Jodhpur INDIA
Airing Date: Feb 20th, 2006
Situated at the edge of the vast and merciless Thar desert in Rajasthan, Jodhpur city is like an oasis with its sea of mesmerizing blue buildings - a crazed cubist mass dominated by the huge fort of Meherangarh.
Jodhpur is in west Rajasthan and isn't as well laid out as Jaipur. Winding narrow streets without street signs make navigation and getting to your destination a feat. The walled city or old Jodhpur has eight gates, of which Jalori Gate and Sojati Gate on the south, are the most important - the busiest commercial centres surround them. The new city expands to the south and east of the old city.
Nai Sarak, or New Road, leads through Sojati Gate to the biggest shopping thoroughfare and then to the market area, Sadar Bazaar, at the base of the deck tower that marks the centre of Jodhpur. The magnificent Meherangarh Fort (above the city) and Jaswant Thada can be see from almost everywhere.
One of the largest and most formidable and impregnable forts in India, the majestic Mehrangarh Fort is located on a steep 125 meter hill. Standing as a mute witness to the splendours and sagas of a bygone era replete with chivalry, glory and grandeur, the fort contains within its area some of the most beautiful palaces with wonderfully carved panels, latticed windows and evocative names.
The Fort is a living testimony of the military might of the Rajputs. With the strategically located cannons on the walls, the fort is spread over an area of 5 km at an altitude of about 125 meters. Thousands of tourists visit this fort every year to have a glimpse of the artillery system of the Rajput warriors. A bird's eye view of the city from above the fort is fascinating.
Further Information
A 12 day tour starts at $3085 a person twin share
with Travel Indochina
Telephone: 1300 365 355
Website: www.travelindochina.com.au
Qantas fly return to Mumbai with prices starting from: $1414 ex Sydney, $1481 ex Brisbane, $1493 ex Adelaide, $1495 ex Melbourne, $1716 ex Hobart and $1901 ex Perth. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
Website: www.qantas.com
Jet Airways have connections to Jodhpur from $248 one way.
Telephone: Jet Airways 02 9244 2132
Website: www.jetairways.com
