About Jodhpur
Jodhpur gets its name from its founder, Rao Jodha, teh Rathode chieftain. The Rathodes are believed to belong to the dynasty of the sun god himself (Surya Vansha) which has produced scions such as Lord Rama and King Harishchandra. It is believed that the city came into being in 1459 A.D. Jodhpur has been an important trading center of Rajasthan even in ancient times and is currently the second largest city of the state.
Jodhpur boasts of an airport, located a mere 5 km from the heart of the city. Regular flights connect Jodhpur airport with the major cities of India such as Jaipur, Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi. Jodhpur is also a major railway junction and is well connected by the Indian Railways network to the rest of the state and country. A good number of RSTC buses and private luxury buses ply between Jodhpur and places such as Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Delhi.
A number of festivals and fairs such as Nag Panchami (August-September), Marwar Festival (October), Nav Sati, Veerpuri Fair (July-August), Gangaur, Holi (March) and Diwali (Oct-Nov) are celebrated in the town amidst much gaiety and cheer. Vendors set up small shops on either sides of the street. A range of colorful fabrics, textile and dresses are put up on display. Ghagras embroidered with multi hued threads, sequins and mirrors, blockprinted durries, bandhani sarees, chunky tribal and silver jewellery, brass artifacts and colorful glass and lac bangles are one display. To commemorate the Marwar or the Maand Festival a number of events such as horse riding and polo are organized. Folk music and dance recitals are held all over the city. Kacchi Ghoodi and Jhoomar are the favorites for these festive celebrations. The city is the hub of a flourishing handicraft industry. The teeming bazaars and the attractive sweet shops are almost irresistible. The historic fort and the quaint charm of the old city make Jodhpur a tourist paradise.
Places to see
Mehrangarh Fort
Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in India . The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrates a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures. Mehrangarh Fort, spreading over 5 km on a perpendicular hill and looking down 125 meters, presents a majestic view on city horizon.
It was built on advice of a saint in 1459 to establish an impregnable head-quarter. This Fort is one of the best in India with its exquisitely latticed windows, carved panels, elaborately adorned windows and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins, royal costumes, furniture and the cannons on the fort's ramparts are well preserved.
Jaswant Thada
Close to the fort complex, lies Jaswant Thada. This 19th century royal cenotaph built in white marble in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and three other cenotaphs, stand nearby. The cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh holds the rare portraits of the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur . A visit inside the cenotaphs, with some villagers of the region, would bring forward the reverence they still hold for their brave kings
Umaid Bhawan Palace
The romantic looking Umaid Bhawan Palace was actually built with the purpose of giving employment to the people of Jodhpur during a long drawn famine. The royal family of Jodhpur still lives in a part of the palace.Another part of the palace houses a well-maintained museum, displaying an amazing array of items belonging to the Maharaja and the royal family - weapons, antiques & fascinating clocks, crockery and trophies.
Government Museum
This museum has a rich collection of weapons, textiles, miniature portraits, local crafts and images of Jain Tirthankars. It is situated in the middle of the Umaid public gardens.
Rai-ka-Bag Palace
This palace is situated near Raika Bag palace railway station. It was constructed in 1663 by Hadiji, queen of king jaswant Singh-I. King Jaswant Singh-II liked this palace very much. He mostly stayed in the octagonal bunglow of this palace. In 1883 when Swami Dayanand Saraswati came to Jodhpur , his sermons were arranged for the public in the public ground of this palace. Even Jaswant Singh used to listen to Swami Dayanand in this palace only. Now income tax office functions in this palace.
Umed Garden
Umed garden covers an area of 82 acres. developed by Maharaja Umed Singh, it has green lawns, towering Ashoka trees, roses and seasonal flowers, museum, fountains, library and a zoo.In 1978 'Walk-in Aviary' was constructed there one could see different types of birds, local, African and Australian parrots, ducks, rabbits etc; in their natural environment. There are large cages for bears, foxes, deers, lions leopard etc. It is place frequented by children and adults with equal interest.
