South Africa may have a Sun City, but in all things ‘sunny’, can India be far behind? Jodhpur, the second-largest city of Rajasthan may have taken on the affectionate nickname of Sun City, but it’s a whole lot more than that. In the days of yore, when Indian bore the mark of emperor and dynasty, Jodhpur was a favoured city of the Rajput rulers and was even the capital of the kingdom of Marwar.
Jodhpur is surrounded by a long wall consisting of 8 doors and 100 towers are erected all around the wall. And beyond this wall lie a history lesson – and a tourist haven. Today, despite the ravages of time, the rise and fall of king and the colonisation, the city stands as a veritable gateway to a glorious past, stunning monuments still standing proud having weathered the climate and the chaos of centuries of invasions and eventual Independence. And the fact that it is located at the edge of the Thar Desert lends it that certain something that sets it apart from other cities, makes it special and a tourist’s dream. But it’s best to fulfill this dream in the months from November to February, when the sun smiles upon the city in benign happiness. It I called the Sun City for a reason – and that reason is best handled in small does instead of in all its blazing logic.
Sights to See
History buffs will love it here. Every nook and cranny of the city tells a story and the bigger tales are told through stunning monuments and majestic abodes.
Mehrangarh Fort
One of the most formidable forts in India, the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort is located on a steep 125 m high hillock overlooking the city. Spread over an area of 5 square km, the fort has seven splendid gates. The fort houses a number of beautiful palaces like the Phool Mahal, the Moti Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal, as well as a museum. Within its reinforced walls are captured and saved echoes of a past filled with glory, courage, bravery, hope, sadness and tragedy, all palpable even today.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Located at 2 km southeast of the Jodhpur city at the top of a hill, Umaid Bhawan Palace is another city landmark. Commissioned by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1929 as a famine relief scheme, the impressive rose sandstone and marble palace was built between 1923 and 1940. As a result of its construction, thousands of families who were affected were given employment. This palace has been built without using any binding material, like mortar. Stones used in the construction are bound together by interlocking and the pattern has been multiplied for the whole of the structure. The Umaid Bhawan Palace is an example of the early modern period architecture and features many of the attractions of ancient Rajasthan monuments. There are beautiful balconies, courtyards, terraces and rich palace halls. Interestingly, this was one of the last royal constructions in Rajasthan.
Though a famous hotel now, the palace is still home to some of the descendants of the royal family who occupy a section of it. There is also a museum here.
Jaswant Thada
North of the Mehrangarh Fort, this memorial is made of white marble and dedicated to Jaswant Singh II (1878-95), one of Jodhpur’s most famous kings. A flawlessly executed piece of Rajputana architecture, this monument is beautifully graceful. The main cenotaph dedicated to Maharaja Jaswant Singh has been crafted like an exquisite piece of jewellery. There are lovely pavilions, domes and delicate-looking pillars, and a profusion of marble latticework that adorns the entire Jaswant Thada. The interior holds portraits of the warriors who ruled Jodhpur and colourful dedications to the maharanis and concubines of the king.
Mandore Gardens
Located just 9 km from Jodhpur, Mandore is famous for its sprawling gardens, massive cenotaphs, temples, ruins and sculptures. These gardens are a popular picnic spot, and even have a small museum displaying sculptures and ivory and lacquer pieces. Mandore has a turbulent history and fascinating architecture. The massive shrine of Mandore has 30 crore gods that were mentioned in the Rig Veda. The most important shrines at this gigantic temple are the ones dedicated to the Goddess Kali and Laxmi and Lord Brahma. Sculpted figures, brightly painted frescoes depicting scenes from the lives of Marwar Maharajas and exquisitely sculpted cenotaphs of Jodhpur kings can be found in the Mandore Hall. The oldest cenotaph dates back to the 8th century.
Mahamandir Temple
Located at just 2 km from Jodhpur on the Mandore Road, the Mahamandir Temple is famous for its 84 intricately carved pillars, ornamented with detailed carvings of yogic postures. Constructed in 1812, the lovely Mahamandir is renowned for its delicate stone sculptures and its exotically carved 84 pillars. There are ancient ruin spread all over the temple premises.
