Jodhpur

Geography

Jodhpur, one of the largest district of Rajasthan state is centrally situated in Western region of the State, having geographical area of 22850 sq. Kms. It has population of 28.81 lacs as per 2001 census. The district stretches between 2600’ and 27037’ at north Latitude and between 72 55’ and 73 52’ at East Longitude. This district is situated at the height between 250-300 meters above sea level.

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 century A.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.

Jodhpur Attraction

Mehrangarh Fort : Earlier called the Chintamani fort, the fort was built in 1459 by Rao Jodha the founder of Jodhpur on the summit of a steep hill called the Bakharchiriya or bird’s nest. The citadel was fortified by eight Pols or gates (now reduced to seven) regulating entry into the premises. The expansive ramparts of the castle span some 10km, and if you stand atop the fort, you do get a bird’s eye view of the city with its whitewashed homes. Bakharchiriya was an apt name for the hilltop on which the fort now sits, is perched on top of Meherangarh and from there you get a commanding view of the landscape. In fact from that vantage point, you can even sight the Kumbhalgarh fort situated a good 125 km away. The fort stands 122 metres above the plain and rises on sheer bare rock. It is fortified by walls ranging from seven to twenty-four metres in thickness, and rising upto a height of 40 metres.

Jaswant Thada : The Jaswant Thada is architectural landmark found in Jodhpur. It is a white marble memorial built in 1899 in memory of Maharja Jaswant Singh II. The monument, in its entirety, is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when the sun's rays dance across their surface. Within this cenotaph, there are also two more tombs.

Umaid Bhavan Palace : The 20th century Umaid Bhavan Palace, (also known as Chhittar Palace because of the Chhittar sandstone used in building it) was built in a time of peace, and is quite Western in its design. It was built, as a famine relief project, which gave employment to people, for 16 years. Under a dome, the like of which no other palace in Rajasthan can boast of, the Palace contains over 300 rooms. It has its own theatre, eight dining rooms, and a banquet hall which seats three hundred people. A Ball Room had been built, catering to the Westernised royal lifestyle. Much of the interior of the palace is in the art deco style. In fact, it is said to be one of the finest surviving examples of art deco in the world. Deep within the palace is an indoor swimming pool, with a mosaic of zodiac symbols. The palace now runs as a hotel, though, a part of it has been retained as a museum and part as royal residence.


Mandore : This former capital of Marwar, lies 9 kms north of Jodhpur. The gardens of Mandore also house the royal cenotaphs or 'dewals' of the Maharajas, including Maharaja Jaswant Singh and, largest and finest of all, the impressive temple-shaped memorial to Maharaja Ajit Singh.
The Hall of Heroes contains 15 figures carved out of a rock wall. The vividly painted figures represent Hindu deities or local heroes on horseback. The Shrine of 33 crore Gods, is painted with figures of gods, spirits and divinities. Regular buses run to Mandore from Jodhpur.

Jodhpur Fair Festival

Marwar Festival : This festival falls in the 2nd week of October. It is a festival devoted mainly to the music and dance of the Marwar region. This is a festival that allows the visitor to understand and enjoy the folk traditions of this part of the state.

Jodhpur Climate

In Summer: 42.2 C (Max) - 27.3 C (Min)
In winter: 27.5 C (Max) - 9.5 C (Min)
Rainy Season : from July to Mid Sept, and very humid (Upton 90%)

How To Reach Jodhpur

Flight : The airport is 5km from town centre.

Train : The city is well connected by the railway lines and trains are available from all major cities in the country for here.

Road : RSTC buses and private luxury buses connectJodhpur with a bunch of places around Rajasthan.