Jodhpur is generally well-known for its impressive Meherangarh Fort. Situated at the top of the hill and accomplished by quite a climb, it bids a few brilliant views of the old and new city. The fort itself, with its tremendous gateways, palaces and museums, simply take up one of your days in Jodhpur. Jodhpur is a skillful city. It is not as big as Jaipur and not as little as Jaisalmer. The old city provides winding streets with colored street bazaars and blue houses (those belonging to the Brahmins) interchanged with white houses.
Jodhpur History
Set at the border of the Thar Desert, the royal city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of ancientness in the vanity of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was established in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha-head of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who arrogated to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The monumental 15th century A.D. Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rough hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is covered by a high wall -ten km long with eight gates and countless bastions. A main trade centre of the 16th century A.D. the fortress-city of Jodhpur is now the second biggest city of Rajasthan.
Places to see
Fort & Palaces :
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Maharaja Umaid Singhji who constructed this palace was charmed with western lifestyles so he summoned the services of a famous Edwardian architect, Henry Vaughan Lanchester, a creditable equal of Edward Lutyens (architect of New Delhi) to build a 300 and 47 roomed Umaid Palace.
This was to become India last of the lovely palaces and the largest private house in the world. Spectacular Central Rotunda, the cupola grows to 105 feet high; the Throne Room with its exquisite Ramayana murals; a graceful wood-panelled library, and even a private museum; an indoor swimming pool, a Billiards Room, tennis courts and unparalleled marble squash courts makes Umaid Bhawan Palace is unabashedly the most wonderful.
The palace was also constructed with trivial intentions of furnishing employment to dearth stricken farmers. The Palace now is a 5 star deluxe palace hotel. The museum of the palace is highly suggested for its exhibit of weapons, a range of stuffed leopards, a enormous banner presented by Queen Victoria and an unbelievable collection of clocks.
Mehran Garh Fort
Meharangarh Fort: This fort is the most magnificient fort in the entire Rajasthan. Popular tourist place in India, this fort was established by Rao Jodha in 1459. One has to cross 7 gates to reach the fort. Inside the palace, there are numerous palaces which are also worth seeing. Moti Palace or the Pearl Palace is major attraction of the fort. The fort also has temples, garden and an immense courtyard. The fort is living proof of the hard work and the accomplishment of the Jodhpuri sculptors.
There are 7 gates, which comprise Jayapol significance “victory” constructed by Maharaja Man Singh to mark his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Fattehpol also meaning triumph gate was constructed by Maharaja Ajit Singh to sign the defeat of Mughals. And Lohapol significance Iron Gate has a moving record on palm print of the queens of Maharaja Man Singh who threw themselves on his funeral pyre in an behave of sati [self-immolation]. The palm imprints still pull devotional attention and are covered by vermilion paste and paper-thin silver foil.
This is one of the most all right museums in Rajasthan and surely the better layed out. In the palanquin part of the fort museum, you can consider an interesting collection of old royal palanquins with the complicate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin, which was won in a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730. The museum shows the heritage of the Rathores in arms, dresses up, paintings and decorated era rooms.
Phool Mahal The most marvelous of Mehrangarh's era rooms, the Phool Mahal was in all probably hood a private and undivided chamber of joy dancing girls once swooned in exhaustion here under a ceiling rich in gold filigree. The Phool Mahal was made by Maharaja Abhaya Singh (1724-1749) and the gold came from Ahmedabad in Gujarat as war plunder after his well-known victory over the disaffected Mughal ruler, Sarbuland Khan. The pictures, royal portraitures and the ever-well-liked raga mala came much later, in the rule of Jaswant Singh II.
Jhanki Mahal
The Jhanki Mahal, from where the royal ladies looked out the official legal proceeding, in the courtyard, nowadays houses a rich collection of the royal places of origin. The cradles are beautified with gilt mirrors and figures of fairies, elephant and birds.
Jaswant Thada
En route down from the fort, on left is Jaswant Thada, the graceful marble chatries of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. His son Maharaja Sardar Singhji constructed the Taj Mahal of Marwar in the remembering of Maharaj Jaswant Singhji II of Jodhpur. The cenotaphs of earliest Maharajas and Maharanis are at Mandore.
Wives and concubines committed Sati on Jaswant Funeral pyre. The main memorial has been constructed like a temple with elaborately carved marble stone that is graved by the genius artesian. A visit to this structure is through the rocky hills giving it a reclusive and an orphic aura.
