Tales Of Grandeur And Great Heroes

Set at the edge of the Thar desert, the imperial city ofJodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert.

Once the capital ofthe Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha - chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero ofthe Ramayana.

The massive 15th century A.D. Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 mts. above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall - 10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.

A major trade centre ofthe 16th century A.D., the fortress-city ofJodhpur is now the second largest city of 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.

The jumble of wide winding streets are flanked with pavement stalls.

The lifestyle in Jodhpur is unusually fascinating with folks wearing lovely multihued costumes, artistically designed. Womenfolk wear wide gathered skirts and a hiplength jacket, with three-quarter length sleeves, covering the front and back. The colourful turbans worn by the men folk add more colour to the city. It was from here that the popularly worn baggy-tight, horse riding trousers - 'Jodhpuris ' took their name.

Shopping in Jodhpur bazaars is a heady experience with a colourful display of the rich collection of exquisite handicrafts. The tie-and-dye fabric, embroidered 'jutis ' or slippers in suede, camel skin, velvet and leather, beautiful silks, durries, marble souvenirs from Makrana, an extensive range of useful and decorative items and much more, can befound in these bazaars.

Countless festivities celebrate the rich past and culture ofthe princely state. The Marwar Festival held annually is one such spectacular bonanza.

Travel Information

How To Get There

Air : Indian Airlines flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur

Rail : Direct rail connection with many Important cities of the country. Some important train connections are : Marudhar Express (Varanasi-Jodhpur);Barmer Express (Jodhpur-Barmer); Ranakpur Express (Marwar-Jodhpur); Paschim Express (New Delhi-Jodhpur-Mumbai).

Road : Jodhpur can also be reached through a dense network of road connections. Some key distances are : Delhi 597 km, Udaipur 260 km, Jaipur 336 km.

Local Transport : Metered taxis, cycle-rickshaws and auto rickshaws. Cycles are also available on hire.

General Information

Area : 75.50 sq.km.

Altitude : 230 metres

Climate : Mean Max. Mean Min.

Summer: 42.2 C 27.3 C

Winter : 27.5 C 9.5 C

Rainfall : 31 cms.

Best Season : October-March

Clothing : Summer Light Tropical Winter Light Woollen

Languages : English, Hindi, Marwari.

Road : Rajasthan State Road Transport Coorporaion connects Barmer with all major cities in the state.

General Information

Area : 15 Sq.Km

Climate :
Summer : 43.00C 27.00C
Winter : 26.00C 10.00C

Rainfall : 28 cms.

Best Season : August to March.

Clothing :
Summer : Light tropical
Winter : Light woolen

Language : Rajasthan, Hindi, English.