Founded
in 1459 by Rao Jodhaji, chief of the Rathore Rajputs, who ruled over
Marwar, "land of death," Jodhpur was to become one of
Rajputana's wealthiest cities, capitalizing on its central position on
the Delhi-Gujarat trade route and protected by one of the most
impenetrable forts in history. Today it is the state's second-largest
city, much of it a sprawling, polluted
metropolis, but within the old walls -- where every building is painted
the same bright blue hue, earning Jodhpur the nickname "blue city"
-- you'll find a teeming maze of narrow medieval streets and bazaars,
where life appears much like it has for centuries.
Towering
above is the Meherangarh (literally "majestic'") Fort, its
impenetrable walls rising like sheer cliffs from the rocky outcrop on
which it is built. From its crenelated ramparts you enjoy postcard views
of the ancient blue city below and, in the distance, the grand
silhouette of the Umaid Bhawan Palace, residence of the current maharaja
and a tiptop heritage hotel. Within the fort is a typical Rajput palace
that today houses one of the state's best-presented museums, artfully
displaying the accumulated accouterments of the royal house of Rathore
in the beautifully preserved royal apartments.
It
was once the centre of Marwar, the largest princely state in Rajputana,
and today has a population close to 800,000. Most of the tourists that
stop in Jodhpur only stay for a day, squeezing in a visit to the fort
before heading west to Jaisalmer (300km) or east to Jaipur (320km). It's
a shame to rush the place though. Getting lost in the blue maze of the
old city you'll stumble across Muslim tie-dyers, lacquer bangle and
puppet makers and traditional spice markets, while Jodhpur's famed cubic
roofscape, best viewed at sunset, is a photographer's paradise. In
addition, the encroaching desert beyond the blue city is dotted with
small settlements where you escape the congestion and pollution for a
taste of rural Rajasthan.
Jodhpur's restaurants cater for all
tastes and all budgets. Local specialities include mawa sweets and dhood
fini , a sweet mixture of wheat strands and milk. The best place to
sample these is in shops such as Janta Sweet and Poker Sweet , both on
Nai Sarak near the corner of High Court Road (look for the crowds).
These places also sell mirchi bada , a chilli in wheatgerm and potato,
deep-fried like a pakora , available at samosa stalls elsewhere in
Rajasthan, but originally from here. Also worth a visit while you're in
Jodhpur is Mohanlal Verhomal's spice shop , at 209-B Kirana Merchant
Vegetable Market, near the clock tower (tel 0291/615846, fax 615846).
After a cup of appropriately spicy masala chai and a dose of Mr
Verhomal's inimitable sales patter, you can select fragrant packets of
home-ground spices to be sent home. His "pay-on-receipt"
mail-order service is very reliable.
Attraction in Jodhpur
- Mehernagar Fort
Jodhpur, once a beautiful city, has
various tourist attractions. Tal Hati Ka Mahal by the side of the
Gulab Sagar and the Rajmahal Palace enchant tourists by their
beauty. The Gangashyam temple with its beautiful spire; the
Mahamandir or temple of the Nath community with 84 pillars, 2
km on the way to Mandore; Mehernagar Fort, a symbol of valour;
Yashwant Thara and enchanting Umaid Bhavan too put a spell on the
tourists. 5 km from the city, on a 121 m high hillock is the
Mehernagarh Fort, the chief attraction of Jodhpur. Built by Pradhan
Rao Jodha in 1459, this fort is surrounded by a wall 6 to 36 m high
and 3 to 21 m wide and with both circular and square domes. The 457
m long and 228 m wide fort is well fortified.
- Umaid Bhavan Palace
Umaid Bhavan Palace was built
under the famine relief program in 20th century and is quite famous
for its unique architectural splendor, the only one of its kind in
whole India. The palace is now transformed into a luxurious hotel
with some parts preserved as a museum.
- Jaswat Thada
Jaswat Thada is a 19th century imperial
monument constructed in white marble showcases some unique painting
of the rulers of Jodhpur, a worth visiting sight.
Marwar
FestivalsMarwar Festival comes in the month of
September-October during full moon, the celebration goes on for two
days. Visitors from all over the world throng the city during Marwar
Festival to relish it up to full magnitude.
How to reach
- Air
The city enjoys its own airport, the main airport
is about 5km from the city. There are direct flights run by Indian
Airlines connecting Jodhpur to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Udaipur.
- Train
Direct rail lines to many important cities like
Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Varanasi connect Jodhpur. The city is
also connected to the nearby states of Gujarat and Delhi and Utter
Pradesh. Palace on Wheels tour conducted by Rajasthan tourism is
perhaps the best way of exploring the desert.
- Road
State buses and private bus services run
air-conditioned coaches and regular buses on most routes and
connects the entire city to all the major cities in India.
