State
:
Rajasthan
Climate :
Jodhpur is one of the driest places in north India. Its semi-arid to arid
environment makes the weather here very dry and hot, with humidity levels at
their lowest. Summer temperatures are usually very high with average day
temperature around 42° C; summer highs can go beyond 47°C and
minimum summer temperatures rarely fall below 35°C. Winter too runs to
extreme cold with minimum temperatures of 1°/2°C and maximum
temperatures hovering around 20°-24°C. Jodhpur does receive a good
amount of rainfall between July and August.
Significance :
A Historical City
Jodhpur - the blue city :
Jodhpur, the second largest city of Rajasthan, is like an oasis in lifeless
desert. The rich and colorful history of Jodhpur is represented with shades
of blue. In Jodhpur one can find forts, palaces, temples, havelis, spices,
fabrics, color, texture and any thing and everything related to culture and
tradition. Jodhpur is situated in western Rajasthan and has lots to offer.
The hospitable locals, the beautiful women and the colorful turbans, add to
the charm of the city and invite tourists from all over the world.
Connectivity :
» By Air - Jodhpur is well connected to Delhi,
Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur.
» By Rail - Jodhpur is connected by an excellent
overnight train service from New Delhi. There are also many regular
intercity trains connecting Jodhpur with Jaipur and Jaisalmer.
» By Road - Jodhpur is well connected by road to
Jaipur (330 kms), Jaisalmer (290 kms), Udaipur (275 kms), Khimsar (90 kms)
and serves as the gateway for many tourists destinations in Rajasthan.
Highlights of the City :
» Mehrangarh Fort - 'Mehrangarh' is one of the
largest forts in India, located at the center of the city the fort spreads
over 5km on top of a 125m high hill. The majestic fort was actually started
by Rao Jodha in 1459, but most of the forts are standing from the period of
Jaswant Singh (1638 to 1678). Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh
Khana and Daulat Khana are some of the well known palaces and apartments
within this complex.
» Jaswant Thada - Near the Mehrangarhfort, stands
tall the white marble cenotaph has a collection of royal crematorium
including that of Maharajah Jaswant Singh II. Built in 1899, the memorial
also has the portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur. Some beautiful marble
lattice work can also be found here.
» Umaid Bhavan Palace & Museum - Maharajah Umaid
Singh started the construction of this palace in 1929 and completed in 1943.
This royal palace also known as Chhittar Palace is a wonderful example of
Indo-Colonial art style.
Fairs & Festivals :The Marwar festival is celebrated
all over Jodhpur with great fun and joy. It is a two-day fun filled
extravaganza folk music, folk dance and folklore. Nagpanchami, is another
festival celebrated with enthusiasm, worshiping the king of the serpents.
