Desert Interlude

There's something about the desert towns of Rajasthan that pull at your heart strings and tickle your imagination, no matter how many times you visit them. Jodhpur, in its evocative setting at the edge of the Thar Desert makes no bones about its siren-like lure to old Rajasthan hands or new ones, with its antiquity and lonely vigil on the sands.

Founded by Rao Jodha, chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who moved out of Kannauj in U.P in 1459, it was once the capital of Marwar State. As you look upon it from the plains what strikes you vision is the stark profile of the 15th century AD Meharangarh Fort in all its massiveness, as it rises 125mts above on the hilltop. The second largest city in Rajasthan, Jodhpur was very strategically placed on the ancient trade routes.

Peopled with beautifully embellished palaces, forts and temples, scattered around the city with a careless hand, the Fortress City is a delight to explore. Its winding narrow streets are a sharp contrast to the expansive thrust of the fort walls, its historic grandeur ornamented by the dazzling hues of its handsome women and hardy men. If you've been riding or are planning to you might need to invest in Jodhpuris- the riding trousers, (tapered riding breeches that became the rage with English horsemen) which take their name from this desert enclave. And even if you can't afford to stay at the famous Umaid Bhawan palace- you need to take a tour- its fantastic. And if you're here at the time of the Marwar Festival- your trip is made. It is one of the most spectacular shows in Rajasthan.

THINGS TO DO

The Fort- Its gates have sharp iron spikes that were meant to ward off the attacks of the elephants on which the enemies of the state would ride. There are a few cenotaphs and tombstones marking the place where various soldiers of eminence fell to their death defending the city. Check out the various palaces ornamental Moti Mahal , Sukh Mahal and Phul Mahal and cenotaphs (Jaswant Thanda- a memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II). The palace museum has a superb collection of paintings, armoury, palanquins and elephant howdahs. There's also a collection of old cannons.

Umaid Bhawan Palace-The splendour and opulence of this great palace, now partly run as a hotel, is a splendid salute to the regal lifestyle of the Jodhpur maharajas. It is the only 20th century palace built under the famine relief project that gave employment to the famine struck people. It took 16 years to be completed. Wonder what the poor workers felt when the Raja moved in?

Balsamand Lake and Gardens. The lake is the location for the summer palace. The lovely gardens around the lake are perfect for picnics.

Desert Jeep Ride - Firstly ensure that you have plenty of water with you- this is desert country. You can meet the Bishnois- famous for their conservation of animal life- check out some of the tiny villages and see how they live.

Marwar Festival

This famous 2 -day long festival, focusing on the music and dance of the Marwar region, is one of the most colourful in the state. Held in October, on full moon, Sharad Purnima, it was originally known as the Maand festival, a classical style of folk music centered on the romantic lifestyle of Rajasthan's rulers.

Shopping

While you may spend your bucks on trinkets and baubles that are native to Rajasthan, Jodhpur is the home to riding breeches and boots. Check with Dad if he'll give you some dough to cover the cost.

JODHPUR

Desert Interlude

There's something about the desert towns of Rajasthan that pull at your heart strings and tickle your imagination, no matter how many times you visit them. Peopled with beautifully embellished palaces, forts and temples, scattered around the city with a careless hand, the Fortress City is a delight to explore. Its winding narrow streets are a sharp contrast to the expansive thrust of the fort walls, its historic grandeur ornamented by the dazzling hues of its handsome women and hardy men. If you've been riding or are planning to you might need to invest in Jodhpuris- the riding trousers, (tapered riding breeches that became the rage with English horsemen) which take their name from this desert enclave.

By Air:

The airport is situated 4km south

List Of Airlines
Alliance Air

By Rail:

Jodhpur's main railway station is in the south of town, close to several basic hotels, and a couple of kilometres from the fort.

List Of Train services Jodhpur-Jaisalmer

By Road: Jodhpur is well connected by road and makes for some very scenic drives.

By Sea:

None

GETTING AROUND

The common ways are by auto-rickshaw; in town these are supplemented by tempos and small minibuses that follow fixed routes along the main roads. Bicycles can be rented from shops near the railway station (Rs7 per day), and cars from Hotel Ardash Niwas, Station Rd (26936).

WHERE TO SHACK UP
(From Tents From 5-Stars)
If You Wanna' Blow Dough:
Raj Basera
Residency Rd
31973
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Southeast of town
Tel 33316; fax 35373

If You Wanna' Live Sensibly:
Marudhar International
Raikabagh
32061
Rawat
North gate of Umaid Gardens
42622
RTDC Goomar
High Court Road 40810/20

If You're Really Smart:

The Blue House
Novechokiya
22758

Mayur
140 Nai Sarak
47511

Shri Laxmi
132-133 Nai Sarak
47047

Holiday Inn Paradise Guest House
Raikabagh
24097

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK:
Ajit Bhawan
Airport Road.
Cuisine: Ethnic
Fort View
Station Rd.
Cuisine: Essentially veggy food, Chinese food and it's open 24 hours.
Jodhpur Coffee House
High Court Road
Cuisine: Gives South Indian snacks and coffee.
Kalinga

Station Road
Cuisine: Nice food, both veg and non-veg food plus set breakfasts
. Midtown
Station Road
Cuisine: Veg place. Check out the curries, south Indian snacks, pizzas and thalis. Speciality: Rajasthani dishes at the weekend.
Punkhaj

Station Road
Cuisine: Basic eat shack -great food, especially its superb tandoori nans.

THINGS TO DO
The Fort- Check out the various palaces ornamental Moti Mahal , Sukh Mahal and Phul Mahal and cenotaphs (Jaswant Thanda- a memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II). The palace museum has a superb collection of paintings, armoury, palanquins and elephant howdahs. There's also a collection of old cannons.

Umaid Bhawan Palace-The splendor and opulence of this great palace, now partly run as a hotel, is a splendid salute to the regal lifestyle of the Jodhpur maharajas. It is the only 20th century palace built under the famine relief project that gave employment to the famine struck people. It took 16 years to be completed.

Balsamand Lake and Gardens. The lake is the location for the summer palace. The lovely gardens around the lake are perfect for picnics.

Desert Jeep Ride - Firstly ensure that you have plenty of water with you- this is desert country. You can meet the Bishnois- famous for their conservation of animal life- check out some of the tiny villages and see how they live.

Marwar Festival This famous 2 -day long festival, focusing on the music and dance of the Marwar region, is one of the most colourful in the state. Held in October, on full moon, Sharad Purnima, it was originally known as the Maand festival, a classical style of folk music centered on the romantic lifestyle of Rajasthan's rulers.

WHERE TO SHOP
While you may spend your bucks on trinkets and baubles that are native to Rajasthan, Jodhpur is the home to riding breeches and boots.

GENERAL INFORMATION

STD Code - 0291

Money Matters:

State Bank of India Bilara 5846

Medical Matters: