Rajasthan Jodhpur
Places Around In Jodhpur 
1. Mandore Gardens
Mandore, the ancient capital of Marwar lies 8 kms north of Jodhpur. The extensive gardens is beautifully laid with high rock terraces. Garden is open to visitors daily from sunrise to sunset. The 'Hall of Heroes' here contains 16 gigantic figures carved out of a single rock wall. The vividly painted figures represent Hindu and folk deities or local heroes on horseback. This garden also had a small museum. It houses the royal cenotaphs of the Maharajas, of which the temple shaped memorial of Maharaja Ajit Singh is the largest and the finest. The sculptures from 5th to 9th century, ivory and lacquer work are displayed here. The Shrine of 33 Crore Gods painted with figures of gods, spirits and divinities is also worth seeing. The museum opens from 1000 to 1600, Saturday to Thursday and Friday is a holiday.
2. Mahamandir
The temple located 2km north-east of the city on the Mandore Road, is an architectural splendour built in 1812, supported by 84 carved pillars ornamented with detailed designs.
3. Balsamund Lake and Palace
Located 7kms from Jodhpur is the Balsamund Lake surrounded by garden built in 1159.A European style palace constructed in 1936, looms over the lake. Although its internal structures are in a European style, it has entirely traditional and beautifully carved red sand stone facade. The lake a popular excursion spot has been converted into a public park and bird sanctuary. The Balsamund Palace offers comfortable accommodation in a pe
aceful surrounding.
4. Osian
The ancient town of Osian situated 65km from Jodhpur is an archaeologists delight. The 16 Brahmanical and Jain temples belonging to 8th and the 11th century are beautifully sculpted and designed. The largest and the best preserved among them are the Mahavir Jain temple dedicated to Mahavira, the last of the Jain Thirthankars and Sachchiya Mata temple (11th-12th Century dedicated to Goddess Durga). The early 8th century Surya temple with beautifully carved pillars has fascinating images of Durga, Surya and Ganesh. Once a great trading centre, Osian is now a desert oasis, home to numerous peacocks.
5. Sardar Samand Lake and Palace
This lake about 65kms south east of Jodhpur attracts pelicans, flamingos, cranes, egrets and kingfishers. The palace formerly the Maharaja of Jodhpur's summer palace has now been converted into a hotel. On the route to this wildlife centre, Rajasthani village life and vibrant cultural colours can be seen.
6. Shopping in Jodhpur
Giridikot and Sardar Market are colourful shopping districts in the heart of the city with tiny shops squeezed into narrow lanes. Head here to pick up a selection of handicrafts – metal curios, leather goods, paintings,richly embroidered ‘jootis’ (open slippers), silverware, tie-dye fabrics and custom tailored ‘jodhpurs’, the breeches that are synonymous with the city. Look out for the fine ‘durries’ in cotton and wool in vibrant colours made in the villages around Jodhpur. The other good shopping areas are Sojati Gate, Mochi ki Gali, Lakhara Bazaar and Tripolia Bazaar
Getting There
By Air
Jodhpur is connected by flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Udaipur at least thrice a week. The airport is 5 km from the city centre and auto rickshaw or taxis are available for the ride into town.
By Train
Jodhpur has direct rail connections with many important cities, notably Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Varanasi. The city is connected directly or indirectly to many places in the state and to important destinations in the neighbouring states of Gujarat and Delhi. Trains available are in the express, superfast and mail categories.
By Road
The national and state highways that connect Jodhpur to Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Ajmer and Ahmedabad are well maintained. Almost all rented cars and jeeps in India come with a chauffeur, so if you want to see the country and the weather is right, coming in to Jodhpur by road may be a good idea.
