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Rajasthan
( Jodhpur )
INTRODUCTION
Jodhpur can be your starting
point. Popularly called the Sun City. Jodhpur
gives the impression of being a rugged,
no-nonsense city that has little time for the
decorative and the pretty. Take a look at
Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most impressive and
formidable structures that looks down from a
height of 125 m. the solid walls with tiny
openings appear so daunting that it is easy to
imagine which the enemies must have viewed it.
That is how the fort appear from the
outside-but when you're inside its as if you've
entered into a different world altogether
magnificent palaces with marvelously carved
panels an d latticed windows like the Moti
Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and Daulat
Khana. Spend a lot of time in the museum,
one of the best in Rajasthan, and see the
fabulous collection of Jodhpur
royalty-palanquins, Howdabs, furniture,
miniature paintings, musical instruments and
costumes.
There are other interesting areas in and around
Jodhpur like the Jaswant Thada, Girdikot and
Sardar Market, and the 20th century Umaid
Bhawan Palace. A little further away from
the city is Balsamand Mahamandir Temple, and
Kailana Lake. the observant visitor will
notice that most of the houses here use the red
stone typical of Jodhpur, giving a rather neat
and uniform look to the city. Today, craftsmen
use the stone to produce a wide range of gift
items that the visitor demand for this stone
from other cities where carved pillars and
balconies are shaped to give a unique look to
houses.
Another thriving desert city, though not on the usual
tourist circuit, is Barmer, a city that can trace its
origin to the 12th century. Once on the ancient camel trade route,
barren land and rough terrain surround the town. It is a livery
town but the harsh climate has also kept this town a little
isolated from growing into a major tourist centre. The town,
however, does have its little areas of interest. The ruined fort
and some Jain Temples should be visited. A little away from Barmer
is the famous town of Kiradu, an archaeologist's dream,
where ruins of some beautiful 12th century temples should not
missed. Barmer is famous for its carved wooden furniture and hand
block printing industry. This area is best visited to gain an
insight into the desert life and admire the decorative skills of
the simple village folk. Undaunted by the harsh, unfriendly
climate, the villagers have some of the most beautiful mud huts
that are decorated with delicate folk motifs. The near huts are a
wonderful backdrop for the colourfully dressed men and women. Try
and visit Barmer when it is festival time, the Tilwara
cattle fair is a good time to be here.
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