Excursions of Jodhpur:
Osian
The ancient town of Thar Desert was an immense trading center between eighth to twelve centuries. Today it is desert oasis with sixteen Brahamanical and Jain temples, attractively sculptured and planned, most of which have stood desolates of time. The place is foregrounded by its camel ride at the time of the sunset. The tourist's have the impropriety to watch the architectural kinds during that camel ride and return back to the camps or the resorts adopted by drinks and thematic evening of performing arts and a alternative of oriental cuisines arranged in the cultural style of that part. The stay at the camps enriches the feel of the holiday.
Machiya Safari Park
It lies en route to Jaisalmer, about 1km from Kailana Lake. The central fauna of the safari park comprises, deer, desert fox, monitor lizard, blue bulls rabbits, wild cats, mongoose, monkeys etc. There is also multitude of birds, which can viewed from an elite bird watching point and also pleasant sunset can seen from the fort of park.
Pali
Pali is called after the Paliwal Brahmins who once lived the region. Ancient Pali housed a extremely developed civilization. The land, was leased by the then head of Mandore (the previous capital of Jodhpur district), was civilized diligently by the Paliwals who deserted their previous priestly profession. The temples of Somnath and Naulakha are very old. Naulakha Jain temple has detailed carvings while Somnath Shiv temple is well-known for its attractive bulling having superb mouldings.
Soojat
Sojat city is located on the left bank of the Sukri River near Pali town, famous as Tamravati in the ancient times, the fort has a large artificial lake and numerous temples similar to Sejal Mata, Chaturbhuj and much added. The old temple of Chamunda Mata situated on the top of one of the hillocks. Dargah of Pir Mastan is the major attraction at the time of Urs- the Muslim festival. One of the main attractions of this city is the plantation of mehandi trees, an herbal plant where the leaves are crushed into a thin paste and used on the hands and the feet in different beautiful designs.
This customary art form is now famous all over the globe and is internationally assumed in the manner circuit. Lots of of the foreign tours that occur to cross this perticuler path towards Udaipur or Mount Abu frequently takes a break and get there palms and feets beautified by the Mehndi of Sojat as it is very trendy across the country. one higher place to be seen are the temple of Ramdeoji near village Biratiya, the fort of Desuri, Kurki the birth place of Mirabai the legendry poetess who devoted her entire life worshiping lord Krishna and disseminating his message all over, that attracted the Mughal rulers too. Following these are few more locals similar to Jawai bandh, Jain temples of Narlai.
Nimaj
Nimaj boasts of a temple constructed in 9th century. It was devoted to goddess Ma Durga. It also wraps up an exclusive picture gallery showcasing a few masterpieces of sculptural art, decorated within natural surroundings so as to give an authentic atmosphere.
Kailana Lake
Located on Jaisalmer road. This is a magical picnic spot with a tiny artificial lake. And if you are here to stay on to take enjoy in the sunset. It is like a canvas with a splatter of idealistic colors. The loveliness will linger on with you for a long time.
Balsamand Lake & Palace
A glamouring picnic spot with chilly breeze weaving through the lush plant of mango, guava, papaya and other fruits. A placid non-natural lake with a summer palace on the mound. It was constructed by Balak Rao Parihar in 1159 AD. The tranquil surroundings will leave you at peace with yourself.
Sardar Samand Lake & Palace
As you go up to the shining lake and palace, a wandering and interesting drive will keep you entrance. The landscape with its vigorous villages and smiling, gay village folk of Jhalamand and Goora, will create you stop by and taste a bit of their hospitality.
Museums in Jodhpur:
Mehrangarh Fort Museum
In the center of the Umaid Public Garden, this museum homes a rich collection of exhibits armoury, textile, local arts and crafts, and minuscule paintings. And even portraits of rulers, manuscripts and pictures of Jain Tirthankars. Umaid Public Garden residences a zoo and public library. This building and the garden were grown during the time of Maharaj Umaid Singhji.
Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum
Maharaja Umaid Singhji who constructed this palace was captivated with western life-styles so he mobilized the services of a famous Edwardian designer, Henry Vaughan Lanchester, a creditable like of Edward Lutyens (architect of New Delhi) to build 347 roomed Umaid Palace. This was to become India last of the great palaces and the biggest private residence in the earth.
Parks in Jodhpur
Mandore Garden
Mandore was the earlier capital of Maharajas of Marwar and is situated about five miles north of Jodhpur, but was later deserted for the safety of Mehrangarh fort. Here you will discover the dewals, or cenotaphs of Jodhpur's early rulers.
