Jodhpur

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 AD 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 AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 25 mts. above the plains.The city is encompassed by a high wall 10km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.

A major trade center of the 16th century AD the fortress city of Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. While the graceful palaces,forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur,exquisite handicrafts, folks dances,music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city.

The city of Jodhpur has a typical desert climate, dry and hot. November and March are the best time for a journey to Jodhpur with pleasant and sunny days. Jodhpur receives 359.5 mm of rain every year, most of it during the monsoon (July/August). Maximum temperature in Jodhpur during the summers remains in the range of 40ºC while in the winters the minimum average temperature is 11ºC.

Located on the edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur has Jaisalmer on its west, Barmar, Jalor and Pali on its south, Bikaner on its north, and Nagaur on the eastern side. The city is like an oasis in the vast desert, with a variety of thorny shrubs all over the area. It also has some of the animal species that can survive in an arid and dry environment.

Red sandstone stairs led up to the chessboard checked courtyard of the neat white marble cenotaph. Dedicated to Maharaja Jaswant, this memorial was built in 1899. Inside, the reverent ambience is framed with several portraits of Jodhpur royalty. It is a peaked structure from the outside with precise trellis workand excellent carving.

A wonderful palace of beige sandstone built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1928 and designed by the President of the British Royal Institute of Architects. The Fort is a blend of several styles, merging pleasantly. All the trappings of Raj influence, pre-independence royal living are present. Royal auditorium ballrooms, huge dinning-room, gilded royal furniture, majestic tiger and deerskins on the walls of a gloomy library of old books, crystal chandeliers, stained glass windows, liveried menservants and doormen, swimming pool in basement, various mementos and old photographs. There is so much to see and discover.

Before the foundation of Jodhpur was laid, Mandore was the established capital of the old Marwar Kingdom. Just nine kilometers away, Mandore is a fascinating complex of sprawling gardens, massive cenotaphs, temples, ruins and sculpture. The several cenotaphs in memory of the Jodhpur Maharajas are intricately carved, peaked, temple-like structures, with entirely sculpted facades. Gods, goddesses, animals, lotuses, adorn the walls and pillars of old yellow sandstone. The largest and most noteworthy cenotaph is dedicated to maharaja Ajit Singh.

The Jodhpur Museum exhibits a rich collection of armory, textiles, arts and crafts, miniature paintings, portraits, manuscripts, and images of Jain Tirthankaras.

An oasis in the desert,situated on the diversion off the main Jodhpur - Bikaner Highway. A drive to this ancient township takes one past undulating terrain, punctuated by desert stretches and little hamlets.
Osian has 15 beautifully sculpted Jain and Brahmanical temples. Of these the most outstanding ones are the earlier Surya or Sun Temple and the later Kali temple,Sachiya Mata Temple and the main temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira.

Two kilometers away on the Mandore Road, is this impressive temple with 84 pillars ornamented with detailed carvings of yogic postures.

Famous for an old fort and palace with beautiful murals of lores and legends, Nagaur is 135 kilometers away from Jodhpur. An annual cattle fair held here in January/February is rated as one of the best in Asia.

The 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 m high hill is one of the most impressive and formidable structures.Although invincible from the outside,the fort has four gates approached by a winding road. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with marvelously craved panels,latticed windows and evocative names. Noteworthy of these are the Moti Mahal,the Phool Mahal,the Sheesh Mahal,the Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana.These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including superb collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs, miniature paintings of various schools,musical instruments,costumes and furniture.

A pretty lake with a pleasure or summer palace on its banks. These are built around the artificial lake constructed in 1159 AD . The gardens were developed later.

A charming picnic spot around a lake, famous for a spectacular view of sunset this lake is located 11 kilometers from Jodhpur.

A long drive 55 kilometers through the countryside leads to this shimmering lake