JODHPUR
The 16th century capital of the Rathore Rajputs, Jodhpur's history is evident in the hilltop eyrie, Mehrangarh, from where its destiny was written. Narrow paths wind up the steep path, leading to the innards of the fort. Once within, the architecture is less formidable, with delicate windows and painted chambers. From its ramparts one has a view of the 20th century artdeco Umaid Bhawan Palace.

Jodhpur-the blue city.

Located on the periphery of the Thar desert, Jodhpur is second largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. According to one fable when Lord Rama, hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana wanted to cross the ocean to rescue his wife Sita, who had been abducted by the demon-king Ravana, he was turned back by the Sea-God. Furious, Rama mounted his arrow to dry up the ocean forcing the Lord of the Sea to retreat. However the arrow once mounted had to be discharged, and Rama fired it into another body of water located in western Rajasthan, thus drying it up.

¤ The Challenging Climate of Jodhpur
Here the summer sizzles, the hot dry winds scorches the flesh, the winters chill the bone marrow and years pass by without rainfall. Like the mystery of the Bermuda triangle where a number of ships and planes have disappeared never to be found again; so too at Marwar countless caravans of camels have known to have vanished without a trace. This is the general topography of Jodhpur, which was once the capital city of the Marwar. Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha of the Rathore dynasty, the place is not surprisingly named after him. Rao Jodha’s sixth son Rao Bika it may be mentioned founded the city of Bikaner some 30 years later, and extended the sphere of influence of the Rathores all across the Marwar region of western Rajasthan.

If the Jaisalmer fort is known as an architectural masterpiece, the Jodhpur fort is no less and you can see it looming in the horizon long before you enter the city. The incline on which the Meherangarh Fort was built was known as Bakharchiriya or bird’s nest, and today the top of the castle presents a bird’s eye view of the entire city and its suburbs.

The circumstances, which led to the foundation of Jodhpur bears an uncanny resemblance to the founding of the other desert city of Jaisalmer. Like Jaisal who shifted his capital from Lodurva to Jaisalmer as his earlier capital was too vulnerable to invasions; so too did Rao Jodha move from Mandore to Jodhpur as the earlier city was not secure enough. and incredibly the advice once again came from a hermit who advised Rao Jodha to shift his base. If Jaipur is known as the ‘pink city’ then Jodhpur can be called the ‘blue city’ because its traditional homes are often painted in pale blue colour. According to one story, a few hundred years ago the Brahmins of Jodhpur had painted their houses in pale blue because they discovered that the colour repels mosquitoes. and till some time ago the colour blue signified that it was the residence of a Jodhpuri Brahmin.


Main Attractions in Jodhpur
Being one of the fascinating destination of Rajasthan, Jodhpur is dotted with number of big and small attractions.


Umaid Bhawan Palace

The palace was constructed by Maharaja Umaid Singh. The main motive of constructing this palace was to provide occupation to his people during long drawn famine in the early 20 th century. This was a perfect example of early modern period architecture. Umaid Bhawan palace forms the grandest private royal houses of the world. Some portion of this grand palace has been converted into a luxurious hotel and a museum. » Mehrangarh Fort The Mehrangarh Fort is an architectural marvel, which stands proudly on a 125 m long hill. It spreads over an area of around 5 km and is one of the largest forts in India. The Fort was built in 1459 AD and stands as a reminder of the royal splendor and bravery of those times. This imposing structure, which overlooks the city of Jodhpur, has a good collection of royal accouterments on exhibition besides housing a number of charming palaces.

Jaswant Thada

Jaswant Thada lies quite close to the Mehrangarh Fort complex. It was built in 1899 AD in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and houses the cenotaphs of a number of Rajput royals. The main cenotaph has rare portraits of many Rajput rulers on display. If you travel to Jodhpur, this is a place you must visit.

Architectural Splendor of Jodhpur

Given the rough terrain it is not surprising that the architecture of the city was influenced by it. Desert architecture is noted for two distinct traits, the need to guard against the heat and to fortify itself against invasions. Fortifications tend to merge with the colour of the land, providing it with a natural camouflage.

The Meherangarh Fort

Fort at Jodhpur is such that the fort walls and the sheer basalt escarpment are not distinguishable, one from the other. Huge gates at the entrance are fitted with iron nails to prevent elephants from bringing them down. The palaces and the mansions within the complex are more delicately designed. The chief palaces you can see in the fort are the Phool Mahal, the Moti Mahal, the Jhanki Mahal, the Sheesh Mahal and the Sadar Vilas.

Nearby lies the Umaid Bhavan Palace (Built by the former Jodhpur Maharaja Umaid Singh), one of the largest residences in the world, and alongside it is the Ajit Palace the house built by Umaid Singh for his younger brother.


Excursions

Balsamand Lake and Garden (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 former capital of Marwar, north of Jodhpur. Worth seeing are the old cenotaphs and caves in the crags, which once sheltered ascetics. The exquisite landscaped gardens come alive with peacocks and monkeys and the sprawling greenery of sacred peepal, banyan, bottle-brush, pomegranate, palm & plantains and bubbling fountains are a feast for the eyes. Set against a rocky wall is a pillared compound, housing the "Hall of Heroes" and "Shrine" of the 330 million gods.

Sardar Samand Lake (55 Km) : Rajasthan's village life comes into view on the way here. Chinkara and black buck might frisk past to break the monotony of the drive.

Guda Bishnoi (25 Km) : these are immaculately kept villages of the Bishnoi community-staunch believers in the sanctity of plant and animal life. Khejri trees and deer thrive in these village.


Mahamandir Temple (9 km) :Just nine kilometeres from Jodhpur lies Mahamandir temples which was constructed in 1812 A.D. The temple is beautifully carved out 84 pillars and has more architectural splendor. It was constructed in the year 1812 and carries delicate stone work.

Kailana Lake (11 Km) :This is an ideal picnic spot and is located 11 kms from Jodhpur. Spanning over an area of 84 sq kms, it is a charming picnic spot which offer spectacular view of the sunset.

Jhalamand Garh (10 Km)  :Just 10 kms from Jodhpur is the Jhalamand Garh which was constructed as the 18 th centuary fort and carries a profound aura of regal family. You can have some scenic view of the Jodhpur town from the fort. The fort have around 18 rooms and since it has been converted into a heritage hotel, it provides Rajasthani and continental cuisine on request.

Luni Fort (35 Km) :Just 35 kms from Jodhpur, you have the popular Luni fort which is been converted into a heritage hotel. It has intricate Jharokas and have traditional paintings.

Osiyan :The other worthwhile excursion around the city is Osiyan. Situated about 60 km away from Jodhpur, it houses some of the most exquisite Jain and Hindu temples you will find in entire Rajasthan.