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Located on the eastern fringe of the Thar Desert, the city of Jodhpur exudes the languid charm of a frontier outpost. The monumental Mehrangarh fort; the Art Deco marvel called Umaid Bhawan; serene Bishnoi villages dotting the city’s outskirts; craft trading centre of the desert region; home to the poofy horse-riding pants called ‘Jodhpurs’ made famous globally by Jacqueline Kennedy; a distinct miniature school of painting… Jodhpur’s distinct character works slowly on your senses, and leaves a lingering impression over time. It has none of the tumultuous energy of Jaipur, the picturesque setting of Udaipur, or the haunting beauty of Jaisalmer, and yet, it is difficult not to be enamored by Jodhpur.
History
This area was part of the Gurjara - Pratihara Empire till 1100 CE, and was ruled by a powerful Bargujar King. Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief of the Rathore clan. Rao Jodha succeeded in conquering the surrounding territory and thus founded a state which came to be known as Marwar. As Rao Jodha hailed from the nearby town of Mandore, that town initially served as the capital of this state; however, Jodhpur soon took over that role, even during the lifetime of Rao Jodha. The city was located on the strategic road linking Delhi to Gujarat. This enabled it to profit from a flourishing trade in opium, copper, silk, sandals, date palms and coffee.
Early in its history, the state became a fief under the Mughal Empire, owing fealty to them while enjoying some internal autonomy. During this period, the state furnished the Mughals with several notable generals such as Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Jodhpur and its people benefited from this exposure to the wider world: new styles of art and architecture made their appearance and opportunities opened up for local tradesmen to make their mark across northern India.
Aurangzeb briefly sequestrated the state (c.1679) on the pretext of a minority, but the rightful ruler was restored to the throne after Aurangzeb died in 1707. The Mughal Empire declined gradually after 1707, but the Jodhpur court was beset by intrigue; rather than benefiting from circumstances, Marwar descended into strife and invited the intervention of the Marathas, who soon supplanted the Mughals as overlords of the region. This did not make for stability or peace, however; 50 years of wars and treaties dissipated the wealth of the state, which sought and gratefully entered into subsidiary alliance with the British in 1818.
During the British Raj, the state of Jodhpur had the largest land area of any in Rajputana. Jodhpur prospered under the peace and stability that were a hallmark of this era. The land area of the state was 23543 mi² its population in 1901 was 44,73,759. It enjoyed an estimated revenue of £35,29,000/. Its merchants, the Marwaris, flourished without let or limit and came to occupy a position of dominance in trade across India. In 1947, when India became independent, the state merged into the union of India and Jodhpur became the second city of Rajasthan.
Oswal Jains were mainly concentrated in Gorwar Region which was again ruled by Maharaja of Jodhpur. And Oswal Jains also played main role in strengthening foundation of Jodhpur by donating mass wealth, gems to Maharaja of Jodhpur and in turn Maharaja of Jodhpur used to honor these wealthy Oswal Jain Merchants as Nagar Seth or various other honorable title.
Courtesy – Wikipedia
Getting Around
Traveling within the city isn't an issue. From un-metered auto-rickshaws, buses, tongas (horse driven) and hired taxis, there is a plethora of options. Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) conducts a bus tour from 0830 to 1300 hours, and 1400 to 1800 hours. The tour starts from the tourist bungalow.
Tourist Traps in the City
As in many Indian cities, it is best to negotiate the auto-rickshaw fare with the driver beforehand to avoid any unpleasantness.
Local Custom
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Shopping
Jodhpur is a great place to pick up craft items of the desert region. Embroidered bed covers richly embellished with mirror-work (mostly from Barmer), tie and dye fabrics, jootis, mojaris, lacquerware, silverware are some of the sought after wares. Sadar Bazaar and Nai Sadak are good places to buy these. Women should look out for Lakhara Bazaar. It specializes in colorful lac bangles. For traditional jootis (footwear) and mojaris look no beyond Juti Corner on Station Road. If you're looking for more serious jewelry, head for Sarafa Bazaar.
Jodhpur has a distinct fashion sensibility. Jodhpur coats (bandgalas) and riding breeches can be made to order. Your hotel should be able to recommend a tailor. At the top end of the spectrum is designer Raghavendra Rathore's studio in Ajit Bhavan specializing in traditional Indian ensemble. (Tel: 9314035333).
