Jodhpur Vacation

Also known as the ‘Blue City’ of Rajasthan, this bustling place is the second largest city of Rajasthan, after Jaipur and houses the massive Meherangarh Fort topping a sheer rocky ridge. Rao Jodha in 1459 A.D, a chief of Rajput clan known as the Rathores, founded it. It was formerly the seat of the princely state of the same name, which is also known as 'Marwar.' It is a very popular tourist destination, and vacationing spot featuring some of the most beautiful palaces, forts and temples one can see in Rajasthan. This old city is a hive of activity, be it the colourful bazars or the narrow lanes, which are often frequented by equally colourful tribal people from the adjoining areas. Climate Summer: Max: 42.5 degree C; Min: 28 degree C Winter: Max: 23.2 degree C; Min: 5.0 degree C Fair & Festivals Marwar Festival (next 25 - 26 October, 2007) The famous Marwar festival is regarded as a festival of music and dance. The festival is a great opportunity for understanding music and dance of Marwar region. Nag Panchami (next 18 August, 2007) The days is dedicated to Sesha, the 1000-headed God of Anant (infinite) Vishnu. On the eve of this festival Nagaa ‘Cobra’ is worshiped. How to reach Air: There are daily flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Jaipur and Ahmedabad. Train: Jodhpur is well connected by train from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. Road: A convenient mode of travel, the main highway between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer is via Agoli and Pokaran.Well connected by bus from Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Delhi, Jaipur , Jaisalmer and Udaipur. PLACES TO SEE Umaid Bhawan Palace The palace was built by Maharaja Umaid Singhji. He was fascinated with western lifestyle, so he took the service of Henry Vaughn Lanchester, a well-known artifact, and Edward Lutyens to construct the 347 rooms in the palace. Definitely, one of the most beautiful palaces of Rajasthan, it is spread across an area of 27 acres. Over 3000 artisans worked on this fort, which was built between 1929 and 1943. Meherangarh Fort Founded by Rao Jodha in 1459, it is a magnificent fort perched on a 150 metre high hill. It is one of the most magnificient forts in Rajasthan. There are seven gates in this palace. Some of the important entrances of this fort are Jaypol, Ded Kangrapol, Imritiapol, Surajpol, Lohapol and the Fatehpo. It has three areas, namely the palace (northwest), a wide terrace (east) and the strongly fortified areas to the south as well. It is perhaps the best-preserved palace in Rajasthan. To reach the top one can go via a winding path up the west side, possibly by a rickshaw but the main approach and the car park is from the east. The climb to the top of the fort is quite stiff; there is also a lift present for the visitors and the disabled. Audio Guide is also available in all languages for the convenience of travelers. Jaswant Thada On the way down from the Meherangarh Fort, on left is Jaswant Thada, the graceful marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Maharaja Sardar Singhji built it. The main memorial has been built like a temple, which has some of the most intricately carved marble stone that was sculpted by genius artisans. Inside the main hall are royal portraits and other possessions. It is a flawlessly executed piece of Rajputana architecture that enchants one with its poignant appeal. A visit to this structure provides one with a secluded and a mystic aura. Mandore Gardens Located about 8 kms north of Jodhpur is the Mandore Gardens. In it you will find the hall of heroes, dedicated to various deities and fabled Rajput folk heroes, whose statues are carved out of rock and painted in bright colours. Next door is a larger hall called "The Shrine of the Three Hundred Million Gods”, which is filled with brightly coloured images of the various Hindu Gods, although some of the workmanship is a little crude. The highest ‘dewal’ or cenotaph is that of Ajit Singh, which is surely worth a closer look. Osian During vacations in Jodhpur make a visit to Osian temples. The temples of Osian are remarkable as much for their architecture as their location in the middle of the desert. Surrounded by sand dunes, this ancient town, north of Jodhpur in the Thar Desert contains several Hindu and Jain temples, which boasts of the traditions of 8th - 10th century. 23 temples are grouped in different sites of north, west and south of the town. The Sun Temple, the Kali temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and the main Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira standout in their grace and architecture. HOTELS Heritage Hotels Best Western Ranabanka. Ajit Bhawan Palace Karni Bhawan Taj Hari Mahal Umaid Bhawan Palace Modern Hotels Hotel Chandra Inn. Pal Haveli Haveli Inn Palace Newton’s Manor

 

 

 

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