Jodhpur Travel Information

Weather
In Summer: 42.2 C (Max) - 27.3 C (Min)
In winter: 27.5 C (Max) - 9.5 C (Min)
Rainy Season from July to Mid Sept, and very humid (upto 90%)

Our suggestion
Best time to come: Oct to March

Fair & Festivals


Marwar Festival (26-27th October, 2004)
Held in October in Jodhpur, this annual, event attempts to showcase the art culture of the Jodhpur region. It ids devoted almost exclusively to song and dances, and the Maand Festival has become a part of this huge region celebration.

Jodhpur History
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.

Culture
While the graceful palaces , forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts , folk dances music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city. The jumble of wide winding streets are flanked with pavement stalls. The lifestyle in jodhpur is unusually fascinating with folks wearing lovely multihued costumes, artistically designed. Women folk wear wide gathered skirts and a hip length jacket, with three quarter length sleeves , covering the front and back. The colorful turbans worn by the men folk add more color to the city . It was from here that the popularity worn baggy - tight, horse riding trousers - 'Jodhpurs', took their name.

General Travel Information

 

Reaching Jodhpur


By Air
Jodhpur Flight Schedule
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.

Shopping
The usual Rajasthani handicraft are available here, but Jodhpur specialises in antiques. The Ajit Bhawan with the Umaid Bhawan and the well known Abani Handicraft is next to Tourist Bungalow. You will be hard pressed to find any bargains, though this is no reflection on the generally excellent quality of the goods available. The tie and dye fabric, embroidered ‘jutis’ or slippers in suede, cancel skin, velvet and more color to the city. It was form here that the popularly worn baggy-tight horse riding trousers, - "Jodhpurs", took their name.

Things you can do
While you are in Jodhpur, try makhania lassi, a delicious thick cream variety of that most refreshing of drinks. The lassi bar in the gateway of the centeral market, near Sojati Gate. Other popular dessert specialties in Jodhpur include mawa ladoo and the baklava - like mawa kachori. Doodh fini is a cereal dish consisting of fine threads of wheat in a bowl with milk and sugar.

Places to see



Mehrangarh Fort
The 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 metre 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 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 colourful 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.

Museum
The museum has an exquisite ensemble of paintings, sculptures and antique weapons.
Balsamand Lake and Gardens (5 km)
A pretty lake built in 1159 A.D. A splendid summer Palace stands by the lake side surrounded by beautiful gardens. An idyllic spot for excursions.

Mandore (8 km)
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 (9 km)
Built in 1812 A.D. it is noteworthy temple with 84 carved pillars.

Kailana Lake (11 km)
The beautiful lake is an ideal picnic spot.

Osian (58 km)
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.
Dhawa (45 km)
A wildlife sanctuary with the largest number of Indian antelopes.

Luni Fort (20 km)
Now converted into a heritage hotel, this fort and its surroundings are worth a visit

Eating out
Indian food - The Kalinga Restaurant in the Adarsh Niwas Hotel, near the railway station, has excellent non - vegetarian food. It's surprisngly bright palace and a very complete meal, including drink and desert.

Fast food - Opposite the Kalinga, behind the trees, the Renuka Restaurant is a small snacks / drink palace. The Fruit & Juice Centre outside sells excellent fresh fruit juice.

Continental food - These are budget hotels and the facilities vary with the hotels and still some are very good, and you can also look for Paying Guest accommodations.

Top Tours

Loading...