Raj Ranchhodji Temple
It was made by queen Jadechi Rajkanwar after the death of her husband, king Jaswant Singh. Major Part of the temple is made of red sandstone, carved with beautiful filigree work. The heart of the temple has the statue of Ranchhodji made of black marble.It has green, yellow and blue glassess fixed on its main door.
Achal Nath Shivalaya
Achal Nath Shivalaya was constructed by Nanak Devi, queen of Rao Ganga. The construction was completed on 21st May 1531. A large water reservoir called Bawari was made near the Shivlinga which is known as Ganga Bawari. The Garbh Griha, Mandap and Kirtan Bhawan of the temple are made of carved Chhitar stone.
Siddhnath
Siddhnath Shiv temple is located between Takhat Sagar hills. On the road going from the right of filter house on Jodhpur-Chopasani Road , on crossing the stairs made by cutting rocks, one can reach Siddhnath temple. Many years ago it was an absolutely deserted place. And because of that, a hermit Veetragi Narain Swami started staying here. He was a highly worshipped and respected saint, known in the nearby areas. Once a handicapped saint named Gaurishanker, later known as Nepali Baba, came to this place. He had only four fingers in each of his hand and foot. He made a big temple by cutting stones, which is now known as Siddhnath.
Ganesh Temple
The area which is called Ratanada was named after a dog called Rata. About 150 years ago a teacher Radidas in a place called Gorunda saw a statue of Vinayakji in the hills of Ratanada. The statue is eight feet high and five feet wide.
Around Jodhpur
Mandore
Towards the north of Jodhpur is the ancient capital of Marwar, Mandore. It is just 8 Kms from the city. Main attractions of the place are hall of Heroes where sixteen huge figures which have been carved out of a single rock, the shrine of 330 million Gods and the royal cenotaphs. This area is of immense historical importance but what makes it worthy of a visit is the Hall of Heroes. Sixteen gigantic figures carved out of a single rock depicting popular Hindu and folk deities stand there in bright colours and are well maintained. But one can not miss the caves in crags and the sprawling gardens, which are now shelter place for monkeys and peacocks. Greenery of the place makes Mandore, in true sense, an oasis.
Ossian
65 Kms from Jodhpur , lies ruins of an ancient city called Ossian. This city is famous for Brahmanical and Jain temples, which belong to 8th and 11th century. Surya or Sun temple and the Sachiya temples are famous for their beauty. The shikhar of Sachiya temple is clustered by two rows of turrets, an ambulatory and a large assembly hall with an elaborate ceiling. This town which was once a great trading centre is an oasis and houses an abundance of peacocks. The largest of the 16 Jain and Brahmanical temples is dedicated to Mahavira, the last of the Jain tirthankars. In the same area the Surya temple has fascinating images of Durga, Surya and Ganesh. The sculptural intricacy of the Osian temples rival that of any of the famous temples of the country, be it the Sun Temple of Konark, or the Hoysala temples of Karnataka.
Balsammand Lake & Palace
Many a times you must have dreamt of staying in a huge, royal palace on the sea-shore or on the banks of river or if not both at least a palace facing the water reservoir. There is such a place at Mandore in Rajasthan .The 19th Century sandstone palace built on a hillock facing Balsammand lake is one of such places that's definitely going to win your heart.
The palace was created by Maharajah Sur Singhji, as a summer pavilion. It is very finely carved with latticed windows that allow the soft, cool breeze to blow into the interiors of the palace. The embankments of the lake, in front of the palace, have domed structure that offers fabulous views of the lake encircled by hills. An artificial cascading waterfall, brings water down from the reservoir to the gardens. Mandore, is a part of Jodhpur but it enjoys the calmness by being far from the city crowd.one feel as if you are staying in a royal palace. One can even enjoy a walk through the trees, the rose beds, pools covered with lilies and the groves of mango, plum, banana, pomegranate and so on. One will also get to see the peacocks, blue bulls, jackals and hundreds of flying foxes (fruit bats) in the trees.