Balsamand Lake and Palace
Seven km from Jodhpur, the beautiful Balsamand Palace is the erstwhile summer palace on the embankments of a serene and calm Balsamand Lake, a man-made reservoir that was dug in the 12th century and has long served as an important source of water to the Jodhpur city for a long time. Sprawled over 300 acres of luxuriant greens in a valley ensconced with sandstone hills, the Balsamand Palace served as a tranquil summer getaway for the kings and queens of Marwar in the medieval era and today it offers a quiet retreat from the noise and bustle of the bright city lights. The Balsamand Lake Palace was converted into a heritage hotel in 1996 by Maharaja Gaj Singh II. Feel royal as you picnic near the Balsamand Lake cosseted by mango trees, guava and papaya groves on all sides with scenic vistas of the red sandstone Balsamand Lake Palace and the dust-brown hills beyond. So come and tour the Balsamand Lake and Palace with Indian Horizons and explore a fantastic illustration of Rajputana architecture at its intricate best.
Excursions
Guda Bishnoi Village
If you want to immerse yourself in the colours of Jodhpur and take a peek into the lives of the tribals hailing from this region, just head 25 km outside the city to the Guda Bishnoi village. It is literally, a people and a land caught in a time warp, it is an oasis of the past, as though you somehow wished it and the past magically appeared before you.
A scenic land populated with dense khejri tree groves and frolicking deer, the village is a charming disconnect from reality. Here, wild animals walk past village huts, villagers prefer to sleep without food so that the animals are fed and are ready to die to save nature.
The tribals of Guda Bishnoi village worship nature in all its forms. They pray to the green trees and animals that inhabit their land and thus make every effort to conserve the environment.
Visit here to discover their life, their customs, arts and crafts and culture, and enjoy a picnic by the man-made lake, bird-watch, deer watch and soak in the exotic flora while you’re at it.
Osian
A flourishing desert town in the ancient times, Osian lay on an important desert trail that was a significant trade route. At a distance of 55 km from Jodhpur, in the heart of Thar, it’s a land of shimmering golden dunes that serve as a stage for glimmering blue-green peacocks to dance on. Famous for its temples, Osian encapsulate the splendour of Rajasthan. Some of the Jain and Hindu temples date back to the 8th century. The exotic sculptures here are fair indicators of the regular lifestyle of the people of those times.
The Pratihara Dynasty Temple Complex is a must visit. The entire temple complex is perched on a sandstone terrace with ornate walls decorated with carved panels, miniature paintings and exquisite mouldings.
Dhawa
Dhawa is a small wildlife sanctuary 45 km from Jodhpur. It is one of the few places of abundantly green place in Rajasthan and has a large population of cheetah and sambhar.
Shopping
Buy a piece of the exotic east here to remember an unforgettable place! The choices are diverse. The handicrafts and antique pieces of the place are most popular. Other popular items include silver jewellery, leather goods, carpets and durries, textiles and furnitures. The central shopping place of Jodhpur is known as Ghasmandi Bazaar.
Getting There
By air
There is an airport in Jodhpur. Flights are available from Delhi and other major destinations of the country. The frequency of flights may be less during the lean season.
By rail
Jodhpur is well connected with the rest of Rajasthan and other parts of the country. Express train services are available from many destinations including Delhi.
By road
Tourists can board luxury and deluxe buses that operate regularly between Jodhpur and major destinations of north India. Regular deluxe bus services are also available from national capital Delhi.
Getting Around
You can either hire tourist cabs, which ply on a minimum distance/hour per day basis. Public transport is available but chaotic and not advisable except in case of a small budget. You can even rent a car from any one of the many car rental companies. Don the garb of biker to discover the narrow lanes of the inner walled city.
Hop on an auto rickshaw if you are brave enough to navigate the streets on a three-wheeler. Just be sure to negotiate a price before climbing in. Or go completely native and ride around the city in a tonga or horse-driven carriage.