Jodhpur is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is called the Gateway to Thar, as it is literally on the edge of the Thar desert. It is also called the Sun City as the sun shines (very bright and hot!) almost every day of the year. This is one of my favourite destinations in our 2-week vacation.
(Near Jaswant Thada, Jodhpur. Dated Sept 2011)
Things to Do
A visit to the Mehrangarh Fort is a MUST! Founded by Rao Jodha in 1459, it lies on a 150 m high hill and remains as one of the most magnificent fort in Rajasthan. To reach the fort, 7 gates have to be crossed. The Mehrangarh Fort, with its beauty, is the living proof of the hard work and skill of the Jodhpuri sculptors. Open 9AM-5PM daily.
(Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur. Dated Sept 2011)
Highlights within the palace include:
- Moti Mahal (Pearl Hall)>>> Pearl-colored inside and decorated with colored glass windows, this is where the Maharaja held his audiences, with the five alcoves on the far wall allowing his queens to listen in.
- Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Hall)>>> Just what the name says.
- Phool Mahal (Flower Hall)>>> The most extravagant of them all, this was the Maharaja’s pleasure chamber, for dancing girls and revelry.
- Zenana Deodi>>> The inner sanctum of the palace once guarded by eunuchs, this is where the Maharaja’s wives whiled away their days. The delicate sandstone screens and carvings are exquisite.
- Chamunda Mataji Temple>>> This temple is devoted to Rao Jodha’s favorite goddess and remains a local favorite to this day.
(Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur. Dated Sept 2011)
(Mr Raju, our lovely guide in Jodhpur. Dated Sept 2011)
Be awed by the Jaswant Thada! To the left of the Mehrangarh Fort complex is the Jaswant Thada of Jodhpur, Rajasthan. It is a 19th century royal cenotaph built to commemorate Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur. An example of architectural brilliance in India, Jaswant Thada is a white marble memorial, built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones are extremely thin and polished. As a result, the outside surface of the monument emits a warm glow when the sunrays fall on its surface!
(Jaswant Thada, Jodhpur. Dated Sept 2011)
Shopping in Jodhpur is an exciting and rewarding experience for visitors! It is the homeplace of many talented and skilled craftsmen. They include textile dyers, metal engravers and dye-makers.
Popular souvenirs include:
- Bandhej sarees and dress material
- Mojris or Jootis. (Shoes with a pointed front, a must-have accessory if you plan on dressing like a Rajput Maharaja.)
- Handmade Handicrafts (made to look like old antiques)
- Footwear
Head on down to the famous Clock Tower to buy some chillies of Jodhpur! (We certainly did!) For those who are fond of spicy food, you will be happy to know that Jodhpur is one of the famous chilly growing districts of Rajasthan! Jodhpur chillies are famous, not only throughout India, but internationally as well. The most famous one is Mathaniya’s red chillies of Jodhpur.
Famous for its sweets, it is like a tradition in Jodhpur to first have something sweet and then proceed on to the main course!
Take Note
(Jodhpur. Dated Sept 2011)
- Ladies should avoid wearing revealing clothes in public places, even though Jodhpur is considered to be comparatively safe city.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as much walking is required, especially at the Mehrangarh Fort!
- The locals (especially young children) near the fort are very friendly and might swarm around you for a picture of two. Prepare yourself!
From Me to You:
A Simple Reference Guide For Your Travel In India
- Northern India
- 05 Things That I Appreciate About India
- 09 Must-Know Travel Tips To Enjoy Your India Trip
- Experience North India in 13 Days (PDF Itinerary by KaZ)
(Involving 6 cities & 2 towns in 4 states by plane, rail, car and boat travel!) - Personal List of Things to Bring When Travelling To India (PDF)
(Includes free space for you to add additional items!)
The above information has been complied based on various sources, including my own experience and should only be used as a reference. For more information on the destination, please visit: http://www.incredibleindia.org/
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