Tourist Attraction of Jodhpur
Jodhpur "The Sun City" was founded by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, in 1459. It is named after him only. Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India was previously known as Marwar. Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. It is divided into two parts – the old city and the new city. The old city is separated by a10 km long wall surrounding it. Also it has eight Gates leading out of it. The new city is outside the walled city. Jodhpur is a very popular tourist destination. The landscape is scenic and mesmerizing. Jodhpur city has many beautiful palaces and forts such as Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhavan Palace and Rai ka Bag Palace. Other charms of Jodhpur include Government museum and it's beautiful Umed garden. The city is known as the "Sun City" because of its bright and sunny weather throughout the year. Read on for more Jodhpur information.
Mehrangarh Fort, situated 125 m above the city, is enclosed by thick walls. One of the largest forts in India, it contains several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards inside its boundaries. On the second gate, imprints of cannonball hits by attacking armies of Jaipur can still be seen. Chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier who fell on the spot defending the Mehrangarh Fort, is located on the left side.Jayapol (meaning 'victory') built by Maharajah Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies forms one of the seven gates of the fort. Maharajah Ajit Singh constructed Fattehpol (also meaning 'victory') gate for proclaiming the defeat of the Mughals. Moti Mahal, the Pearl Palace is one of the most prominent period rooms of the fort.Largest of the fort's period rooms, this room was built by Raja Sur Singh (1595–1619). Maharajah Abhaya Singh (1724–1749) constructed the Phool Mahal that has a ceiling rich in gold filigree. Maharajah Takhat Singh used to reside in the Takhat Vilas that has glass balls on its ceiling, testifying the modern age that arrived with the British. Mirror-work of brightly painted religious figures made in plaster adorns the Sheesha Mahal.
Mandore was the capital of Marwar before the establishment of Jodhpur, it was founded in the 6th century. After a marriage alliance between a princess of the original founders, the Pratiharas, and the Rathore Rajah, Rao Chandor, the site was passed to the Rathore Rajputs in 1381. Mandore Gardens with their high rock terraces are the prominent attractions of the site. In the gardens, there are chhatris (cenotaphs) of the Rathore rulers.The Cenotaph of Maharajah Dhiraj Ajit Singh, an attraction of this site is adorned with carved elephants. The edifice is also embellished with amalake (disk-shaped flourishes with fluted edges), a pillared fore chamber with fine sculpture. Octagonal pavilion with a vast dome and huge pillars, 17th century Chhatri of Maharajah Dhiraj Jaswant Singh, is located opposite the staircases leading up the third storey.Highly symmetrical, this structure contains a gallery supported by pillars and sculptures of Krishna and the gopies (milkmaids). Boundary of the site also contains a small government museum. The site also comprises 'Hall of Heroes', having 15 figures carved out of a rock wall. These structures depict Hindu deities or local Rajput heroes on horseback. Figures of deities and spirits form the Shrine of 33 Crore Gods.
Ghanta Ghar or Clock Tower was constructed by the Late Shri Sardar Singh Ji of Jodhpur. Beside the tower, there is the Sadar Market that is frequented by tourists on shopping spree. From this market, tourists can purchase Rajasthani textiles, clay figurines, miniature camels and elephants, marble inlay work and classic silver jewelry.
Jaswant Thada was built by Sardar Singh in 1899 in memory of Maharajah Jaswant Singh II. An architectural landmark, it is a white marble memorial. This 19th century royal cenotaph built in commemoration of Maharajah Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur, is made out of intricately carved sheets of marble.When the sun's rays fall across their surface, these thin and polished stones emit a warm glow. Carved gazebos, a beautiful multi-tiered garden, and a small lake are also located within this cenotaph. Royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs are also located at this site. On the cenotaph, there is a marble jali work.Portraits of the rulers and Maharajahs of Jodhpur are displayed on the cenotaph of Maharajah Jaswant Singh. Built like a temple, the Thada can be reached by passing through a rocky hill.
Jai Pol is a gate of victory which is a part of the Mehrangarh Fort. The fort has seven gates and this is the gate which is the most impressive. Maharaja Man Singh who got this beautiful marvel constructed in the year 1806. The walls close to the gate have battle scars created by cannon balls.
Umaid Bhawan Palace has 347 rooms and serves as the principal residence of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family. One of the world's largest private residences, the palace has been named after Maharajah Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present owners of the palace. Taj Hotels manages a part of the palace. Called Chittar Palace during its construction, the palace was completed in 1943.The palace was constructed between 1929 and 1943. Situated on Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur, the palace is a blend of Indian and European architectural influences. Edwardian architect Henry Vaughan Lanchester and Indian architect Budhmal Rai designed the palatial building. Renaissance has inspired the building's prominent central dome, which is a 32 m high cupola. Towers of the palace draw inspiration from Rajput tradition.Blend of art Deco and millennia-old Hindu architectural traditions is evident in the architecture of the palace. Presently owned by Gaj Singh, the palace is divided into three sections. These include a luxury Taj Palace Hotel (in existence since 1972), the residence of the erstwhile royal family, and a Museum focusing on the 20th century history of the Jodhpur Royal Family. Exterior of the building is adorned with landscaped gardens.
