Jodhpur
- Bikaner - Jaisalmer
 Jodhpur
: The former capital of Marwar state, was founded
in 1459 by Rao Jodha. He built the huge fort called Mehrangarh
and gradually the city of Jodhpur grew around it. The city
is protected by a high stone wall with seven gates and countless
fortresses. Today Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan
and it has still maintained its medieval look. The forts,
temples and other monuments remind the glorious past and architectural
beauty of Rajasthan.
Jodhpur attractions:
Mehrangarh Fort : Spreading
for a 5 km on a hill and looking down from a height of about
125 metres, the fort houses some of the very beautiful palaces
with finely carved panels and patternd windows. Moti Mahal
(Pearl Palace), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), Sileh Khana
and Daulat Khana are some of the important areas to visit
and view the collection of pananquins, howdahs, royal cradles,
miniatures, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. Jaswant
Thada has a collection of royal cenotaphs, built in white
marble, lies very close to the fort. Built in 1899, the cenotaph
also houses portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur.
Umaid Bhawan Palace is an impressive sandstone structure,
the only palace to be built in the 20th century. Today the
palace is run as a hotel while a part of it is still retained
by the royal family.
Girdikot and Sardar Market is situated in the heart of Jodhpur.
Colourful markets, tiny shops and a wide rang of handicrafts
make this market a specially charming area.
Mandore : The ancient
capital of Marwar lies 8 km north of Jodhpur. This area is
of immense historical importance but what makes it worthy
of a visit is the Hall of Heroes. Sixteen gigantic figures
carved out of a single rock depicting popular Hindu and folk
deities stand there in bright colours and are very well maintained.
The area is surrounded by landscaped gardens.
Other areas of interest are:
Mahamandir Temple: It was built in 1812 and an
unusual feature of this temple is that it has 84 carved pillars.
Kailana Lake is 11 km away from Jodhpur and quite popular
as a picnic spot.
Bikaner: The city of Bikaner lies on the northern
point. Bikaner has royal walls surrounding the city dating
back to 1486 AD. It was established by a Rathore prince, Bika
and came to be called Bikaner after him. Bika was the eldest
son of the founder of Jodhpur state - Rao Jodha. In the past,
this city was a major trade centre as it is placed on the
route that linked Central Asia and North India with the Gujarat
seaports. The main shopping area lies around Kote Gate which
has exclusive markets.
The oldest structures in Bikaner are the 14th century Jain
temples built by two brothers and named after them as the
Bhandeshwar temple and the Sandehswar temple. While the former
is rich in mirror work and frescoes, the latter has stylised
enamel and gold leaf wall paintings.
Junagarh Fort: built in 1587 Junagarh fort of Bikaner
is one of the unconquered fort in India. The foundation of
this fort was laid by Akbar’s contemporary Raja Rai Singh.
Thirty-seven palaces, pavilions and temples were added to
the original structure and each has been cleverly built to
connect with the main building. Anup Mahal,Ganga Niwas Durbar
Hall, Har Mandir, Gaj Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Karan Mahal, Phool
Mahal and Chandra Mahal are some of the areas one should not
miss out when visiting Bikaner. There is also a museum which
has a valuable collection of miniature paintings and other
rare items dating a back to several centuries.
Lalagarh Palace: This
palace was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob for Maharaja Ganga
Singh almost 90 years ago. The palace is an example of a combination
of European luxury and oriental fantasy, the palace is comprised
of a billiards room, a library, a cards room and a smoking
room. The fireplaces and Belgian chandeliers, cutglass ornaments,
oil paintings, lamps add a western look to this palace.
Laxmi Vilas and Shiv Vilas are the important tourist spots
here. Major part of the palace has now been turned into a
luxury hotel. Other areas to visit include the Rajasthan State
Archives and its Museum has an excellent collection of manuscripts,
coins, stone and marble statues from almost every period of
Indian history. Specially interesting are the rare miniature
sandalwood items fitted into almond and walnut shells. The
public park and zoo, the camel breeding farm, and the Devi
Kund Sagar are other areas of interest.
Karni Mata Temple: The temple is located 30 km
south of Bikaner. It is the unique temple dedicated to Karni
Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga.
A little away from Bikaner are tourist places called Gajner
(32 km west), which is a wildlife sanctuary and Kolayat (64
km ) an ancient pilgrimage centre. Further away are Ganganagar
(280 km) which has the world’s longest concrete canal called
the Ganga Canal and is rich in agriculture. Kailbhangan is
of great value to those interested in archaeology. Extensive
remains of the oldest know Indian civilisation have been found
here.
 Jaisalamer:
Jaisalamer rises from the golden sands and houses a fort with
yellow sandstone walls and bastions taking on a golden hue
in the afternoon sun.
Rawal Jaisal laid the foundation of this city in 1156 after
consulting a local hermit by the name of Eesul. Tricuta was
the hill chosen and Jaisal abndoned his old fort at Lodurva
and established this new capital. The business of spices and
silk brought great wealth to this town. Today the city of
Jaisalamer is famous for its carved havelies, its cobbled
streets and its ancient Jain temples.
The fort stands almost 100 metres above the city and has huge
entrances like Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoota Pol and Hava
Pol, which guard the Megh Durbar and Jawahar Mahal. There
are also Jain temples dating back to the 12th to the 15th
century.
Outside the fort is the main market place called Manek Chowk
which is the centre of local activity. From Manek Chowk one
can walk into the lanes where the famous carved havelies are
found. Patwon-ki-haveli, Nathmalji-ki-haveli and Salim Singhji-ki-haveli
are the known havelies here. Built mainly during the 18th
and 19th centuries, the carvings in the havelies of Jaisalmer
is of a very superior quality.
Other areas of interest are the Gadsisar lake, Bhattiani Sati-rani,
and the royal cenotaphs at Bara Bagh.
Lodurva : 16 km northwest
of Jaisalmer, is an important Jain pilgrimage. The camel rides
on the sand dunes is an unforgettable experience as are the
sunsets.
Aakal: Aakal is a Fossil
Park, which lies 16 km from Jaisalamer. The fossil trunks
lie scattered in this park. Jaisalmer is also the location
of the famous Desert Festival which brings together musicians,
dancers and other performers of this region.
Barmer: Barmer is famous
for its carved wooden furniture and handblock printing industry.
Barmer is best visited during the fairs that are held in nearby
places.
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