Jodhpur stands on sandstone hills, surrounded by a
strong wall nearly 10 km in length, with seven gates, dominating the
city is an eminence surmounted by a massive fortress. Within the walls
are royal palaces with priceless jewels and a striking collection of
arms. Sightseeing of Jodhpur includes visit to the Fort, Palaces,
Armoury and Jaswant Thada.
Sightseeing
Mehrangarh Fort: Situated at an altitude of about 125 meters, the
Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur is spread over an area of 5 sq km in the
heart of the city of Jodhpur. Besides being a landmark in Jodhpur
Mehrangarh fort is a must visit for all the tourists. The fort has seven
gates of which the noted ones are the Jayapol, built by Maharaja Man
Singh in 1806; Fatehpol or the Victory Gate built by Maharaja Ajit
Singh; and the Lohapol or the Iron Gate.
Jaswant Thada: Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur is a white marble
memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899 A story goes
that Maharaja Jaswant succumbed to injuries in this place while fighting
the Mughal king Jahangir. This place is a must visit in Jodhpur.
Umaid Bhawan: Made of marble and pink sandstone, the
construction of the Umaid Bhawan of Jodhpur started in 1929 and it took
16 years to complete it. It is believed that the palace was constructed
to give employment to the famine-struck population of Jodhpur. This
majestic building is presently the residence of the former rulers with a
part of it running as hotel and remaining part as a museum.
Shopping in Jodhpur
In response to export markets, many of the factories and shops here
design furniture and metal work products that are geared to Western
tastes. The central market, or Ghasmandi Bazaar, is very popular with
visitors. But the really good stuff is found outside the city walls.
You'll find textiles, silver, jewellery, instruments, pottery, boxes,
carved ducks, metalwork, marble figures, paintings, copper, brass,
antique reproductions, ivory, insignias in white German metal, bed
covers, wall hangings, puppets, clothes, old doors, and lots of
furniture.
