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INDIA
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History |
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Sightseeing |
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MAP |
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Holiday |
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Tour |
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Hotel |
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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 A.D. 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 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. A major
trade centre of the 16th century A.D. the
fortress-city of Jodhpur is now the second largest
city of Rajasthan.
Reaching Jodhpur
By Air
Jodhpur is well connected to all the major cities
which includes Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Jaipur,
Udaipur.
By Bus
Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe & air
conditioned buses from Delhi (Bikaner House, Nr. India
Gate) to Jodhpur. The roads are very good, and it
takes around 8-9 hrs from Jodhpur. You can also come
by taxi.
By Train
Jodhpur is on the Broad Gauge and hence connected to
all the metro cities of India. There are daily trains
from Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai & Kolkata.
Getting around
In the city you can travel by un-metered
auto-rickshaws, buses, cycle-rickshaws or you can also
use car cabs and car-taxi. The Rajasthan Tourism
Development Corporation operates of Jodhpur from 8.30
to 1.00 pm and 2 to 6 pm. The tour starts from the
Tourist Bungalow.
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MEHRANGARH FORT |
Mehrangarh Fort was founded in 15th century by the
Rathore Rajputs when they shifted their capital from
nearby Mandore to Jodhpur.Mehrangarh appears to rise
from bluff-coloured sandstone hill itself , so well
built into the base that it is difficult to tell where
the hill ends and the walls begin. It is approached by a
series of seven gateways set at an angle so that armies
could not charge them with any success. Past the gates,
the fort-palace takes one's breath away . Across from
huge courtyards are the set wings of palatial apartments
that have been built over five centuries of bristling
history.
Today, managed as a museum by the royal trust that
maintains it, only some of the more spectacular palaces
of Mehrangarh are open to the visitors .These consists
of Moti Mahal with its pierced screen windows
overlooking the coronation seat where the Rathore ruler
have been ritually anointed to rule ; Jhanki Mahal , the
apartment from where the zenana women would watch
ceremonial events ; Chandan Mahal, where affairs of
state were discussed ; the royal Darbar Takhat or throne
room with its octagonal throne ; and the Rang Mahal
where the maharaja would play Holi with his Zenana .Also
noteworthy are Sheesh Mahal , Phool Mahal , Umaid Vilas
and Maan Vilas , while a large tent seized from the
Mughals in battle is spread for viewing in what has came
to be referred to as the Tent Room .
Mehrangarh from the outside is impressive, and certainly
forbidding. There is a surprizing lightness to it
though, once actually within the fort.
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JASWANT THADA |
The Jaswant Thada, located half way up the interminably
long road that climbs onwards to the fort, is the
traditional cremation ground of the rulers of Jodhpur.
Taking pride of place amongst the ornamental gardens and
chattris is the fabulous white marble memorial to
Jaswant Singh II, built in 1899. The cenotaphs of other
rulers , in the same neighborhood , are relatively
simpler.
Inside the main hall are royal portraits and other
possessions.
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UMAID BHAWAN PALACE |
Constructed of marble and pink sandstone this immense
palace is also known as the Chhittar Palace because it
uses local Chittar sandstone. Begun in 1929, it was
designed by president of the British Royal Institute of
Architects for Maharaja Umaid Singh and took 15 years to
complete.
Probably the most surprising thing about this grandiose
palace is that it was built so close to Independence,
after which Maharajas and their grand extravagances were
a thing of the past.
Umaid Singh died in 19478, four years after the palace
was completed; the current Maharaja Gaj Singh II, still
lives in part of the building. The rest has been
converted into a hotel.
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GIRDIKOT & SARDAR MARKET |
Tiny shops line both sides of the narrow lanes in these
markets. One can find textiles, silver, handicrafts,
aromatic spices, vegetables and colorful Indian sweets
in these shops.
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BAL SAMAND LAKE |
A pretty lake with a pleasure or summer palace, the
Balsamand palace, on its banks. These are built around
the artificial lake constructed in 1159 AD.
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