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JODHPUR |
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FACTS & FIGURES |
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Area |
75.5 Sq. Km |
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Language |
Englsh, Hindi, Marwari |
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Best Time To Visit |
October - March |
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Altitude |
230 Meters |
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Summer Temp. |
Max. 42.2 C, Min. 36.6 C |
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Winter Temp. |
Max. 27.5 C, Min. 15.5 C |
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Rainfall |
Annual 31 cm |
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Population |
975, 695 |
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Std Code |
0183 |
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Introduction
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Jodhpur, the former Capital
of Marwar State was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha who claimed descent from Lord Rama
(the hero of the epic Ramayana). The city was built as a result of warring brothers.
The massive fort-Mehrangarh,
came first and around it grew the city of Jodhpur protected by high stone wall with
seven gates and countless bastions. Today, the city has grown to become the second
largest city of Rajasthan.
Jodhpur is still one of
the leading centres for wood, cattle, camels, salt and agricultural crops. Exploring
the city promises you a delightful encounter with an array of tempting art and craft
creations as also the unusual lifestyle and costumes of Jodhpuris.
Jodhpur is a treasure-trove
for the bargain hunters too. the bazaars are known for a large collection of the
tie & dye fabrics in extremely fine designs; and for beautiful Jutees or Slippers
in suede, camel skin, velvet, leather and heavy all-over Zari or gold thread embroidery.
There are innumerable shops selling souvenirs made of marble from near-by Makrana.
Choose from an expansive range of decorative and useful items---enamelware, jugs,
waterbottles, to name a few. Sojati gate, Jalori Gate and the more modern Mehta
Market are the ideal shopping districts of Jodhpur.
The festivities project
a veritable reflection of the best that the Rajasthani culture can offer. Indeed,
an unequalled and unmatched opportunity to become part of the scintillating celebrations
and carry back home a sweet and an unending exprience of the desert land.
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MEHRANGARH FORT
Spread over 5 km on a perpendicular hill and looking down from a height
of about 100 meters, the fort is one of the best preserved in Rajasthan. It houses
some of the most intricately adorned Palaces with exquisitely carved panels and
latticed windows. Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are some
of the important areas to visit and view the collection of palanquins, howdahs,
royal cradles, miniature, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. |
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JASWANT THADA
A cluster of royal cenotaphs, in white marble, lies very close to the fort. Built
in 1899 in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, the cenotaphs also house portraits
of the rulers of Jodhpur. It has extremely rare 15 cm thick pure infinite marble
slabs.
UMAID BHAWAN PALACE
The only palace to be built in the mid 20th century in India, it was meant to be
a famine relief project which gave employment to citizens for 16 long years. It
is an impressive rose color sandstone structure. It is today run as a hotel while
a part of it is still retained by the erstwhile royal family.
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MANDORE
GARDENS
Situated 9 kms to the north of Jodhpur, Mandore was the capital of Marwar prior
to the foundation of Jodhpur standing on a plateau overlooking the present Mandore
Gardens. The extensive gardens with high rock terraces make it a popular local attraction
and a picnic spot.
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The ruins of the original capital of Marwar now in ruins,
stand in lush, shady gardens and are entered via the Ajit Pole, the gate that was
built in celebration of Ajit Singh’s victory over the Moghals in 1707 AD.
The gardens also contain
the cenotaphs of Jodhpur rulers, and the largest and the finest of them all, the
soaring memorial to Maharaja Ajit Singh. Here, one may find a captivating collection
of cremation-site memorials, mostly 17th-18th century set amidst surprisingly green,
clean and hassle-free gardens.
The highlight of the Mandore
Gardens include the graphic Hall of Heroes, a rock wall with high relief, brightly
painted depictions of local heroes such as Pabuji and Chamunda and crowded modern
shrine of 300 million Gods.
Fairs in Rajasthan are mythological
in nature, relating to gods and goddesses. They are even celebrated to commemorate
the brave deeds of medieval heroes.
Mandore Gardens provide
the perfect venue for The Marwar Festival, held in memory of the heroes of Rajasthan.
The festival is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin (Sept.-Oct.) in Jodhpur,
the former capital of Marwar Province.
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HOW TO REACH |
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Air :
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Indian airlines flights available from Delhi, Mumbai,
Udaipur and Jaipur. |
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Rail : |
Railways connect Jodhpur with many important cities of the country. |
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Road : |
Jodhpur can also be reached through a dence network of
road connections. |
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Delhi |
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602 km |
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Jaipur |
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340 km |
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Jaisalmer |
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285 km |
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Bikaner |
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260 km |
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Pushkar |
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221 km |
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Ajmer |
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208 km |
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