it comes alive as you drive along the
55 kms stretch and witness this beautiful clean lake. The monotony of the
drive is broken by Chinkaras and Black Bucks who frisk pass the road.
Shopping in Jodhpur
Although the entire Rajasthan is known for its hand made items and handicrafts,
printed textile materials, handloom textiles and also Jewellery, furniture.
Every city in Rajasthan has its specialty and they take pride in these industries,
which seem to be as an asset for the folks there. Moreover it also provides
employment for many workers who specialize in this industry of art and culture.
Jodhpur also deals with world-class leatherwork and rugs. The markets of Jodhpur
are also less crowded and provide a pleasant shopping experience. Some of
the best places to go shopping in Jodhpur are the Rajasthan Arts Emporium,
Umaid Bhawan Palace Road, Station Road, Tripolia Bazar, Mochi Bazar and the
area around the clock tower.
Rajasthali, is the official handicraft emporium which is considered to be
a great place to shop with a wide range of traditional arts and crafts on
display. The Rajasthan Arts Emporium and Rajasthan Arts and Crafts House are
also well known in the arena of shopping in Rajasthan. You can shop for traditional
leather shoes, triangular leather stools and folding chairs made from camel
leather on Umaid Bhawan Palace Road and the High Court Road.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Jodhpur has its own airport and regular flight services connect
the city with other major cities in and around Rajasthan.
Rail: The city is also well connected by the railway lines and trains
are available for other major cities in the country from here. The 'Palace
on Wheels' also visits this city of royal splendor.
Road: The state transport has bus services from other cities of the
state and some services are interstate too.
