Jodhpur’s sublime architecture is what catches the eyes of the tourists while sightseeing. The mighty Mehrangarh Fort perched on a hillock and breathtaking Umaid Bhawan Palace, which now is one of world’s best heritage hotels certainly offer a glimpse of what this popular attraction in Rajasthan is all about. Jodhpur offers its visitors an unbeatable blend of modern and ancient that divides the city neatly into two parts, Old and New. The Old Jodhpur is crammed with the famous blue painted houses, and consistently mushrooming hotels catering to hippie culture, and those interested in witnessing the rustic side of this one of the favourite getaways in Rajasthan. On the other side, New Jodhpur area teems with malls, high end accommodations, amusement parks, and cafes and lounges. However, one cannot overlook the gorgeous suburb of Jodhpur that is adorned with lakes like Kaylana; and the travel places nearby such as Osian that is dotted with beautiful ancient Hindu and Jain temples; and a desert area for camel safari. Indeed, Jodhpur would be an enriching and fulfilling experience for family vacations, honeymoon tours, history lovers, students, and for that matter, even for solo travellers. For those, wanting to relish the culture and tradition of Jodhpur can best plan their holiday during the fairs & festivals like Marwar Festival, Jodhpur International Desert Kite Festival and Nagaur Fair.
These popular celebrations, give a detailed insight into what makes Rajasthan a land of vivacity. Apart from Mehrangarh and Umaid Bhawan Palace, the top places to visit in Jodhpur include, the white marble Jaswant Thada; Mandore Garden, which is quite famous among local visitors; and Masuria Hills, popular for offering panoramic view of the city. Other than these, tourist attractions in the city include, Umed Garden, showcasing a zoo, an aviary and a park with fountains and ponds; and Nehru Park; a playing area for kids. There are also, a large number of Hindu temples in Jodhpur, beckoning an ideal destination for pilgrimage tour. For kids and students tour, a must see is the Government Museum that displays desert birds, wooden military biplane models and battleships. A Jodhpur tour package is not quite complete without shopping for gorgeous jewellery, bandhej work, and spices, especially the red chillies available at the colorful, vibrant Clock Tower Market, which is also one of the top tourist places. Other handicraft items like stone-studded earpieces and leather footwear (Juttis) are also the top things to buy in Jodhpur. Another feature and a must thing to do that help complete Jodhpur travel guide is savoring the Rajasthani cuisine which is served widely in the city.
Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort holds the pride of place in Jodhpur because of its splendid architecture and the diverse history associated with it. Considered as one of the most formidable and magnificent forts of Rajasthan, Mehrangarh fort was built by Rao Jodha in the year 1459. The fort is spread over an area of 5 km and is built on 125 m high hill in the outskirts of Jodhpur city.
There are seven gates, which can be used to enter the Mehrangarh fort. These 7 gates are made by different rulers, and are built in honour of victory over Bikaner and Jaipur armies.
One can see the panoramic view of the Jodhpur city from this fort, which seems like a blue carpet laid at the foot of a hill. Every ruler of Jodhpur has contributed in the making of this fort. Within the fort one can see the magnificent palaces. The main palaces located in the Mehrangarh Fort are Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Zenana Dude, Takht Vilas and Jhanki Mahal. There are also two temples located inside the fort - Chamundi Devi Mandir and Nagnechiaji Mandir, dedicated to Goddess Durga and the Kuldevi respectively.
There is also a museum within the Mehrangarh fort, which exhibits a rich collection of palanquins, musical instruments, royal cradles, costumes, arms, furniture and paintings.
ADDRESS
Sodagaran Mohalla, Jodhpur, Rajasthan-342006, India
TIMINGS
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Open on all days
Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur
Umaid Bhawan Palace is the largest private residence in the world. There are 372 rooms, wood-panelled library, private museum, indoor swimming pool, billiards room, tennis courts and unique marble squash courts. All these things make Umaid Bhawan Palace one of the most magnificent structures in the city.
The palace was built with a purpose to employ the farmers of Jodhpur. It was made between 1928 and 1943 under the reign of Maharaja Umaid Singh. The Umaid Bhwan Palace was designed by the renowned architecture, Henry Lanchester, and shows a blend of eastern and western architectural influences. Its majestic 105 - foot high cupola is influenced by the Renaissance, while the towers draw inspiration from Rajput tradition.
The main attractions of Umaid Bhawan includes a collection of vintage cars, clocks and banners gifted by Queen Victoria, artefacts belonging to the royals, cutleries, trophies and weapons.
ADDRESS
Near Circuit House Road, Jodhpur, Rajasthan-342006, India
TIMINGS
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Open on all days
Sardar Government Museum Jodhpur
Peak into the history of Jodhpur, and witness its lavish culture at the Government Museum. It is located inside Umaid public gardens and was built in 1909. The museum was constructed under the reign of Maharaja Umed Signhji, and was built by Henry Vaughan Lanchester.
The Government Museum houses around 400 sculptures, 10 ancient inscriptions, thousands of miniature paintings, terracotta artwork, ancient coins, metallic objects, arms, stuff toys, stone sculptures, inscriptions and other miscellaneous objects which are simply astonishing. Within the museum vicinity there is a well stocked library and zoo. There is a separate history section for military memorabilia which exhibits tools, weapons, memorials, brass and wooden models.
This informative temple of learning is worth a visit for all the art and craft lovers.
ADDRESS
Behind Rajasthan High Court, Mali Street, Paota, Jodhpur, Rajasthan-342006, India
TIMINGS
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
CLOSED
Friday and public holidays
Jaswant Thada Jodhpur
This white marbled architecture is a memorial site of a Rajput clan. This cenotaph was built in the 19th century by Maharaja Sardar Singh in the memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur.
One should visit this memorial, which has a temple like architecture, on their tour to Jodhpur. Jaswant Thada is a perfect example of architectural brilliance. The architecture is made of white marbles which are so fine that the outer surface of the whole building emits a warm glow during sunlight. Currently it exhibits a variety of paintings and portraits of Jodhpur rulers.
ADDRESS
Near Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan-342006, India
TIMINGS
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
