Jodhpur

The imperial city of Jodhpur, previously known as Marwar, lies at the edge of the Thar Desert. It was the capital of former princely sate of Marwar. This second largest city of Rajasthan is an island of marble palaces, cordoned off from the desert by a colossal wall. Founded in 1459 A.D. by Suryavanshi Rao Jodha, chief of the Rathore clan, Jodhpur gradually grew around the 15th century Mehrangarh Fort. A blooming trading centre of the 16th century, Jodhpur is still one of the major centres in trading wool, cattle, camels and salt. Flanked by the Mehrangarh fort, and the stately Palace of Umaid Bhawan, the monuments, temples and gardens of Jodhpur portray a versatile magnificence.Special Holidays with very attractive and discounted packages and hotel bookings.

Jodhpur is one of the three major domestic airports in Rajasthan. Indian Airlines operates flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur. Jodhpur is connected by rail to Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Lucknow. Good roads connect Jodhpur to Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur and other centres of the State.

Mehrangarh Fort
Located at the very centre of the city, Mehrangarh is one of Rajasthan's three great hilltop forts; others are Kumbhalgarh and Chittaurgarh. The fort has seven gates and three of them each built to commemorate a certain event. Originally built in 1806, the fort has been added to, many times since. Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are fitting examples of medieval magnificence of Jodhpur. The palaces within the fort were built in an informal pattern and have their own unique style, with narrow staircases, serving as the only means of access to the royal residences within. The fort has a well-preserved collection of musical instruments, palanquins, furniture and cannons. Indian Travel Agent offers Visit India and explore India.


Umaid Bhavan Palace
Built in the modern times, this 20th century palace is quite western in its design. It was built, as a famine relief project that gave employment to people for 16 years. The Palace has more than 300 rooms. It has its own theatre, eight dining rooms, and a banquet hall. The palace is considered as one of the finest surviving examples of art deco in the world. This splendid creation in sandstone still the residence of the former rulers and part of it is converted into a hotel and as a museum.

Jaswant Thada
Close to the fort complex lies a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Rare portraits of Jodhpur's rulers are, also, to be seen at Jaswant Thada.

Clock Tower and Sardar Market
A prime attraction of the city, is the Clock Tower and the colourful Sardar Market near it. Narrow alleys lead to quaint bazaars selling textiles, antiques, silverware and handicrafts.

Mandore
Mandore, the former capital of Marwar, lies 9 kms north of Jodhpur.Tour Incredible India with Indian Travel agent. The gardens of Mandore house the royal cenotaphs or 'dewals' of the Maharajas. The impressive temple-shaped memorial to Maharaja Ajit Singh is the largest and finest of all. The Hall of Heroes has 15 figures carved out of a rock wall. The vividly painted figures represent Hindu deities or local heroes on horseback.

Osian
55 km from Jodhpur is Osian, a small town, on whose outskirts lie groups of early Jain and Brahmanical temples. Once a great trading centre, the town is a desert oasis and home to numerous peacocks. The largest of the temples is dedicated to Mahavira, the last of the Jain tirthankars. Thge Surya temple in the vicinity has fascinating images of Durga, Surya and Ganesh. The sculptural complexity of the Osian temples rivals that of any of the famous temples of the country. Indian travel agent gives special discounted hotel from budget hotels to Deluxe hotels in India.

Balsamund Lake & Palace
Located 7kms from Jodhpur, this lake and garden complex built in 1159 is a popular picnic spot. A palace constructed in 1936, looms over the lake. Now the lake is converted into a public park and bird sanctuary.