Jodhpur Tourism – Cultural Window of Rajasthan

Exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, folk music and above all the lively attire of its people add a tinge of excitement to Jodhpur. Its grand palaces, fort and temples aptly flaunt Jodhpur’s grandeur.
Jodhpur is one of the most vibrant cities of Rajasthan. It shines with its color, culture, and undying traditions that have become the face of Rajasthan. It lies on the edge of the Thar Desert. The most striking features of this region are smooth sand dunes and the thorny vegetation. Historically speaking, the origin of Jodhpur is credited to the Rathore clan. Rao Jodha laid the foundation of Jodhpur in India in 1459. Before him, the city was known as Marwar.

Its grand palaces, fort and temples aptly flaunt Jodhpur’s grandeur. What’s more, its exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, folk music and above all the lively attire of its people add a tinge of excitement. The popular tight, horse riding trousers, 'Jodhpurs', took their name from this city. Traditionally, the women folk wear wide gathered skirts and a hip length jacket with lots of jewelry to display their prosperity. A unique feature is the Jodhpuri turban worn by the men here. The languages spoken here are Hindi, Marwari and Rajasthani.

There are a number of places to explore in Jodhpur. The Mehrangarh Fort that is the most magnificent fort in Jodhpur is situated on a 150-meter high hill. There are a number of attractions within the fort like several palaces, galleries, a museum, temples and so on. Jaswant Thada lies to the left of the Mehrangarh fort complex. It is a royal cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, made up of white marble. Umaid Bhawan Palace is a fascinating palace, built in the 20th century.

Another tourist spot one can visit is the attractive gardens of the city. Madore Garden has the cenotaphs of Jodhpur's former rulers. Umed garden has a zoo along with an aviary and acts as a special attraction to kids. Jodhpur is also home to some lakes such as the Balsammand Lake, Kaylana Lake, and the Sardar Samand Lake .The scenery of this lake is fascinating and it attracts countless varieties of migratory birds.

The Jodhpuri people are amongst the most hospitable people of India and their lifestyle is quite fascinating. Jodhpuri cuisine is dotted by typically rich Marwari hues and has unmatched flavors typical of only Marwari food.
People from India as well as all over the world visit Jodhpur every year. One must visit its palaces and forts, temples and cenotaphs, as these are the living proofs of splendor, traditions and culture of Jodhpur.

Know more about Jodhpur and other exciting destinations of India at Indian Holiday.

By Jessica Shankar
Published: 10/16/2007
 
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