Jodhpur - Rajasthan

Tourism

Mehrangarh Fort

The fort of Mehrangarh is regarded as one of the most impressive and formidable structures in the whole of Rajasthan. The fort stretches to a length of 5 kms and is located on a 125 metre high elevated land. The fort was built in such a way that it becomes almost impossible for enemies to intrude into it. The fort houses a few palaces whose architecture is very impressive. The fort was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD when he shifted his capital from Mandore. It is one of the most impressive and formidable structures. The fort has four gates. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels, latticed windows and evocative names. Note worthy of these are The Moti Mahal, The Phool Mahal, The Sheesh Mahal, The Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana. These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant hawdahs and miniature paintings of various schools, musical instruments, costumes and furniture.

Jaswant Thada

Jaswant thada was built in white marble in the year 1899 A.D. in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh ll.It is the site of a royal crematorium. Jaswant Thada houses the cenotaphs of many Rajput royals. There are portraits of various Jodhpur rulers within the main cenotaph. The cenotaph houses portraits of successive rulers. These four cenotaphs commemorate notable acts of bravery, generosity of the four successive rulers.

Umaid Bhawan Palace

Umaid Bhawan stands on the Chittar Hills in the south eastern part of the city. The palace as such is often referred as Chittar Palace by the local population. The Umaid Bhawan Palace is an example of the early modern period architecture. The palace was built under the famine relief project. A relatively new building, the magnificent Umaid Bhawan was built in early 20th century only. Taking full 16 years for completion, the purpose of building Umaid Bhawan was to give employment to the famine struck population of the place. The palace has been built in traditional architecture style and features many of the attractions of ancient Rajasthan monuments. This is still the residence of the former rulers. The umaid bhawan reveals a fusion of the traditional and Western styles of architecture. However, the outlook is predominantly traditional. . The palace features three segments - Heritage Hotel, Private Residence and the Museum. There are beautiful balconies, courtyards, terraces and rich palace halls.

Government Museum

The Jodhpur Government Museum is located in the Umed Gardens which is an extension of the Umaid Palace - built by renowned Edwardian architect namely Henry Vaughan Lanchester. According to historical records the construction of this museum was put into effect during the reign of Maharaja Umed Singhji only. Government Museum in Jodhpur is situated on High Court Road. This museum is very famous tourists for featuring wide collections. The museum in Jodhpur boasts of an extensive range of items. The museum has an exquisite ensemble of paintings, sculptures, antique weapons textiles, local crafts and images of Jain Tirthankars. It boasts of stuffed animals of which several desert birds kept in glass cases with thorn bush capture immense attention. In this museum a military section has also been introduced which holds wooden biplane models and a wonderful brass battleship. The museum has a public library and zoo also in its vicinity.

Girdikot and Sardar Market

The Girdikot and Sardar Market is a popular market in Jodhpur city. There are colorful markets with tiny shops dotting the narrow lanes in the heart of the city. This is a colorful bazzar near, Clock tower a tour to Rajasthan is considered incomplete without a trip to the famous Girdikot and Sardar Market. The market is popular for a wide range of Rajashani textiles, handicrafts, clay figurines of camels and elephants, marble curios with inlay work and exquisite Rajasthani silver jewelry. Every year many foreign as well as local visitors come to the city of Jodhpur to view the tribal life of Rajasthani people and they all visit the Girdikot and Sardar Market to buy several Rajasthani products. The Girdikot and Sardar Market is a place for outstanding artifacts made by the local villagers and Rajasthani people. A visit to the famous Girdikot and Sardar Market of Jodhpur can be a lifetime experience of a tourist. While visiting the Girdikot and Sardar Market, you can also experience the Rajasthani folk music created by the local people. So, do visit the city of Jodhpur and enjoy a shopping at the Girdikot and Sardar Market of Jodhpur.

Maha Mandir Temple

Maha Mandir is renowned as one of the finest temples in Jodhpur. It is built in 1812 A.D. This is a temple with 84 carved pillars .This is a place where sacred glory reigns in a serene harmony. The temple is situated on Mandore road. The temple is an architectural splendor. It is supported by 84 pillars and ornamented with detailed designs and figures depicting various postures of Yoga. The entire structure is marked by a unique and original style.

Exertions

Balsamand Lake and Gardens

Balsamand Lake and garden is located 7kms away from Jodhpur. Balsamand Lake and Gardens is a pretty lake built in 1159 A.D.The Balsamand Lake Palace heritage hotel has been completely built out of the characteristic Jodhpur red sandstone structure The Balsamand Lake Palace heritage hotel is situated on the banks of the Bal Samand Lake, i.e. a 13th century water tank.This lovely heritage hotel is surrounded by lush green and manicured gardens that add a dash of charm to this heritage hotel's aesthetic attractiveness. It is an idyllic spot for excursions. The place has a breathtaking beauty.

