We are in this modern era now, where anything historical and kingly phenomenon excites us. We pace up to see places drowned with history so that we can also be a part of what we learnt in our history books. In India, Rajasthan holds a very active place when culture, heritage, history come to question. Jodhpur, the second metropolitan and second largest state of Rajasthan is the princely state of Rao Jodha, who was the founder of it. Jodhpur is also known as the 'Sun City' for its sunny exposure all the yearlong and the 'Blue City' for its bluish essence found in the majority of the houses. Fascination also prevails for the resorts in Jodhpur.
With so many places to visit in Jodhpur, a gift is its possessing one of the largest forts of India, namely, 'Mehrangarh Fort' founded by the very founder of Jodhpur, Rao Jodha, is a magnificent, broadly walled piece of architecture 410 feet above the city which is found to be engraved with the palm imprints of the then soldiers, cannonball attacks initiated against the armies of Jaipur, all these make Mehrangarh Fort a very living piece of history. History is very much alive in the cenotaphs, cremation grounds so is in 'Jaswant Thada'. A cenotaph founded by Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur city for his father Maharaja Jaswant Singh in 1899, where also the whole royal family of Marwar rests in peace. The architecture deserves specific mention, for the marbles are crafted so thinly that when touched by the sun it illuminates giving a warm effect. Some exotic things are also presented by Jodhpur, like the Rao Jodha Garden which is 72 hectares spread and in proximity of Mehrangarh Fort. Here we'll find arid vegetation and land carefully restored by the government. Volcanic rocks and sandstone foundation encircles this point. Once an artificial lake created during the 13th century, now a water reservoir to supply water to all the lush green lawns and terraces, Balasamand Lake creates eminence for it was a summer residence of the Jodhpur Maharajas with garden rooms consisting of rose garden, croquet lawns and restaurant. The architecture dwells ornate Rajput carvings with red sandstone. Another mention holds the place of Umaid Bhawan, the last great palace of India and also the largest private residence after it opened its gate as the royal residence. The successors of late Maharaja Umaid Singhji resides here.
We have talked a lot about the appealing spots but there is also a spot which will ensure thrill and ecstasy when stayed and that is Bishnoi village which is almost 22 kilometres from Jodhpur. 'Bishnoi village camp and resort' located there offers hospitality alike best resort in Jodhpur. Safari camp in Jodhpur also holds another alluring interest which Bishnoi resort also provides. Jodhpur and Bishnoi village are two contrasting regions for the former promotes kingly era and the latter indulges in a village like appeal with its huts, tents and bonfire and late night music. So, when are you planning your next visit to Jodhpur?
Martin Wynn
