Jodhpur – Erstwhile capital of Marwar – A Jewel in the Crown of Thar Desert

Indian Thar is a unique landmass. Spread over a little more than 250.000 square kilometres comprising western Rajasthan and Kachchh, the region defies the known geographical categories of arid and semi-arid zones. Even though the landscape presents the bleak spectre of desert regions with sprawling, undulating sand dunes, vast lowly rocky hills almost bereft of vegetation, palish grass, scrub lands and saline marshes, the region has the world’s highest density of human and animal population compared to other deserts.

Like all deserts, Indian Thar too has extreme climates, very high (42C to 50C) and low (0C to -3C) temperatures in summer and winter respectively: high diurnal changes in temperature almost thoughout the year, high velocity winds causing shifts in sand dunes as also of fertile soils, and extremely low humidity with scanty and erratic rainfall ranging from 50 mm to 500 mm.

Despite inclement weather and adverse natural conditions, the harsh region could not breed despair among its people, known as Marwaris. Though living among babul trees, scanty drinking water that too far away from their huts, thorny shrubs, disastrously long spells of draught and burning sands was no easy task, they refused to be daunted by nature’s lack of hospitality. On the contrary, they accepted it as a challenge. Nature taught them to follow its rhythm-dust storms and pathetic famines inspired them to tolerate pain and suffering, lack of resources taught them frugality and motivated them to work assiduously, and their hard work and indomitable spirit made the place habitable.
Jodhpur today is the second largest city of Rajasthan where the past still lives in its monuments and its romance lies in the exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, architecture, music, festivals and shimmering sands.

Attractions in Jodhpur: “Where we send our Family and Friends”
Mehrangarh: Mehrangarh is the name of the Jodhpur fort built in 1459 by Rao Jodha. the ruler of Jodhpur. It is one of the chief tourist attractions. The fort of red sand stone gives elegant look with its carved windows and walls. Various Ragas of Indian music have been carved in the form of pictures. Fort houses four Mahals (Residences for Royals) along with famous Chamunda temple. The cannons on the ramparts near Chamunda temple are among the rarest in India.

Jaswant Thada: A monument of royal cenotaphs in white marble, located near the fort was built in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Its reflection in adjacent pond presents stunningly beautiful sight in moonlight.

Umaid Bhawan Palace: A majestic royal structure in Jodhpuri chhitter sandstone, which reminds the beholder of beauty and splendor of Taj Mahal, was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh. It took about 16 years for its construction. The unique feature of this place is that the hard chiseled sand stone blocks have been put together in a special system of interlocking without any mortar binding. The place has now a Heritage Hotel, a Museum and a Royal Residence.

Mandore Gardens: Mandore, was the ancient capital of Marwar, before 1459, has umbrella shaped memorials of erstwhile rulers of Jodhpur amidst sprawling beautiful step gardens, which remind one of the proud traditions of Jodhpur. One of the attractions of this place is the ‘Hall of Heroes’, which houses sixteen gigantic figures chiseled out of one single rock.

Balsamand Lake: Balsamand Lake, was constructed by Balak Rao in 1159. King Sur Singh constructed an artistic eight-pillared palace with 3 entrance gates in the lake. The palace in the lake, made of beautiful carved stones, is polished with shells and filigree work.

Clock Tower: Clock tower also known as Ghanta Gar was built by. Maharaja Sardar Singh, ruler of Jodhpur – The area is known as Sardar Market, a cluster of small shops, a shopping paradise for rural population, The place gives immense shopping pleasure to the local as well as the visitors.

Kailana Lake: An artificial lake is a charming picnic spot. It is like a canvas with a splash of romantic colours. Boating facilities are available.