TALES OF GRANDEUR AND GREAT HEROES

Set at the edge of the Thar desert ,the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert.Once the capial of the Marwar state,it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama the epic hero of the Ramayana.The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 25 mts. above the plains.The city is encompassed by a high wall 10km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.

A major trade center of the 16th century AD the fortress city of Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. While the graceful palaces,forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur,exquisite handicrafts, folks dances,music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city.

PRIME SITES - MEHRANGARH FORT

The 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 m high hill is one of the most impressive and formidable structures.Although invincible from the outside,the fort has four gates approached by a winding road. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with marvellously craved panels,latticed windowsand evocative names. Noteworthy of these are the Moti Mahal,the Phool Mahal,the Sheesh Mahal,the Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana.These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty includinga superb collection of palanquins,elephant howdahs,minitaure paintings of various schools,musical instruments,costumes and furniture.

PRIME SITES - JASWANT THADA

A cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marbel built in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers.

EXCURSIONS - OSIAN (58 KM)

An oasis in the desert,situated on the diversion off the main Jodhpur - Bikaner Highway.

A drive to this ancient township takes one past undulating terrain, punctuated by desert stretches and little hamlets.
Osian has 15 beautifully sculpted Jain and Brahmanical temples.
Of these the most outstanding ones are the earlier Surya or Sun Temple and the later Kali temple,Sachiya Mata Temple and the main temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira.

EXCURSIONS - BALSAMAND LAKE (5 KM)

A pretty lake with a pleasure or summer palace on its banks. These are built around the artificial lake constructed in 1159 AD . The gardens were developed later.

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