Balsamand Lake was built in 1159 AD by Balak Rao Parihar. This artificial lake is situated 5 km from Jodhpur on Jodhpur-Mandore Road. Once a water reservoir to provide water to Mandore, the lake has a depth of 15 m, length of 1 km, and breadth of 50 m. In the green gardens that surround the lake are housed groves of trees like mango, papaya, pomegranate, guava and plum.Within the garden, many animals and birds like jackal and peacock also find an abode. Balsamand Lake Palace was conceived as a summer resort for the Jodhpur royalty. It exemplifies traditional Rajputana architecture. Built out of special Jodhpur red sandstone, the palace is complemented with antique and traditional furniture and medieval Rajasthani style tapestries and floor coverings. The palace has been presently converted into a heritage hotel.
Kaylana Lake is an artificial lake, that was constructed in 1872 on the site of two former palaces and gardens. Built by Pratap Singh, the then Prime Minister of Jodhpur, the lake is spread over an area of 84 sq.km.he area around this lake, also known as Pratap Sagar were once full of wild bears. Owing to this, the area once served as a secured hunting place for the royal members. In these gardens, currently a variety of bird species live.
Zenana Mahal was the queen’s palace. This exquisite building is situated about 5 kilometers away from Jodhpur. It is believed that the palaces housed the queens and to safe guard the women, it was guarded by eunuchs. Rock carvings and sandstone screens added that extra charm to the building.
Rai ka Bag Palace was constructed by queen of Maharajah Jaswant Singh-I, Hadiji. Situated near the Rai ka Bag Railway Station, the palace was constructed in 1663. Being a favourite palace of King Jaswant Singh II, this octagonal bungalow served as a residence of the king. Public ground of this palace also played host to the public audience during the sermon of Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1883. The palace presently houses the income-tax office.
Chamunda Mataji Temple lies in the southern end of the Mehrangarh Fort. Legend behind the construction of the temple states the fact that Chamunda Mataji was the favourite goddess of Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur. From the old capital of Mandore, he brought her idol to the fort in 1460.Installed in the Mehrangarh Fort, the goddess remains the Isht Devi (the adopted goddess) of Maharajahs and the Royal Family, till date.
Raj Ranchhodji Temple was constructed by Queen Jadechi Rajkanwar. After the death of her husband, Maharajah Jaswant Singh, she got the temple constructed. Red sandstone, of which the temple is made, has carvings with beautiful filigree work on stone. Made up of black marble, statue of Ranchhodji is located in the interior of the temple. Stained glass windows of green, yellow and blue colour adorn the main door of the temple.
Loha Pol or the Gate of Iron is a historic gate that adorns the Fort Mehrangarh. Just 5 km away from the city limits, it is fourth of the seven imposing gates of the fort. This gate was heavily guarded during ancient times as it leads to the palaces and residence of the ruling royalty. It was the also the gate through which the Queens ran to commit Sati and even today, the palm prints of the sati Queens can be seen on the Loha Pol.
Nehru Park, developed as a park for children, is spread over an area of 14 acres. Inaugurated on 7th September 1966 by the then Chief Minister, Shri Mohan Lal Sukhadia, the premises of the park contain fountains, ponds, swings, flowerbeds, trees and plants.Bakhat Sagar Pond that was earlier located in the park slowly and gradually deteriorated due to the congregation of the city's dirty water. For resolving this problem, lower portion of the pond was converted to contain the park. On the other hand, its upper portion was converted into Bakhat Sagar residential colony.
Mehrangarh Museum
Mehrangarh Museum was established with an aim to house the collections of Maharajah Gaj Singh II. In the museum are showcased miniature paintings, portraits, books and manuscripts, weapons, textiles and tents, elephant howdahs and palanquins, and various artistic objects in 14 display rooms. One of the most well-stocked museums in Rajasthan, the museum exhibits the heritage of the Rathore rulers with arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period rooms.Selection of old royal palanquins, including the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin, which was won in a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730, are housed in one section of the fort museum. In the museum, there is a Turban Gallery that seeks to preserve, document and display different types of turbans once prevalent in Rajasthan. Located in a part of the palace called Jhanki Mahal, Cradle Gallery once used to be the place from where women could peep through.Collection of miniature paintings, and paintings from the Marwar School also form the exhibits of the museum. These belong to the 18th and 19th centuries, when the distinctive Rajasthani style got blended with Mughal naturalism, local folk style and bold colours. A rare collection of armour and weapons from every period in the history of Marwar Jodhpur are housed in the Armoury Gallery.
