Jodhpur has two railway stations, City and Rai ka Bagh both are outside the
walled city. The bus stand is right outside the Rai ka Bagh Station. Jodhpur
is also military and air force station and has a large cantonment and
airbase. In Summers temperature is somewhere between 36.6 degree C -42.2
degree C and in Winters temperature ranges between 28 degree C - 15.5 degree
C.
PRIME ATTRACATIONS
MehrangarhFort :
Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of
the largest forts in India. The beauty and the
grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrates a
saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of
skilled Jodhpuri sculptures. Rao Jodha founded it in
1459 but subsequent rulers of Jodhpur have also added
to it over the centuries. A meandering road leads to
the from the city 5 kms below. Fort has 17 feet thick
and 68 feet high walls. The Mehrangarh Fort encloses
many palaces, which are known for their intricate
carvings and sprawling courtyards.
Umaid Bhawan Palace :
The only palace built in 20th century under the famine
relief programme, has now been converted into a hotel
with some parts being retained as a museum. Maharaja
Umaid Singhji who built this palace was fascinated
with western lifestyles so he marshalled the services
of a well-known Edwardian architect, Henry Vaughan
Lanchester, a creditable equal of Edward Lutyens
(architect of New Delhi) to construct a three hundred
and forty seven roomed Umaid Palace. Umaid Bhavan
palace of Jodhpur is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic
architecture. Over three thousand artisans were
employed in the construction of this palace.
Mandore :
Former capital of Maharajas of Marwar and is located
about 5 miles north of Jodhpur, today its extensive
gardens with high rock terrace make it a popular local
attraction. Here one will find the cenotaphs of
Jodhpur's former rulers. Unlike the usual chhatri-shaped
cenotaphs typical of Rajasthan, they were built along
the lines of a Hindu temple, four stories high, with
fine columns and an elegant spire, all in red
sandstone. These cenotaphs are set in beautiful
landscaped gardens. Today its extensive gardens with
high rock terrace make it a popular local attraction.
Jaswant Thada :
Red sandstone stairs led up to the chessboard checked
courtyard of the neat white marble cenotaph. Dedicated
to Maharaja Jaswant, this memorial was built in 1899.
Inside, the reverent ambience is framed with several
portraits of Jodhpur royalty. It is a peaked structure
from the outside with precise trelliswork and
excellent carving. Famous Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur,
India is an example of architectural brilliance in
India. It is a white marble memorial, built out of
intricately carved sheets of marble. The carving shows
the genius of the sculptors.
Some amazing spots which are few kilometers drive
from Jodhpur are -
Mahamandir Temple :
The splendid Mahamandir temple is famous for its
exotically carved 84 pillars that are nothing less
than architectural splendors. Constructed in the year
1812, the lovely Mahamandir is renowned for its
delicate cutwork on stone. Feel entrapped in a time
warp as you see the magnificent Mahamandir ruins on
your Jodhpur tours with Indian Horizons. An old
deserted town with several homes, surrounded by a
thick wall enchants you as you tour the attractions of
Mahamandir in Jodhpur with Indian Horizons.
Kailana Lake :
A charming picnic spot around a lake, famous for a
spectacular view of sunset this lake is located 8 kms
to the west of Jodhpur on the Jaiselmer road. Pratap
Singh, the then Prime Minister of Jodhpur, got the
lake constructed in 1872. This artificial lake is
spread over 84 square kms. Where the lake now lies,
was once an area having palaces and gardens of two
rulers of Jodhpur. It is the perfect place to relax or
have picnics.
Balsamand Lake and Palace :
A summer palace on the embankments of a serene and
calm lake, Balsamand Lake is located 7 kilometers away
from Jodhpur. Balsamand palace is built on a hillock
facing Balsammand Lake. This popular excursion of
Jodhpur, Rajasthan was constructed in 19th century and
is made up of sandstone. Maharajah Sur Singh of
Jodhpur, as a summer pavilion, built this palace
encircled by hills. The palace has now been converted
into a heritage hotel. While staying there, you will
feel as if you are staying in a royal palace
Sardar Samand Lake :
The lake lays 60-kms south-east of Jodhpur off the
Jodhpur - Pali route. The scenery of this lake is
fascinating. Sardar Samand Lake attracts countless
varieties of migratory birds. The lake as well as the
route to the lake, provides a virtual treat to
photographers. On a hill overlooking the Sardar Samand
Lake, stands the summer palace of Maharaja Umaid
Singh. It was once the hunting lodge of the royal
Jodhpur family.
Osian :
Osian has the ruins of 16 Jain and Hindu temples built
between the 8th and 11th centuries located 65 km away
from Jodhpur. The temples here are among the earliest
of all medieval temples of Rajasthan. Ruins of several
temples dot the present day Ossian.
Nagaur :
Famous for an old fort and palace with beautiful
murals of lores and legends, Nagaur is 135 kilometers
away from Jodhpur. The city has distinct Muslim
influences and a Five Domed Mosque built by Emperor
Akbar dominates the landscape. The city is best
visited during the Ramdeoji Ka mela and Tejaji ka mela
in February and August respectively.
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