Jodhpur: The Vibrant Sun City
The delicacy of the barren desert of India is its vibrant culture and its multicoloured facets of traditions and geography which takes you on a soul stirring journey. The different shades of the raw beauty of Rajasthan capture the heart of every traveller as the sandy desert unfolds its mystic ravines of spirituality and gripping royal culture. The royal state of worriers has an indescribable charm because of its charming palaces, majestic forts, ancient temples and azure lakes.
The second largest city of Rajasthan, Jodhpur is your dream destination if you wish to relish the traditional culture of this royal state with the backdrop of the sun kissed desert.
Geography of Jodhpur
Known for its grand forts and palaces, Jodhpur narrates the tale of magical India while standing on the western border of the country. The city is also known as the Blue city, given the vivid shades of blue of its forts, palaces, havelis, temples and even houses. The spectacular town is situated at the edge of the Thar desert, with Jaisalmer bordering it in the west, Bikaner on the north, Nagaur on the east, Barmar, Jalor and Pali on the south.
History of Jodhpur
The colourful city was founded in the year 1459, by the chief of Rathore clan, Rao Jodha. Thus comes the name Jodhpur to this beautiful city. The city used to the capital of the Marwar state of Rajasthan. A 10km long wall separates the whimsical city into two parts- the old city and the new city situated outside the walled old city. The rich history of Jodhpur can still be seen in its eight grand doors standing through its 10km long wall which lead to different places of Jodhpur.
How to reach Jodhpur?
This blissful city is always ready to welcome tourists, thus the city has a well laid network of transportation. You can reach this adorable city of Marwaris via different modes.
- By air : Jodhpur Airport is the nearest airport, located just 5km away from the main city. From here one can easily get cabs/taxis or auto to reach your destination in Jodhpur.
- By rail : The city is blessed with its own railway station. Jodhpur railway station is a major railhead and it connects the city with major cities of the country.
- By road : Being a major tourism centre, Jodhpur has well connected road network. This expanse of network connects Jodhpur to major cities of Rajasthan and the country. A good number of state-run and private bus ply on a regular basis which connect Jodhpur to many cities including Jaipur, Delhi, Agra, Ajmer, Ahmedabad etc.
Places to visit in Jodhpur
The panoramic city has no dearth of beauty with its amazing architecture marvels and royal culture. So let us take a peek at the wonderful places to visit in Jodhpur.
Mehrangarh Fort
Located at an altitude of 125 metres, Mehrangarh fort is spread over an area of 5km. Packed with history and stories of brave legends, the fort rises perpendicular and impregnable from the hill. The fort still narrates the tales of brave Rajput worriers still bearing the imprints of cannonballs attacks of the war.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Fascinated by Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas wedding? So this is their wedding destination. Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1929 to save his kingdom from the devastating famine. The palace took 16 years for completion and it is the only palace build in the 20th century. Also, the palace is known for being one of the largest private homes in the world. Make sure you relish the blend of Indo-Saracenic, Classical Revival and Western Art Deco styles of this building.
Ranisar and Padamsar Lake
Build in 1459, these adjacent lakes are located near the Fateh Pole in Mehrangarh. Ranisar Lake was built on orders of Queen JasmadeHadi, Rao Jodha’s wife while Padmasar Lake was ordered by Queen Padmini of Rao Ganga, daughter of Rana Sanga of Mewar.
Chamunda Mata Temple
One of the ancient temples of the town. Chamunda Mata was the favourite goddess of Rao Jodha and a worrier king always keeps his mother goddess close to him. Thus the idol of the goddess was bought to the Mehrangarh Fort. The fort became a sacred place of worship and was turned into a temple for locals and the goddess remains the sight devi of the royal family.
Actually, the list of astonishing destinations in Jodhpur is never ending. So just grab the first opportunity to visit Jodhpur and watch the sun setting behind the mesmerising forts of the town. There is nothing more beautiful than looking at the rising sun while standing on the bank of the pristine lakes of this city.
