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Jodhpur: The Blue / Sun City
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The Sun city set in the stark landscape of Thar desert was once the capital of Kingdom of Marwar, ruled by Rathore Cheiftans known for its valore. The plethora of sculputed temples, havelis, fort (Mehrangarh Fort) and palace (Ummaid Bhawan) claim an important place on the tourism map of Rajasthan and fetch a good deal of visitors every year. The region is also famous for Marwari horses and Bhisnoi village (village of a hindu sect famous as nature and animal lover) nearby.
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Jodhpur stands on a range of sandstone hills surrounded by a strong wall nearly 10 kms in length, with seven gates, dominating the city is an eminence surmounted by a massive fortress. Within the walls are royal palaces with priceless jewels and a striking collection of arms. Sightseeing of Jodhpur includes visit to the Fort, Palaces, Armoury and Jaswant Thada. The best season to visit Jodhpur is October - March.
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| Mehrangarh Fort |
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Mehrangarh fort is about 5km from Jodhpur Town. Guarding the city below, crowning a perpendicular cliff, the fort was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD when he shifted his capital from Mandore.
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Perched on a 150 m high hill its sprawl is the most formidable and magnificent fort in Rajasthan. Rao Jodha founded it in 1459 but subsequent rulers of Jodhpur have also added to it over the centuries. A meandering road leads to the from the city 5 kms below. Battle scars of canon ball hit by attacking armies of Jaipur can still be seen on the second gate.
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| Umaid Bhawan Palace |
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Such was the clout of Maharaja Umaid Singh of Marwar that the President of the British Royal Institute of Architects himself designed a palace for him. Around 3000 workers toiled for over 15 years to translate the design of this imposing edifice into reality. It was actually Maharaja's magnanimous effort to employ his people who were hard hit by a drought at that time. The specialty of the building is that for its construction hand chiseled stones are interlocked and there is no mortar binding. It is also known as Chittar Palace because of the use of local Chittar sandstone. Presently a portion of it is used by the descendents of the Maharaja while the rest of it is converted into a luxury heritage hotel and a museum that houses interesting photographs, model aeroplanes, weapons, antique clocks and watches and crockery etc and is open for visitors.
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| Jaswant Thada |
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Dating back to 1899, this is the illustrious marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II that was built by his son Maharaja Sardar Singh. It lies to the left on the way down from the Meherangarh fort. The main memorial is built like a temple.The fine lattice work in marble over the windows and intricately carved doors are what catch the attention of visitors. Make a visit and see why it is called the Taj of Marwar.
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| Bal Samand Palaces |
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Bal samand palaces is a fine specimen of Rajput Architecture in red sandstone surrounded by wide expanses of lush green gardens. It is built on the banks of Bal Samand lake- a 13th century artificial lake. For centuries, it has been an exquisite setting for royal leisure and recreation.
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| Rohet Fort Jodhpur |
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Built in the 16th century, the Rohet Garh Fort has arched gateways that lead to a central compound. All the rooms open into this compound. The resort has a beautiful décor with carved furniture, mementos and paintings. The dining hall is decorated with a large collection of antique hunting rifles, shields, spearheads, daggers, tiger skins and trophies.
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| Umaid Gardens and Sardar Government Museum |
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Besides a zoo, the Umaid Public garden also houses a museum that has a collection of stuffed animals, weapons, textiles and portraits and images of former Maharajas and Jain Tirthankars.
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| Marwar Festival |
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Every year a two days, one of which is a full moon day, Marwar festival is celebrated here in the memory of the valiant heroes of Marwar. The folk singers and dancers present the tales of their valour, virtues, lifestyle, and love life through their performances. Other attractions are Camel show and Polo. The mighty Meherangarh fort and fantabulous Umaid Bhawan are the main venues for these celebrations.
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