Set at the edge of the Thar desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. One the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha – chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who clamied to be descendants of Rama – the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15^th 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 mojor trade center of the 16^th century A.D., the fortress-city of Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. 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 hiplength jacket, with three-quarter length sleeves, covering the front and back. The colourful turbans worn by the men folk add more colour to the city. It was from here that the popularly worn baggy-tight, horse riding trousers-‘Jodhpuris’ took their name. Shopping in Jodhpur bazaars is a heady experience with a colourful display of the rich collection of exquisite handicrafts. The tie-and-dye fabric, embroidered ‘jutis’ or slippers in suede, camel skin, velvet and leather, beautiful silks, durries, marble souvenirs from Makrana, an extensive range of useful and decorative items and much more, can be found in these bazaars. Countless festivities celebrate the rich past and culture of the princely state. The Marwar Festival held annually is one such spectacular bonanza.

Mehrangarh Fort: The 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 m 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 with marvelously carved panels, latticed windows and evocative names. Noteworthy 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 howdahs, 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 20^th century palace built under the famine relief project that gave employment to famine struck population. The palace was competed in 16 year. This opulent edifice in sandstone is still the residence of the former rulers with a part of it running as a 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 favourite haunt of shoppers.

Museum: The museum has an exquisite ensemble of paintings, sculpture 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.

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 a 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 sculpted 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 or Indian antelopes.

Nagaur ( 135 km ): An imposing fort with beautiful murals. It is also the venue for a week long cattle fair held in Jan / Feb every year.

Rohit Fort ( 40 km ) : Now a heritage hotel, the fort is worth a visit.

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

Shopping: A treasure trove for shoppers, Jodhpur bazaars are teeming with an array of handicrafts. One can shop for white metal curios, silverware, quilts, tie-and-dye fabrics, leather goods, shoes, Jodhpur breeches or Jodhpuris and a range of souvenirs.

FESTIVE FUN:

By Air: Indian Airlines flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur.

By Rail: Direct rail connection with many important cities of the country. Some important train connections are: Marudhar Express ( Varanasi-Jodhpur). Paschim Express ( New Delhi – Jodhpur-Mumbai ).

Road: Jodhpur can also be reached through a dense network of road connections. Delhi 597 km, Udaipur 260 km, Jaipur 336 km.

Karni Bhawan, Jodhpur
Karni Bhawan, residence of the Jagirdars of Sodawas is a red sandstone bungalow of the 40s. Redone to suit modern requerements, it still retains a homely spirit. It has well-maintained lawns, swimming pool & health club, tastefully furnished bedrooms with attached bathrooms. Also of interest is the Dhani vegetarian, non-vegetarian cuisine as well as continental and delicious barbecue. Breakfast in the courtyard and rooftop dinners and an uninterrupted view of Mehrangarh Fort and Umid Bhawan Palace can also be organised.

Special Features: It is a comfortable and convenient place where one can spend a quiet holiday with all modern amenities. The pride of this hotel is its exclusive Rajasthani cuisine and its chefs have invited to food festivals in Switzerland several times.

Facilities available: 25 Ac rooms with attached bathrooms, dining-hall and a conference room. In total there are 32 rooms which includes 31 double and 1 single room.

Jhalamand Garh, Jhalamand ( Jodhpur )
The Garh of Jhalmand was constructed in the 18th century. It is located just 10 kms from Jodhpur. Its proximity to Jodhpur makes it an ideal place to send a peaceful holiday in a quiet, rural atmosphere. It gives the guest a chance to see a traditional Rajput home and also participate in their customs. Local artistes and barbecue on the terrace. The Garh has an impressive Dari Khana, a lovely terrace from where it is possible to get a breathtaking view of Jodhpur city and a beautiful garden.

Special Features: Folk music, house and camel rides & jeep safaris inthe desert.

Facilities available: 18 double rooms with attached bathrooms, running hot and cold water. Traditional and continental cuisine available.

By Raod: Jodhpur 10 kms.
By Train: Jodhpur 12 kms.
By Air: Jodhpur 10 kms.

Balsamand Lake Palace, Jodhpur
Balsamand, a beautiful lake palace was constructed in 1114 A.D. The open area of the palace in 192000 sq.ft. It overooks the huge Balsamand lake. Built essentilly as a getaway for the Jodhpur royal family, it has well-laid out and maintained gardens which for years have been used by the royal family for picnics and parties.

The palace has recently been converted into a hotel with all modern amenities and is an ideal place for a quiet holiday.

Special Features: Excursions to nearby places of tourist importance can be organised.

Facilities available: 25 recently converted rooms, them lunches and dinners, Indian continental and Chinese meals available. A coffee shop & swimming pool are also present.

By Road: Jodhpur 8 kms.
By Train: Jodhpur 7 kms.
By Air: Jodhpur 8 kms.

Ajit Bhawan, Jodhpur
Ajit Bhawan was built exclusively for Maharaja Ajit Singh, the younger brother of Maharaja of Jodhpur. An impressve red sandstone structure built in the 1940s, Ajit Bhawan has a rugged beauty of its own which is further enhanced by the arched windows, carved balconies and cupolas. The most interesting feature in this building is the courtyard-a quadrangle with exquisitely carved lattice work. This area comes to life during meal times when Rajasthanin delicacies are served by turbaned men and veiled women. Traditional folk music makes the meals more enjoyable and adds to the warm atmosphere of this place. Lying behind the palatial Ajit Bhawan is a charming village complex. Nestling in a rustic and lush green setting are bungalows named after the months and Zodiac signs of the Indain calender. Each cottage has been furnished in authentic Rajasthani style and no two cottages are alike. Well-maintained lawns and thick, shady trees make this village complex a haven for birds and humans alike. It is an oasis in the desert city.

Special Features: The family undertakes village excurisions and the guests get an opportunity to see and experience traditional Rajasthani rural life. The tour includes visits to the houses of weavers, shoemakers and other local craftsmen.

Facilities available: 49 double and 2 single rooms. Swimming pool, barbecue restaurant and village safari.

By Road: Udaipur 285 kms.
By Train: Jodhpur 3 kms.
By Air: Jodhpur 3 kms.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Umaid Bhawan Palace is a splendid example, of Indo-colonial and art deco style of the 30s. The only palace to be constructed in the 20th century, it took three thousand artisans 14 years to create this magnificent edifice. A unique feature of this palace is the fact that the handchiselled sandstone blocks have been put together in a special system of interlocking. There is no mortar binding. This is even more amazing because the palace is very large-195 metres long and 103 metres wide. The imposing entrance leads one to the lobby adorned with black Belgian marble, flanked by two impressive banqueting-halls – the Rathore Durbar and the Marwar Hall. Crystal lamps, mounted shikar trophies in a Palm Court lead to the spectacular 56 metres high Centre Dome Hall. A pair of polished marble stairs lead to the Maharaja’s private apartments and the Regal suites.

With original furnitures in all the rooms, each room seems more luxurious than the other.

Special Features: The Palace Museum houses a fascinating collection of objets d’ art & there is also a library in the palace.

Facilities available: 95 rooms with attached bathrooms. Restaurants, bar, conference hall, private auditorium, health club and sports facilities.