Jodhpur - Rajasthan
From Travel Information and Popular Attractions: TravelName.com
Known as the Blue City, Jodhpur is situated at the edge of the Thar Desert and is the second largest city of Rajasthan. It is known as the Blue City because of the color of the Brahmin houses in Jodhpur. The grand blue city is guarded by one of the most imposing fortress of the Rajputana. Because of its color , Jodhpur looks like a sea on the fringe of the Thar Desert. Jodhpur is encircled by a wall 9 Km around, which keeps out the desert sand. It is famous for its magnificent Forts and Palaces.
Jodhpur, once the capital of the Marwar kingdom for five centuries, was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha, chief of Rathore clan of Marwar who claimed to be the descendants of Lord Rama, hero of the ancient Hindu epic, The Ramayana.
Location:
In the north Indian state of Rajasthan. 343 km (215 mi) west of Jaipur, 266 km (165 mi) northeast of Udaipur.
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Tourist Attractions And Sightseeing In Jodhpur:
Jodhpur attracts a large number of tourists each year, here are some of the most famous tourist attractions of Jodhpur:-
Mehrangarh Fort:
This enormous Fort was built by Rao Jodha in 1459, when he shifted his capital from Mandore to Jodhpur. This 5 Km long majestic fort is perched on a 125 meter high hill and is an imposing landmark, especially at night, when it's bathed in yellow light. Although invincible from the outside, the fort has four gates, delicate latticed windows and magnificent palaces - Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, the Sileh Khana and the Daulat khana. These palaces are exquisitively decorated, their ceilings, walls, and even floors are covered with murals, mirror work and gilt. These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, thrones, elephant carriages, paintings, musical instruments, costumes, furniture and even a giant tent.
Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum:
This beautiful palace was built between 1929 and 1942 at the behest of Maharaja Umaid Singh. It took 16 years to build magnificent palace. Today this palace has been divided into three parts - Museum, Royal residence and Heritage hotel. The palace has a unique collection of royal finery, local arts and crafts, miniature paintings, stuffed big cats and a large number of clocks. You may catch a glimpse of the Maharaja of Jodhpur, who still lives in one large wing of the palace.
Mahamandir:
This splendid temple was built in 1812 and is famous for its beautifully carved 84 pillars that surround it. The architecture and the cutwork on the stone are amazing. It is located just outside Jodhpur, close to the city. Jodhpur is a remarkable travel and tourism destination.
Girdikot and Sardar Market:
These colorful market with tiny shops are situated in the heart of the city are popular for a wide range of handicrafts, making it the favorite place of shoppers.
EXCURSIONS:
Balsamand Lake and Gardens (5 Km), Mandore (8 Km), Kailana Lake (11 Km), Luni Fort (20 Km), Rohit Fort (40 Km), Osian (58 Km), Dhawa (45 Km) and Nagaur Fort (135 Km)
Shopping
Jodhpur's vibrant bazaars are among the city's key sights, particularly Sardana Bazaar and the Girdikot Bazaar, near the clock tower. These colorful markets with tiny shops dotting the narrow lanes are situated in the heart of the city and are popular for a wide range of handicrafts, leather shoes, tinklets, steel utensils and wedding clothes, making them the favorite haunt of shoppers.
Where To Eat
Marwar Hall:
This beautiful restaurant was once the primary banquet hall of the Maharaja of Jodhpur. It has huge chandeliers hanging from the high vaulted ceilings and specializes in continental and Indian food, including tasty Mughlai and regional Marwari dishes.
Midtown Vegetarian Restaurant:
This unpretentious on spotlessly clean joint has Rajasthani wall hangings and specializes in Rajasthani and South Indian cuisine.
Marwar:
This restaurant serves both continental and Indian Food along with Rajasthani specialties. This is clearly one of the batter attempts at upscale cuisine in Jodhpur and is built in a neo-Mughal architectural style. Every night live classical Indian music plays in the background.
Sukh Sagar:
This restaurant specializes in South Indian food, but also serves North Indian and Chinese dishes.
Tulsi Ram ki Dhani:
This is a good place for lunch if you are interested in Rajasthani cuisine and culture. This restaurant is a little difficult to find unless you have a guide.
Where To Stay
Taj Hari Mahal:
This magnificent hotel has a grand and amber color lobby and is, without any doubt, the place to stay if you are looking for leisure and friendly service away from the hustle-bustle of the city. The rooms have original artwork from Rajasthan and other parts of the world and the bathrooms are big and modern. This hotel also has a multi-cuisine restaurant.
Shree Ram International:
This hotel has taken over a large part of the Ratanda Polo Palace and has a multi-cuisine restaurant along with a modern building hotel. The rooms are clean and comfortable with marble flooring and ethnic Rajasthani furnishing.
Umaid Bhawan Palace:
This Magnificent fort palace is one of the grandest of Rajasthan's many such hotels. It is still home to the Maharaja of Jodhpur, but a portion of it has been converted into a hotel. Staying here will be a wonderful experience.
Balsamand Lake Palace:
This red sandstone Heritage hotel is surrounded by lush, expansive green gardens and is the perfect example of Rajput architecture. This Palace is situated on the outskirts of Jodhpur on the banks of Balsamand Lake, an artificial lake built in the 12th century. It has spacious, comfortable rooms and meals are prepared only for guests.
Ajit Bhawan:
This small but enchanting palace has colorful rooms with traditional Rajasthani fabrics. It also has a restaurant next door.
Some of the other good hotels in and around Jodhpur are:- Fortune Ummed, Rohert Garh, Fort Chanwa, Sardarsamand lake resort, Haveli guest house, Devi Bhawan, Jhalamand Garh, Karni Kot Sodawas, Dunraj Niwas, Residecy Palace and Karni Bhavan.
