Jodhpur

Jodhpur-The Sun City Is A Land Of Chivalry And Regalia. Be It The Magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace, The Splendid Mehrangarh Fort Or Festivals Like The Marwar Festival, You Are Sure To Fall In Love With Jodhpur.

Jodhpur is among the hottest destinations in India. Frequented by the likes of Madonna and Liz Hurley, it is ‘The Place’ to be seen in. Understated luxury and distinguished hospitality are the hallmarks of Jodhpur. Jodhpur is also known as the Blue City or Indigo City due to a bluish tinge to its buildings.

Stay at a heritage hotel, a summer palace or a camp retreat; enjoy an evening of wine tasting in the company of a Maharaja; these and more such luxury experiences await you in Jodhpur. Jodhpur has also become a popular destination for weddings among the rich and the famous, due to its exquisite palaces, matchless beauty and excellent modern facilities.

The palaces here have matchless interiors. If a Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors with tiny mirrors embedded into the walls) does not capture your imagination, the lace like intricacy of the carvings in this city surely will.

The second largest city of Rajasthan, Jodhpur breathes history. Its landscape is dominated by the towering Meherangarh Fort. The old city of Jodhpur is fenced by a 10 km long wall. The wall has six huge gates called Nagauri gate, Merati gate, Sojati gate, Jalori gate, Siwanchi gate and Chand pol. This historic city was founded by Rao Jodha, a Rathore chieftain in 1459. The Rathores enjoyed cordial ties with the Mughals. Jodhpur is also known as Sun City for its bright, sunny weather all year through. As per the 2001 India census, Jodhpur had a population of around 850,000.

WHAT TO SEE:

One of the major attractions in the city is the magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace. Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh who took the services of an Edwardian architect, Henry Vaughan Lanchester to design the Palace, it is the biggest private residence in the world. In 1977, the palace was segmented into the royal residence, a Heritage Hotel and a museum.

The splendid Meherangarh Fort lies in the outskirts of Jodhpur city and is located atop a 125 m high hill. The Jaswant Thanda is another architectural landmark in Jodhpur built in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The Kaman art gallery is the first contemporary art gallery in Rajasthan. The Mahamandir Temple, supported by 100 pillars is famous for its exquisite carvings. Mandore, the former capital of Maharajas of Marwar is located about 5 miles north of Jodhpur. Besides, the Balsamand Lake and Palace are other attractions.

CLIMATE:

Summer: Max 42.2 degree C to min 36.6 degree C

Winter: Max 27.5 degree C to min 15.5 degree C

Clothing: Summer Tropical, Winter Woolen

Best Season: October to February

SHOPPING:

While in Jodhpur, you can pick up exquisite antiques. Besides, you can go for lahariya (hand-dyed) fabrics and Jodhpuri footwear.

EXCURSIONS:

There are many attractions around Jodhpur. Guda Bishnoi, at a distance of 25 km from Jodhpur is famous its exotic wild life & nature. The Ossianji Temple at a distance 65 km is another major attraction. Besides you can take a trip to the Sardar Samand Lake and Palace and Nagaur.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS:

Jodhpur is a land of fairs and festivals. Some of the important ones include the Marwar festival, Gangaur, Teej and Nag Panchmi fair as well as the ever popular Nagaur Cattle Fair.