Mandore

Ancient Mandore is located at a distance of 9 kilometers from the main Jodhpur city, Mandore served as the royal capital of Marwar long before the establishment of Jodhpur. Mandore became a Rathore bastion when a Rathore Rajput wed a Pratihara princess. Thus Mandore was basically a wedding present for the Rathore rulers of Marwar.The cenotaphs commemorating the memories of Rathore kings and queens are constructed in red sandstone and are set in the midst of lush lawns. Some of the cenotaphs are four stories high. Its beautiful gardens with high rock terraces make it a popular picnic spot. It is the temple of “3 hundred million Gods," .You can see the colorfully painted figures of Hindu deities and several other mythological figures. Adjacent to this unique shrine lies the "Hall of Heroes," that is definitely worth visiting. The Hall of heroes has fifteen figures carved out of the rock on the wall which represent Hindu deities. Trek up the hill to the Mandore ruins and watch bright peacocks frolicking around.

Kailana Lake

Kailana Lake in Jodhpur, Rajasthan is located 8 kms to the west of Jodhpur on the Jaiselmer road. Pratap Singh, the then Prime Minister of Jodhpur, got the lake constructed in 1872. This is a charming picnic spot with a small artificial lake. This artificial lake is spread over 84 square kms. Where the lake now lies, was once an area having palaces and gardens of two rulers of Jodhpur. They were destroyed to make the Kailana Lake. There are also boating facilities available for the tourists here the lake offers a breathtaking view of the sunset. At that time the sky looks like a canvas splashed with spectacular Colors. Kailana Lake is the perfect place to relax or have picnics. If you are interested in birds, then, this place will further interest you. The area around this lake was once full of wild bears. It served as a secured hunting place for the royal embers. But, with the increase in population it has not remained so. Don’t even try to swim in this if you are not an expert swimmer. Better still, don't swim at all. Many youngsters trying to swim across this deep lake have lost their lives.

Osian

Osian is a flourishing desert town in the ancient times, located at a distance of 55 kilometers from the main Jodhpur city .It is famous for its temples. Osian showcases the splendor of Rajasthan. Some of the Jain and Hindu temples in Osian date back to as far back as the 8th century. The ruins and temples in Osian give you a fair glimpse into the bustling life of the Gujara Pratiharas. The exotic sculptures at the Osian temples are fair indicators of the regular lifestyle of the people of those times. Their clothes, ornaments, daily activities etc. are very well depicted in brilliantly painted frescoes and fantastically carved sculptures. A common aspect noticeable at the ancient temple ruins of Osian is the fact that there are a large number of colorful frescoes representing the life and childhood feats of the Hindu deity Lord Krishna. The massive doorways and arches located all over Osian are intricately carved with mythological lores mentioned in the ancient Hindu scriptures. Thus, an excursion to Osian, an enchanting desert Oasis located in the heart of the massive Thar brings you into a paradisiacal land dotted with intricately carved temples with the golden dunes of the formidable Thar in the backdrop. Many tourists visit Osian to have a glimpse of the splendid sunset view available from the place. Osian is a very popular picnic spot for the local people.

Dhawa

Jodhpur is not only the city of forts and palaces, but it is the house of wild animals also. Dhawa is a wild life sanctuary located at the distance of 45 kms from Jodhpur. It is one of the few places of Rajasthan where there is an abundance of greenery. The Dhawa Wild Life Sanctuary houses one of the most rare collection of wildlife specimen It has a large population of cheetah and sambhar. The Dhawa Wild Life Sanctuary houses one of the rarest collections of wildlife specimen Dhawa Wild Life Sanctuary is famous for its unique collection of desert rats and antelopes in Jodhpur. The largest number of chinkaras or Indian Gazelle is housed in this sanctuary in Jodhpur. A collection of the most rare and distinguished members of the animal kingdom are residents of Dhawa Wild Life Sanctuary. Black Bucks, Deer, Sambhar, Cheetal all roam free in this wild life sanctuary. Protection is given to these rare species of animals on the brink of extinction. Laws preventing poachers from brutally murdering these animals have been enforced by the government.

Nagaur

It is an imposing fort with beautiful murals. It is also the venue for a beautiful mural. It is also the venue for a week long cattle fair held in Jan/Feb every year. The Nagaur fair is the second biggest fair in India. The fair goes on for eight days. It is popularly known as the Cattle fair of Nagaur. This is because the Nagaur Fair is mainly all about trading of animals. Approximately 70,000 bullocks, camels and horses are traded every year in this fair. The animals lavishly decorated and even their owners dress up wearing colorful turbans and long moustaches. Some other attractions include the Mirchi bazaar (largest red-chilly market of India), wooden items, iron-crafts and camel leather accessories.

There is a lot of sports activity also in the fair. The sports range from tug-of-war, camel races to bullock races to cock fights. Nagaur fair is also famous for its jugglers, puppeteers, storytellers, etc. For further entertainment, there is the folk music of the Jodhpur echoing throughout the fair.

How to reach Jodhpur

By Air: Jodhpur airport is located in the cantonment area. It is well connected with the metropolitan cities in India through direct flights.

By Rail: Jodhpur Railway Station is located on station road and come sunder the Northern railway network of India. It is directly connected with the major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and other cities.

By Road:Jodhpur has a good road connection .You can reach Jodhpur from Delhi via Gurgaon, Jaipur, Ajmer, Beawar and Pali.If you are on a Rajasthan Tour, then you can make a trip to Jodhpur from Bikaner or Jaisalmer by bus or by hiring a cab.