Jodhpur

India City: Jodhpur
	Population : 7,20,000 Languages : Hindi. Telephone area code : 0291 Best time to visit : October to March Jodhpur, one of the famous tourist centers in Rajasthan and known for its amazing palaces is set at the edge of the Thar desert. The city of Jodhpur echoes with the tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, Jodhpur was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha Chief of Rathore clan of Rajputs who claim to be descendants of Lord Rama. A major trade center of the 16^th century A.D., the fortress city of Udaipur is now the second largest city 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. Even designers envy the women clothing of here (Rajasthan). The women folk here wear wide gathered skirts and a hiplength jacket, with three quarter length sleeves and the men wear colorful turbans which add more color to the city. It was from here that the popularly worn baggy tight, horse riding trousers, Jodhpuris took their name. Mehrangarh Fort The 15^th century AD fort looms on the top of a rocky hill soaring 125 m above plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall 10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. Within the fort are some palaces and the noteworthy of these are Moti Mahal, the Phool Mahal, the Sheesh Mahal and the Daulat Khana which house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. Jaswant Thadais a cluster of royal cenotaphs in while 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, is the only 20^th century palace and built under a famine relief project. The palace was completed in 16 yrs and is still a residence of former rulers with a part of it running as a hotel. Mandore, the ancient capital of Marwar is 8 kms from Jodhpur and has cenotaphs of Jodhpur rulers. Osian, which is 58 kms from Jodhpur has 15 beautifully sculpted Jain and Brahmanical temples and the most outstanding ones are the earlier Sun temple and the Kali temple. Nagaur, 135 kms from Jodhpur has an important fort with beautiful murals. It is also the venue for a week long cattle fair held in Jan/Feb every year. How To Reach By Air Flights ex. Delhi , Jaipur , Udaipur pur (285 kms) is more convenient airport. By Train Trains ex. Delhi and Jaipur . By Road 336 kms from Jaipur & 260 kms from Udaipur .