Different the usual chhatri-shaped cenotaphs distinctive of Rajasthan, they were constructed along the lines of a Hindu temple, four stories high, with okay columns and an graceful spire, all in red sandstone. The most remarkable is the dewal of Maharaja Ajit Singh (reigned 1678-1724). These cenotaphs are set in lovely landscaped gardens.
Close is the hall of heroes, devoted to different deities and legendary Rajput folk heroes, whose statues are carved out of rock and painted in vivid colours. Next door is a bigger hall called "The Shrine of the Three Hundred Million Gods", fulfilled with brilliantly coloured pictures of the different Hindu Gods. As you climb up the hill, you come to the ruined city of Mandore, with its old palace.
The good-looking Maharani's cenotaphs assign on a rocky outcrop - a ten-minute walk over the hill. Nowadays its wide gardens with high rock terrace create it a trendy local attraction. Timings: 8 AM to 8 PM.
Lakes in Jodhpur
Kaylana Lake
Situated 8 kms. West of Jodhpur, Kaylana Lake was built in 1872 by Pratap Singh. It is cover 84 square kilometers' part. In the beginning this part had palaces and gardens made by 2 rulers of Jodhpur-Bhim Singh and Takhat Singh. These were demolished to make Kaylana lake. Near the lake is a Dak Bungalow of Supplying department. This well-known picnic spot has taken the lives of lots of youngesters attempting to swin across this bottomless lake.
Bal Samand
Bal Samand Lake and agarden are situated on Jodhpur-Mandore road, 7 kms from Jodhpur. It was built in 1159 by Parihar Balak Rao. Just about 1 kilometer long, 50 meters extensive and 15 meters thick this lake has been made by putting in the rain water. Water was supplied to Gulab Sagar, Fateh Sagar and Sardar Sagar channels from this lake.
Umed Sagar
Umed Sagar dam close to Kaylana Lake was built in 1933 by Maharaja Umed Singh; it is spread over a region of twenty seven square kilometers.
Guda
It is the closest point form Jodhpur to alien wild life & nature. During the session thousands of birds can be viewed here, like domicile Cranes etc. This pond is water-drinking point for the antelopes and black bucks of near by region.
Fateh Sagar
140x75 m sized Fateh Sagar was created near Merti Gate by Maharaja Vijay Singh in 1778. It used to get water from its Sourthern canal related with BAL Samand too as Kaylana lake. Alongside this is a temple named Ramanuj Kot, belonging to Vaishnavs of Ramanuj cult. This temple was created in 1986.
Gulab Sagar
150x90 m sized Gulab Sagar water storage was built by Gulab Rai in 1788, who was a mistress of Maharaja Vijay Singh. Previous there was an additional source of water here, named 'Bawri', which was converted into Gulab Sagar. Situated near Sardar Market in old city region, its construction took eight years. It is said that this region was made in 1835, in the memory of Sher Singh, Gulab Rai's son. The water for it came through a channel from BAL Samand Lake and was utilized for drinking earlier. But now, it's only the rain water which brings all the garbage and dirt into this disregarded monument of Gulab Rai.
Tapi Bawdi
Built in 1675 by Tapoji Tejawat, 40 feet broad and 250 feet long Tapi Bawdi is situated at Hatdiyon Ka Chowk in Bhimji Ka Mohalla. It was built in four year. This longest Bawdi of the city was the major source of water in Jodhpur for three decades. It has six gorgeous and aesthetic storeys.
Jaswant Sagar Dam
In 1892, Maharaja Jaswant Singh built Jaswant Sagar in Pichiyak village between Bilara and Bhavi of Jodhpur zone.The Water from this dam is processed for irrigating the most dark-green region of Jodhpur gets water from this dam. Boating services have also been made accessible for tourists here..
Ranisar-Padamsar
Ranisar close toFateh Pole of Mehrangarh was constructed by Queen Jasmade Hadi, Rao Jodha's wife in 1459. Padmasar was constructed close it by Queen Padmini of Rao Ganga, daughter of Rana Sanga of Mewar
Reaching Jodhpur
By Air
Jodhpur is well linked to all the main cities which comprise Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Jaipur, Udaipur.
By Bus
Rajasthan Roadways run very well-situated deluxe & air conditioned buses from Delhi (Bikaner House, Nr. India Gate) to Jodhpur. The roads are very superior, and it takes around eight and nine hrs from Jodhpur. You can also come by taxi.
By Train
Jodhpur is on the Broad Gauge and thus linked to all the metro cities of India. There are on a daily basis trains from Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai & Kolkata.
