An
Overview of Jodhpur :
The imperial city Jodhpur is situated on the edge of Thar Desert, in
western Rajasthan. This vibrant city was founded in the year 1459 by the
Rajput chief Rao Jodha who made it the capital of Marwar. It is now the
second largest city of the state Rajasthan and is a major tourist
destination of the state with its magnificent forts and palaces. The city is
bounded by a 5 km long high wall with 8 gates. The city is also known for
its colourful fairs and festivals like the Marwar Festival.
Climate of Jodhpur :
The city experiences a typical desert type climate with high temperature
difference between day and night. During summer, the maximum day temperature
rises up to 45 degrees C and in winters the minimum night temperature drops
to 2 degrees C. The city receives an average annual rain fall of 27.94 cm.
October to March is a good time to visit the city.
Tourist Attractions of Jodhpur :
» Mehrangarh Fort - Spreading over an area of 5km,
this magnificent fort is an excellent example of Rajput's military
excellence. This fort was built by Maharaja Man Singh and has four gates
with the main entrance at Jaipol. The fort offers excellent views of the
entire city. There are several beautiful apartments inside the fort complex
with beautifully carved walls and decorated windows. The fort is open daily
from 9 am to 5pm and charges an entry fee of Rs 20 for Indians and Rs 250
for foreigners.
» Jaswant Thada - This white marble memorial was
built in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Some parts of the
marble walls have the portraits of various rulers of Jodhpur. The memorial
is open daily from 9am-5pm and has an entry fee of Rs 10.
» Umaid Bhawan Palace - This magnificent palace,
built of sandstone currently serving as the resident of the royal family
with a part as a museum and the remaining part as a hotel. The museum inside
the palace complex has a rich collection of crystal and glass items, fancy
clocks, stuffed animals and some other old objects associated with the royal
family. The museum is open daily from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm with an entry fee
of Rs 10 for Indians and Rs 50 for foreigners.
Getting to Jodhpur :
» By Air - Jodhpur Civil Aerodrome, which is 5km
from city centre is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Udaipur by daily
flights.
» By Rail - Jodhpur Junction is in the city centre
and is connected to Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai by daily
train services.
» By Road - A network of road connects it with
important cities of Rajasthan and other north Indian cities. Rajasthan State
Transport Corporation(RSTC) has bus services to all the major cities in and
around Rajasthan.
