Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort was founded in 15th century by the Rathore Rajputs when they shifted their capital from nearby Mandore to Jodhpur.Mehrangarh appears to rise from bluff-coloured sandstone hill itself , so well built into the base that it is difficult to tell where the hill ends and the walls begin. It is approached by a series of seven gateways set at an angle so that armies could not charge them with any success. Past the gates, the fort-palace takes one's breath away . Across from huge courtyards are the set wings of palatial apartments that have been built over five centuries of bristling history. Today, managed as a museum by the royal trust that maintains it, only some of the more spectacular palaces of Mehrangarh are open to the visitors .These consists of Moti Mahal with its pierced screen windows overlooking the coronation seat where the Rathore ruler have been ritually anointed to rule ; Jhanki Mahal , the apartment from where the zenana women would watch ceremonial events ; Chandan Mahal, where affairs of state were discussed ; the royal Darbar Takhat or throne room with its octagonal throne ; and the Rang Mahal where the maharaja would play Holi with his Zenana .Also noteworthy are Sheesh Mahal , Phool Mahal , Umaid Vilas and Maan Vilas , while a large tent seized from the Mughals in battle is spread for viewing in what has came to be referred to as the Tent Room . Mehrangarh from the outside is impressive, and certainly forbidding. There is a surprizing lightness to it though, once actually within the fort
Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada, located half way up the interminably long road that climbs onwards to the fort, is the traditional cremation ground of the rulers of Jodhpur. Taking pride of place amongst the ornamental gardens and chattris is the fabulous white marble memorial to Jaswant Singh II, built in 1899. The cenotaphs of other rulers , in the same neighborhood , are relatively simpler. Inside the main hall are royal portraits and other possessions
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Constructed of marble and pink sandstone this immense palace is also known as the Chhittar Palace because it uses local Chittar sandstone. Begun in 1929, it was designed by president of the British Royal Institute of Architects for Maharaja Umaid Singh and took 15 years to complete. Probably the most surprising thing about this grandiose palace is that it was built so close to Independence, after which Maharajas and their grand extravagances were a thing of the past. Umaid Singh died in 19478, four years after the palace was completed; the current Maharaja Gaj Singh II, still lives in part of the building. The rest has been converted into a hotel.
Girdikot & Sardar Market
Tiny shops line both sides of the narrow lanes in these markets. One can find textiles, silver, handicrafts, aromatic spices, vegetables and colorful Indian sweets in these shops
Museum
The museum has fine collection of sculptures, weapons and stuffed animals, including almost featherless desert birds in two glass cases. The military section includes wooden biplane models
Bal Samand Lake
A pretty lake with a pleasure or summer palace, the Balsamand palace, on its banks. These are built around the artificial lake constructed in 1159 AD
Mandore
Mandore, 9 km to the north of Jodhpur, was the capital of Marwar before the foundation of Jodhpur. It was founded in the 6th century, and passed to the Rathore Rajputs in 1381 after a marriage alliance between a princess of the original founders, the Pratiharas, and the Rathode Raja, Rao Chandor. Today the main attraction here is the far-reaching Mandore gardens with there high rock terraces. The gardens also contain the chhatries (cenotaphs) of the Rathode rulers. One of the most imposing is the Cenotaph of Maharja Dhiraj Ajit Singh, an enormous edifice with carved elephants, amalake (disk-shaped flourishes with fluted edges), a pillared fore chamber with fine sculpture. You can climb to the third storey up a peculiar set of staircases. Opposite is the 17th century Chhatri of Maharaja Dhiraj Jaswant Singh, an enormous octagonal pavilion with a vast dome and huge pillars. It achieves a remarkable symmetry, with a gallery supported by pillars and sculptures of Krishna and the gopies (milkmaids). At the rear of the complex, to the right is the small government museum. To the left is the Hall of Heros, with 15 figures carved out of a rock wall. The brightly painted figures represent Hindu deities or local Rajput Heroes on horseback. The Shrine of 33 Crore Gods is painted with figures of deities and spirits
Maha Mandir Temple
Laterally, the great temple, is a place where sacred glory reigns in a peaceful tranquility. Situated on Mandore road, the temple is an architectural splendor, 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
Kailana Lake
Situated 11 km form Jodhpur, this serene lake is and ideal jaunt for picnics
Osian
An oasis in the desert, situated on the diversion off the main Jodhpur - Bikaner Highway. A drive to this ancient township takes one past undulating terrain, punctuated by desert stretches and little hamlets. Osian has 15 beautifully sculpted Jain and Brahmanical temples.
Of these the most outstanding ones are the earlier Surya or Sun Temple and the later Kali temple,Sachiya Mata Temple and the main temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira
Luni Fort
Fort Chanwa of Luni is an exceptional example of Elegance and Symmetry in Indian architecture of the last century. The entire fortress is carved out of the famous red sandstone of Jodhpur and with its ornately carved lattice work friezes and intricate Jherokas it exquisitely captures the romance and grace of a bygone age.
The Fort is composed of a lyrical complex of courtyards, towers, water-wheels, stables, passages and unexpected stairways to secret pavilions and panoramic roof tops spanning the village below and the Thar horizon beyond. The traditional paintings on the walls harmoniously reflect the skill of the master craftsmen and the bygone days.
The village of Luni nestles in the shadow of the Fort walls and is a hub of activity with its many artisans fashioning metal, clay or wood into intricate forms and demonstrating the skills passed down over the centuries by their ancestors.
The Fort has been beautifully restored to its former glory by its owners Maharaj Dilip singhji, the youngest son of H.H. Maharaja Umaid Singhji and his wife Rani Madhu. Each room has been created and decorated with its own particular charm and the many courtyards, verandahs and gardens all offer a setting and ambiance set to capture your heart.
Weather
In Summer: 42.2 C (Max) - 27.3 C (Min)
In winter: 27.5 C (Max) - 9.5 C (Min)
Rainy Season : from July to Mid Sept, and very humid (Upton 90%)
Our suggestion: Best time to come: Sep to March
How to Reach Jodhpur
By Air
Jodhpur is well connected to all the major cities which includes Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Jaipur, Udaipur
By Bus
Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe & air conditioned buses from Delhi (Bikaner House, Nr. India Gate) to Jodhpur. The roads are very good, and it takes around 8-9 hrs from Jodhpur. You can also come by taxi.
By Train
Jodhpur is on the Broad Gauge and hence connected to all the metro cities of India. There are daily trains from Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai & Kolkata |
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