Jodhpur is also famous for its antiques dealers. From carved balconies and windows, pillars, lintels, furniture and the like, these dealers are the byword for antique shopping. Most of them operate along the stretch between Umaid Bhawan and Ajit Bhawan. Be forewarned, they don't come cheap!
Communications
Phones: Cell phone rates are one of the cheapest in the world.
There are four GSM service providers:
* BSNL [20] GSM Triband
* Airtel [21] GSM Triband
* Vodafone [22] GSM Triband
* Idea [23]GSM Triband
CDMA service providers are:
* Reliance Communications [24]
* Tata Indicom[25]
Internet: There are several internet cafes/Cyber Cafes from where you can access the Internet for sending email or uploading your digital photos.
* Reliance world offers you broadband connectivity at many locations across the city.
* Sify iway also offers broadband connectivity at different locations spread all over the city.
* Most markets also have small Internet cafes, which can be very helpful for quick email or printer access.
Other Attractions
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Evening at Mehran Terrace
Don't think food here, think great views. Once you've calibrated your expectation, rest assured you'll step out with an experience to cherish. The view of the city by night from this vantage point, high on the fort, is simply SPECTACULAR. Sip a chilled beer after a tour of the fort to set up the evening. The ambient and decor lighting add to the overall experience. This is probably the most romantic experience in town. Small wonder, Mehrangarh Fort is said to be the best managed fort in India. ... more>>
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Mehrangarh Fort
This 15th-century fort is one of the most imposing in India. As Rajasthan’s largest fort, Mehrangarh forms a looming presence over Jodhpur with walls that soar 120 meters (400 feet) high above the surrounding cityscape. Visible from miles around, it is a grand statement of Rajput valor. Visitors have the option of approaching it by foot from the busy lanes around the Clock Tower/Ghanta Ghar area, or by taxi or rickshaw from the longer (5 kilometer/ 3 mile) road through Nagauri Gate to the north ... more>>
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Jaswant Thada
Once you are done with Mehrangarh fort, just amble down some half a kilometer towards north of the fort. There stands Jaswant Thanda, a pillared marble memorial to the popular ruler Jaswant Singh II (1878-95). Well maintained gardens welcome you inside the compound, and provide a great base to sit back and reflect on what you’ve seen and experienced.
This cenotaph was built by Sardar Singhji in memory of his father. The cenotaphs of members of the royal family who died after him are clo ... more>> -
Pal Haveli rooftop restaurant
This is a counter point to the Mehran Terrace experience. A stone’s throw from Clock Tower or Ghanta Ghar stands this heritage property called Pal Haveli. Built by the Thakur of Pal in 1847, this is a great place to experience the old, traditional Jodhpur way of life. Built around a central courtyard for a joint family, it has been inhabited by generations of the same family for more than 150 years. Immaculately preserved and maintained, an evening at the haveli’s rooftop restaurant can leave a ... more>>
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Kaylana Lake
Kaylana is an artificial lake located 8 kilometers (5 miles) north-west of Jodhpur. Built by Pratap Singh in 1872, the lake spreads over an area of 84 sq. km. It is believed that in the ancient past this region had palaces and gardens made by two rulers of Jodhpur - Bhim Singh and Takhat Singh. These made way for the making of Kalyana Lake. It is today a popular boating spot. ... more>>
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Umaid Bhawan
This monumental piece of architecture stands on a sprawling 26 acre estate on Chhattar hill, on the eastern fringe of town. Built between 1929 and 1943 by Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present owner, the primary idea behind the project was to employ and provide relief to 3,000 workers during a long famine. No cement was used in its construction, and the interlocking blocks of sandstone simply take your breath away, especially while standing under the imposing 56 meter (183 feet) high ... more>>
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A walk through Lakhara Bazaar
One of the most charming aspects of Jodhpur is strolling through its lively bazaars. Being the trade hub of the desert region, its bazaars overflow with a variety of ethnic delights. The stretch around Clock Tower and Kunj Bihari Temple is particularly interesting, especially for women. As one turns left from Nai Sadak, one enters Lakhara Bazaar. The sight of colorful lac bangles in ethnic and contemporary designs is at once inviting. ... more>>
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Mahamandir
Mahamandir means the 'great temple'. Located 4 kilometers (2½ miles) northeast of the city center on the road to Mandore, the complex has an ancient Shiva temple within its precincts.