Kaylana Lake. Located 8 kms. West of Jodhpur, Kaylana lake was constructed in 1872 by Pratap Singh. It is spread over 84 square kilometers' area. Earlier this area had palaces and gardens made by two rulers of Jodhpur-Bhim Singh and Takhat Singh. These were destroyed to make Kaylana lake. Near the lake is a Dak Bungalow of PHED. Boating facilities have also been made available for tourists here.
Guda Bishnoi This village is inhabitated by the Bishnoi community. They are staunch believers in the sanctity of plant and animal life. Villages are marked by Khejri trees and deers which thrive.
Jaswant Sagar Dam In 1892, Maharaja Jaswant Singh constructed Jaswant Sagar in Pichiyak village between Bilara and Bhavi of Jodhpur district.The Water from this dam is used for irrigating the greenest part of Jodhpur receives water from this dam. Boating facilities have also been made available for tourists here..
Where to Stay
The variety of hotels and guest houses in Jodhpur makes one feel at home. Accomodation here is available to suit tourists of every budget. Hotel Karni Bhawan, Ajit Bhawan are heritage hotels. Rajasthan tourist department has the Ghoomar hotel. The palace hotels as the Umaid Bhawan Palace, Ratanada Polo Palace, Taj Heri Palace, Rajputana Palace . Raj Basera also provides us with good accommodation facilities. There are low budget accomodation too.
Where to Eat
Delicious Sweets : Jodhpur is famous for its sweets. One can find a large crowd at every shop of sweet delicacies. Its in tradition of jodhpur that first you have to eat sweet and then start other food. One can't escape from sweet hospitality ("Mithi Manuhar") of Jodhpur and than quite appropriate that this is the secret of the sugary tone of the citizen of this city. 'Mave ki Kachori' , 'Besan ki Chaaki', 'Maakhan Vade' are some of the most famous sweets of J odhpur . Janta Sweet Home, Jodhpur Sweet Home", Pokhar Sweets are some of the shop where one can find a quality and variety of sweets.
Where to Shop
Jodhpur is famous now, all over the world for handicrafts in wood, iron and camel bone.There are a lot of fabric shops, selling 'bandhini' (very fine tie & dye), hand block prints, silver shops selling jewellery by weight, and antique shops.
The Sadar Market near the clock tower gives immense shopping pleasure to the local as well as the visitors.
The colourful but hectic bazaar consists of many narrow lanes, lined with tiny shops. Look for the tie & dye textiles, embroidered leather shoes, lacquerware, antiques, carpets and puppets. Here one can buy exquisite Rajasthani textiles, clay figurines, miniature camels and elephants, marble inlay work and classic silver jewellery.
Most Popular Items of Jodhpur
Antiques
Bandhini
Footwear
Mathaniya's Red Chilli
J odhpur is a veritable shopper's paradise. There are so many markets to fulfill your thrust of shopping viz. Tripolia bazaar, Sarafa bazar, Sardarpura Market, Sojati Gate, National Handloom is most popular departmental shop where one will find all types of accessories and cloths situated in Nai Sarak and if you are tired with shopping take Jodhpur speciality- Mrichi bada and some sweets available near this shop. Jodhpur is home to many talented and skilled craftsmen like textile dyers, metal engravers and'die-makers, and probably the last of the tailors of the classic ' Jodhpur ' breeches. Specially Jodhpuri suit gives you a royal identity to your dressing.
How to get there
Air
The airport is 5km from city centre. The Indian Airlines Office is south of the Centre on Airport Road and is open daily from 10 am to 1pm and 2 pm to 4.30 pm. It has flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur.
Rail
The city is well connected by the railway lines and trains are available from all major cities in the country for here. The booking office is on Station Road, between the railway station and Sojati Gate. The office is open from Monday to Saturday from 8 am to s pm and only until 1.45 pm on Sunday.
Road
RSTC buses and private luxury buses connect Jodhpur with almost all major places of Rajasthan.
Local Transport
Means of transport in Jodhpur include Taxis, Auto-rickshaws, Tongas. Taxi stand is near the main railway station. Auto-rickshaws are best suited for traversing the narrow lanes of the old city. Jodhpur is a good place to explore by bicycle.
