Travel Point India takes you to the city of Jodhpur, found in the year 1459 by Rao Jodhaji. Right in the middle of the Thar Desert rises a fort 120 meters high overlooking the imperial city of Jodhpur. A 10 km long wall surrounds the old city of Jodhpur with eight gates serving as entrances. The new city is settled around this walled area. Jodhpur lies on the ancient trade route of the 16th century, the fabled silk route, and hence has a centuries-old tradition of hospitality to a variety and number of travelers.
A tour of Jodhpur city will take you to the exquisite palaces, forts, temples and havelis, or homes, which stand testimony to the imperial grandeur of the erstwhile rulers of the state. The most alluring part of Jodhpur is the traditional lifestyle and festivity, and the smiling people of this former princely state. Come with Travel Point India for a perfect holiday experience while on tour to Jodhpur.
Mehrangarh Fort: The 5 km long majestic fort on a 125-meter high hill is one of the most impressive and formidable structures. Although invincible from outside, the fort has four gates approached by a winding road. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels, latticed windows and evocative names. Not worthy 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 a superb collection of palanquins, elephant hawdahs, miniature paintings of various schools, musical instruments, costumes and furniture.
Jaswant Thada: A cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899 A.D. in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers.
Umaid Bhawan Palace: The only 20th century palace built under the famine relief project that gave employment to famine struck population. The palace was completed in 16 years. This opulent edifice in sandstone is still the residence of the former rulers with a part of it running as hotel and remaining part as a museum.
Girdikot and Sardar Market: 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, making them the favorite haunt of shoppers.
Balsamand Lake and Gardens: A pretty lake built in 1159 A.D. A splendid summer Palace stands by the lakeside surrounded by beautiful gardens. An idyllic spot for excursions.
Mandore: The ancient capital of Marwar has cenotaphs of the Jodhpur rulers. The Hall of heroes has fifteen figures carved out of the rock on the wall, which represent Hindu deities. Its beautiful gardens with high rock terraces make it a popular picnic spot.
Mahamandir Temple: Built in 1812 A.D. it is noteworthy temple with 84 carved pillars.
Kailana Lake: The beautiful lake is an ideal picnic spot.
Osian: 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 sculptured 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 Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira.
Travel Tips: Jodhpur is one of the driest places in north India excluding the towns and villages of the Thar Desert. Its semi-arid to arid environment makes the weather here very dry and hot, with humidity levels at their lowest. Summer temperatures are usually very high with average day temperature around 42° C; summer highs can go beyond 47°C and minimum summer temperatures rarely fall below 35°C. Fortunately, the evenings are cooler and the nights pleasant making the summer months of April, May, June and July tolerable. In sharp contrast, winter too runs to extreme cold with minimum temperatures of 1°/2°C and maximum temperatures hovering around 20°-24°C. Frost on winter nights is a common occurrence. Jodhpur does receive a surprising amount of rainfall between July and August, which fills up the cachement areas in and around the city. Jodhpur has its own airport that links it with major tourist destinations of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur.The railway network connects Jodhpur with Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Lucknow.Jodhpur can be easily reached by road as well.
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