Built in 1812, this walled monastery complex has hundreds of structures. The monastery belongs to the Nath community. ... more>> -
Bishnoi Village Trip
For nature lovers at large, this community has become a pole star. At the core of the Bishnoi philosophy is living in harmony with one’s surroundings. Visit any Bishnoi village around Jodhpur, and you’ll see the Khejri tree thriving. Black Bucks, Neelgais and Chinkaras are invariably at hand as well. The community treats them as family members and fiercely protects them.
The community’s legend in the region took root some three centuries ago. Back in 1730, the Maharaja of Jodhpur ordere ... more>> -
Mandore Garden
An erstwhile capital of the Marwar rulers, today the place is popular for its lush gardens and the royal cenotaphs. Located around 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) to the north of town, the place has emerged as a popular picnic destination.
Rajasthan has a long tradition of making Chhatri style cenotaphs. Places and regions such as Jaisalmer and Shekhawati have their distinct style, the latter with frescos. The Mandore cenotaphs stand out for their big scale. More like temples! And set amidst ... more>>
Main Attractions
Choose by Activity
- Mehrangarh Fort
- Umaid Bhawan
- Jaswant Thada
- Mandore Garden
- Kaylana Lake
- Bishnoi Village Trip
- Evening at Mehran Terrace
- A walk through Lakhara Bazaar
- Mahamandir
- Pal Haveli rooftop restaurant
Indian
Gypsy Dining Hall in Sardarpura, Janta Sweet Home near the railway station and Indique at Pal Haveli near Clock Tower/Ghanta Ghar
Chinese
Chinese is available in the multi-cuisine restaurants of bigger hotels such as Fort Rajwada and Narayan Niwas.
European/Continental
On the Rocks near Ajit Bhawan, Kim 15AD in Sardarpura and The Pillars at Umaid Bhawan.
Regional Specialty
Nirali Dhani on Chopasani Road, Fort View (the roof of the Govind hotel) on Station Road, Marwar at the Taj Hari Mahal hotel, Midtown opposite the railway station, Mehran Terrace at the Fort and Mishri Lal near Clock Tower.
Jodhpur Today
Weather not Available
Jodhpur has an average elevation of 232 meters (761 feet).
The climate of Jodhpur is generally hot and arid but with a rainy season from late June to September. Although the average rainfall is around 360 millimeters (14 in), it is extraordinarily variable. In the famine year of 1899, Jodhpur received only 24 millimeters (0.94 in), but in the flood year 1917 it received as much as 1,178 millimeters (46.4 in).
Temperatures are extreme throughout the period from March to October, except when monsoon rain produce thick clouds to lower it slightly. During these periods of heavy rain, however, the generally low humidity rises and this adds to the normal discomfort from the heat.
Courtesy – Wikipedia
Show Temperature in °F Show Temperature in °F
Surface
Through the day Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable Volvo and air-conditioned buses from Delhi. These buses leave from Bikaner House near India Gate to Jodhpur. The highway is excellent, and it takes around 10 hours to cover the 600 kilometers (373 miles) stretch to Jodhpur. If you take your own vehicle the route would be via Jaipur, Ajmer, Beawar and Bilara.
Jodhpur is located on the fringes of the Thar Desert. It is surrounded by Barmar, Jalor, Pali, Bikaner and Nagaur. Rajasthan Road Transport Corporation provides bus services to all cities in Rajasthan from Jodhpur. Private deluxe buses are available from Jaipur (345 kilometers/214 miles), Udaipur (260 kilometers/162 miles), Jaisalmer (290 kilometers/180 miles), Bikaner (240 kilometers/150 miles). Other major cities connect by road are Ahmedabad and Agra.
Train
Jodhpur is connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Jaipur. There are daily trains to Jaipur and Delhi. Mandore Express, Intercity Express (Old Delhi) and Rajasthan Sampark Kranti (Sarai Rohilla) ensure smooth passage of travelers between Delhi and Jodhpur. Mumbai is connected to Jodhpur by Suryanagari Express and Ranakpur Express (Bandra West). Likewise Howrah-Jodhpur Express links the city to the eastern metropolis of Kolkata.
Air
Air India, Kingfisher and Jet Airways are some of the domestic carriers that connect Jodhpur to Delhi, Udaipur, Mumbai and Jaipur.
Jodhpur Photo Gallery
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