India Travel Information

About Jaisalmer :
Deep in the heart of the Thar Desert is Jaisalmer, one of the last princely bastions in the region. Founded on what was the cross-roads of lucrative trade routes, this remote settlement came to be celebrated for the valor of its rulers, and for the aesthetic sense represented by their palaces and havelis.

The rich merchants engaged stone-craftsmen who did work of great delicacy on the sandstone mansions they built, filling up facades with sculptural filigree, screen windows, delicate pavilions and beautiful balconies. Today, these veritable art-museums are still inhabited, and their colorful celebrations and festivals have placed Jaisalmer firmly on the world tourism map.

Jaisalmer is famous for its wooden artifacts. The local tradition of carving is best seen in little wooden boxes that are intricately pierced in exciting patterns and motifs. Also woolen and cotton rugs and blankets , embroidered fabrics, silver jewelery and trinkets, available in shops that open off the cobbled streets.

How To Get There?
» By Air - Indian Airlines operates flights to Jodhpur, Jaipur, Mumbai and Delhi from Jaisalmer.

» By Bus - There are many deluxe buses operating daily from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner.

» By Train - There are two trains IJPJ and Jodhpur express which operates daily from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur.

Location :
Jaisalmer is located in the westernmost part of the state of Rajasthan, the heart of the great Thar Desert. It is neighbored by Pakistan on its western side.

Introduction :
Jodhpur is one the most distinctive princely state of Rajasthan. The beautiful Indian city is the major center of export of handicrafts. The city consists of people in bright colours with ethnic jewelery and colorful markets which specialize in antiques. Jodhpur is famous for its tie-dye fabrics and leather goods. The best season to visit Jodhpur is between Nov to March.

Jodhpur is situated at the edge of the Thar Desert with Jaisalmer on its west, Barmar, Jalor and Pali on its south, Bikaner on its north, and Nagaur on the eastern side. It has a typical desert climate, dry and hot. The city is like an oasis in the vast desert, with a variety of thorny shrubs all over the area. It also has some of the animal species that can survive in an arid and dry environment.

Attractions :
» Mehrangarh Fort - 'Mehrangarh', meaning the Majestic Fort is one of the largest forts in India. Located at the center of the city the fort spreads over 5km atop a 125m high hill. The magnificent fort was originally started by Rao Jodha in 1459, but most of the fort which stands today dates from the period of Jaswant Singh (1638 to 1678). Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are some of the important palaces and apartments within the complex.

» Jaswant Thada - A collection of royal crematorium including that of Maharajah Jaswant Singh II, in white marble, is situated near to Mehrangarh fort. Built in 1899, the cenotaph also houses the portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur. There is some beautiful marble lattice work.

» Umaid Bhavan Palace & Museum - Built by Maharajah Umaid Singh in 1929 and completed in 1943, this exquisite palace also known as Chhittar Palace is a splendid example of Indo-Colonial art deco style

Fairs & Festivals :
Jodhpur celebrates the Marwar festival with great fun and joy. It is a two-day program of fun, folk music, folk dance and folklore. Nagpanchami, the worship of the king of the serpents, is also celebrated with enthusiasm.

How To Reach Jodhpur?
» By Air - The airport is 5km from town center. The Indian Airlines Office is south of the Center on Airport Road and is open daily from 10 am to 1pm and 2 pm to 4.30 pm. It has flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur.

» By Rail - The city is well connected by the railway lines and trains are available from all major cities in the country for here. The booking office is on Station Road, between the railway station and Sojati Gate. The office is open Monday to Saturday from 8 am to s pm and only until 1.45 pm on Sunday.

» By Road - RSTC buses and private luxury buses connect Jodhpur with a bunch of places around Rajasthan.

Surrounded by a high crenellated wall, Bikaner is a royal fortified city with a timeless appeal that will captivate you. Reputed world over for the best riding camels it is dotted by many sand dunes. The royal splendor of a bygone era still pervades city's life style making it a distinct place to visit.