Jodhpur

It stands at the edge of the Thar Desert and is the largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur. This bustling desert city is dominated by a massive fort, topping a sheer rocky ridge, which rises right in the middle of the town.  Jodhpur is also known as the Sun City because of the indigo colored houses in the old town

History: Rao Jodha founded Jodhpur in year 1459. Jodhpur was the capital of the Rathore Kingdom once known as Marwar, ‘The Land of Death’. The powerful Rathore Clan ruled the Kingdom of Jodhpur.

Places of Tourist Interest

Mehrangarh Fort: Rao Jodha built fort in year 1459. Inside the fort is a series of courtyards and palaces. The fort itself is divided broadly into three areas: The outer court,

with its old stables and kitchen, The Durbar: hall, reception room and maharajas palaces and finally, the Zenana, or queen’s palaces. This palace constructed around a series of interconnecting courtyards and adorned with breathtakingly carved sandstone filigree work.

Fort Museum: This is one of the finest museums in Rajasthan. In the palanquin section of the fort museum, you can see an interesting collection of old royal palanquin, including the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin, which was won in battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730. Another second is howdah section, with perhaps one of the finest collection of ornate elephant howdahs in the world.

Umaid Bhawan Palace: It is one of the largest private residences in the world. It has 347 rooms. A British architect, H. V. Lanchester, who was an admirer of Lutyens, the designer of New Delhi, designed the place. The present Maharaja now lives on the first floor of the palace, while the rest of the palace has been turned into a luxury hotel.

Jaswant Thada: A collection of royal crematorium including that of Maharaja 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 latticework.

Popular Eating Joints

On the Rocks Restaurant: This restaurant is based on jungle theme. After meal try one of the milk shakes or relax with a drink by the fountain.

Marwar Restaurant: This restaurant is built in a neo-Mughal architectural style and serves continental, Indian food and a few Rajasthani specialties. Every night, live classical Indian music plays in the background.

Fort Restaurant: This open top restaurant is situated at Mehrangarh Fort. Enjoy your dinner under the starlit sky, a perfect setting for a memorable evening.

Shopper’s Stop

Girdikot and Sardar Market: These colorful markets are located in the heart of Jodhpur. Narrow alleys lead to quaint little shops selling textiles, antiques, silverware and a wide range of handicrafts. Nearby is the clock tower, which is a prominent landmark.

Places around Jodhpur

Mahamandir: The temple located 2 km north-east of the city on the Mandore Road,  is an architectural splendor built in 1812, supported by 84 carved pillars ornamented with detailed designs.

Balsamund Lake and Palace: Balsamund Lake and palace is located 7 KMS from Jodhpur 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.

Mandore Gardens: Mandore, the ancient capital of Marwar lie 8 KMS north of Jodhpur. 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. The sculptures from fifth 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.

Osian: The ancient town of Osian situated 65 km from Jodhpur is an archaeologist’s 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. 

Rohet: Picturesque settlements of the Bishnoi Tribal Community- 40 kms south of Jodhpur. Bishnois are famous for their reverence for plant and animal life. Rohetgarh, a peaceful heritage hotel here has a beautiful lakeside environment. Jeeps, horse and camel safaris are organized.