|
From Jaisalmer, the Palace on Wheels enters Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan. 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, Jodhpur was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha - chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs. 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.
While the graceful palaces, forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city.
Go shopping during your Palace on Wheels sojourn in Jodhpur. Shopping in Jodhpur is a heady experience with a colorful display of the rich collection of exquisite handicrafts. The tie and dye fabric, embroidered 'jutis' or slippers in suede, cancel skin, velvet and more color to the city. It was form here that the popularly worn baggy-tight horse riding trousers - Jodhpuris - took their name. The countless festivities celebrate the rich past and culture of the princely state. The Marwar Festival held annually is one such spectacular bonanza to be witnessed during your travel in Jodhpur.
Jodhpur Sightseeing
The forts and palaces in the city are the major source of attraction in Jodhpur. Exploring the forts gives you a feel of the times when the Rajput might was at its peak. The gates and the walls of the forts speak of the battles they have witnessed. One needs to spend enough time with these historical monuments to fully grasp the grandeur of the Rajput era. The Mehrangarh Fort situated at an altitude of about 125 metres is spread over an area of 5 sq. km and has seven gates. The Jaswant Thada is a white marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899. The Umaid Bhawan is a majestic building that presently functions as a heritage hotel and museum. The Mandore Gardens, situated about 8 km from Jodhpur, has cenotaphs of the Jodhpur rulers. The Government Museum and Zoo are located in the pleasant Umaid Gardens. The Old Fort Museum houses palanquins, lavishly upholstered royal howdahs, a golden throne, shoes with pearls, paintings, mirrors, cribs weapons and a magnificently embroidered royal tent among its exhibits. The picturesque Balsamand Lake and Gardens are situated about 5 km from the city.
Getaways from Jodhpur
The places around Jodhpur offer further insight into the regions religious, cultural and commercial past besides being interesting tourist spots in themselves. The desert hamlet presents a picturesque view and the forts converted into heritage hotels provide fascinating places to relax. Osian is an oasis in the desert situated about 58 km from Jodhpur. Dhawa is a wildlife sanctuary situated at about 45 kilometres from Jodhpur. Nagaur (135 km) houses an imposing fort with beautiful murals. The Rohet Fort (40 km) is a majestic fort now converted into a heritage hotel. Khimsar (92 km) has an old fort which dates back to 1523. Luni (20 km) is famous for its fort, now converted into a heritage hotel.
| Recommended Tours |
Best of India Tour
Days : 08 Days / 07 Nights
Destinations : Delhi- Agra- Fatehpur Sikri- Jaipur- Udaipur
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Splendid Rajasthan Tour
Days : 10 Days / 09 Nights
Destinations : Delhi-Udaipur-Narlai-Rohet-Jodhpur-Jaipur-Fatehpur Sikri-Agra
|
|
|
Kerala Holidays Tour
Days : 13 Days / 12 Nights
Destinations : Cochin- Alleppey- Munnar- Periyar- Cardamom House- Madurai-Chennai
|
|
|
 |
| 
