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Jodhpur Travel Guide
Jodhpur Travel Guide
Area : 22850 sq km.
Altitude : 230 metres above Sea Level.
Temperature :
Summer : Max 40° C.
Winter : Max 11° C.
Rainfall : 359.5 mm.
Languages : Rajasthani, Marwari, Hindi.
Jodhpur City
Famous for its magnificent forts and palaces, Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan and a major tourist
attraction in the country. The city is situated at the edge of the Thar Desert with Jaisalmer on its west, Barmar, Jalor
and Pali on its south, Bikaner on its north, and Nagaur on the eastern side. The city dominated by the massive
Mehrangarh fort on a rocky hill is charming with its wealth of historic attractions and colourful markets which
specialises in antiques. It is still one of the leading centres of wool, cattle, camels and salt.
Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodhaji, chief of the Rathore Rajputs, who ruled over Marwar, "land of death," Jodhpur was
to become one of Rajputana's wealthiest cities, capitalizing on its central position on the Delhi-Gujarat trade route
and protected by one of the most impenetrable forts in history. Today it is the state's second-largest city, much of it
a sprawling, pollutedMehernagar Fort metropolis, but within the old walls - where every building is painted the same
bright blue hue, earning Jodhpur the nickname "blue city" -- you'll find a teeming maze of narrow medieval streets
and bazaars, where life appears much like it has for centuries.
Towering above is the Meherangarh (literally "majestic'") Fort, its impenetrable walls rising like sheer cliffs from the
rocky outcrop on which it is built. From its crenelated ramparts you enjoy postcard views of the ancient blue city
below and, in the distance, the grand silhouette of the Umaid Bhawan Palace, residence of the current maharaja and
a tiptop heritage hotel. Within the fort is a typical Rajput palace that today houses one of the state's best-presented
museums, artfully displaying the accumulated accouterments of the royal house of Rathore in the beautifully
preserved royal apartments.
It was once the centre of Marwar, the largest princely state in Rajputana, and today has a population close to
800,000. Most of the tourists that stop in Jodhpur only stay for a day, squeezing in a visit to the fort before heading
west to Jaisalmer (300km) or east to Jaipur (320km). It's a shame to rush the place though. Getting lost in the blue
maze of the old city you'll stumble across Muslim tie-dyers, lacquer bangle and puppet makers and traditional spicemarkets, while Jodhpur's famed cubic roofscape, best viewed at sunset, is a photographer's paradise. In addition,
the encroaching desert beyond the blue city is dotted with small settlements where you escape the congestion and
pollution for a taste of rural Rajasthan.
Jodhpur's restaurants cater for all tastes and all budgets. Local specialities include mawa sweets and dhood fini , a
sweet mixture of wheat strands and milk. The best place to sample these is in shops such as Janta Sweet and
Poker Sweet , both on Nai Sarak near the corner of High Court Road (look for the crowds). These places also sell
mirchi bada , a chilli in wheatgerm and potato, deep-fried like a pakora , available at samosa stalls elsewhere in
Rajasthan, but originally from here. Also worth a visit while you're in Jodhpur is Mohanlal Verhomal's spice shop , at
209-B Kirana Merchant Vegetable Market, near the clock tower (tel 0291/615846, fax 615846). After a cup of
appropriately spicy masala chai and a dose of Mr Verhomal's inimitable sales patter, you can select fragrant
packets of home-ground spices to be sent home. His "pay-on-receipt" mail-order service is very reliable.
Attraction in Jodhpur
Mehernagar Fort :
Jodhpur, once a beautiful city, has various tourist attractions. Tal Hati Ka Mahal by the side of the Gulab Sagar
and the Rajmahal Palace enchant tourists by their beauty. The Gangashyam temple with its beautiful spire; the
Mahamandir or temple of the Nath community with 84 pillars, 2 km on the way to Mandore; Mehernagar Fort, a
symbol of valour; Yashwant Thara and enchanting Umaid Bhavan too put a spell on the tourists. 5 km from the city,
on a 121 m high hillock is the Mehernagarh Fort, the chief attraction of Jodhpur. Built by Pradhan Rao Jodha in
1459, this fort is surrounded by a wall 6 to 36 m high and 3 to 21 m wide and with both circular and square domes.
The 457 m long and 228 m wide fort is well fortified.
Umaid Bhavan Palace :
Umaid Bhavan Palace was built under the famine relief program in 20th century and is quite famous for its
unique architectural splendor, the only one of its kind in whole India. The palace is now transformed into a luxurious
hotel with some parts preserved as a museum.
Jaswat Thada :
Jaswat Thada is a 19th century imperial monument constructed in white marble showcases some unique
painting of the rulers of Jodhpur, a worth visiting sight.
Jodhpur Fair & Festivals
Marwar Festival : The vibrant Marwar festival held annually brings to life, the very essence of the magic, that is
Rajasthan.
Jodhpur Best Season
The city of Jodhpur has a typical desert climate, dry and hot. November and March are the best time for a journey to
Jodhpur with pleasant and sunny days.
How to Reach Jodhpur
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.
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