Chokelao Bagh was laid out in 1739 by Maharajah Abhai Singh, when it was planned as a terraced chahar bagh. Restored over the last ten years, the gardens are home to plants that can survive the long, hot months without constant watering. Divided into three terraced areas, the gardens display Mughal influence of the period, with each terrace having a different theme.Banana, desert apple, pomegranate, orange and jasmine are some of the flora housed in the gardens. Rearranged by Maharajah Takht Singh in 1844 AD, the gardens are apt for strolling and relaxing amidst nature. Banana palms, with their huge succulent leaves are planted in the lower terraces, along with other fruit trees. Night-time enjoyment is bestowed by the moonlight garden, or mehtab bagh.Zip line tours of the Chokelao Bagh and Rao Jodha Park sections of Mehrangarh Fort are provided by a British adventure tourism company called Flying Fox. Monitor lizards and Eurasian eagle owls reside in the Rao Jodha Park.
Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum exhibits an exclusive range of items belonging to the Maharajah and the royal family. Located within the Umaid Bhawan Palace, the museum has items ranging from weapons, an array of stuffed leopards, antiques, crockery to various trophies. Exhibits also comprise a huge banner presented by Queen Victoria and a collection of clocks.Within this private museum attached to the palace are displayed arms, furniture, antique clocks and China vases that formed a part of the private collection of the Maharajahs of Jodhpur. Stuffed leopards, and weapons used by the rulers are also displayed in the museum. Tourists can also view a wide collection of crockery, cutlery, rocks, watches, photographs and other antiques in the museum.
Machiya Safari Park
Machiya Safari Park is situated at a distance of 9 km from the city, on the Jodhpur-Jaisalmer Route. An attractive destination for sightseeing and a picnic, the park is home to wildlife like deer and desert fox. Fauna of the park also includes monitor lizard, desert fox, blue bulls, mongoose, rabbits, wild cats, monkeys, and others.Being an abode to rare birds makes the park a favourite with bird watchers. From the fort located within the park, tourists can get aview of the sunset.
Guda Bishnoi Village
Guda Bishnoi Village is located at a distance of 25 km from the main city of Jodhpur. In this tribal village, natural beauty is evident from Khejri trees and deer. Deer herds, peacocks and migratory birds are common sights in the village. Deriving its name from 'bish', which means twenty, and 'noi', meaning nine, the village is home to black bucks, antelopes, chinkaras, peacocks and cranes.Inhabitants of the village lead a vegetarian lifestyle, and pray to Lord Vishnu. Bishnoi tribes worship gazelles that are commonly available in the Jodhpur district. Chinkara are also worshipped by the tribesmen. Guda Bishnoi Lake attracts numerous migratory birds like cranes.
Jaswant Sagar Dam was constructed by Maharajah Jaswant Singh in 1892. Located in Pichiyak Village between Bilara and Bhavi of Jodhpur District, the dam supplies irrigation water in the region. Tourists visiting the lake can enjoy boating or wading around in water. The lake is also visited by children as a part of their educational trips.
Adhar Shila Temple, or Baba Ramdev Temple stands on top of a sandstone hill. The sandstone hill on which it is situated is called Massuria Hills. Located between Jalori Gate and Nagori Gate in Jodhpur, it is a very ancient temple known primarily for its antiquity. In front of the temple, there is a rock on which is inscribed the phrase 'enter at your own risk'.
Ganesh Temple is home to an eight feet high and five feet wide idol of Vinayakji, other name of Lord Ganesh. Named after a dog called Rata, Ratanada Hills act as the location of the temple. The 150-year old statue of Vinayakji was discovered in a place called Ratanada that is situated at a distance of 5 km from the main city. Son of Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesh is the elephant god. Where the statue had been found, a temple was constructed.
Achal Nath Shivalaya is a famous Shiv temple in Jodhpur. Constructed on instructions of Nanak Devi, the queen of Rao Ganga, the temple was completed on 21st May 1531. Inside the temple, there is a water reservoir that is called Bawari. This reservoir was made near the Shivlinga; and hence is known as Ganga Bawari.Carved Chhitar stone was used to adorn all the halls of the temple. Garbh Griha and Mandap Bhawan form separate halls in the temple. The temple also contains a Kirtan Bhawan.
Udai Mandir stands on a huge platform and is supported by 102 pillars. Upper part of the temple gate is adorned with carved sandstone. In the temple, visitors can view pictures of Nath Yogis made up with gold. Garbh Griha, the main hall of the temple has been covered with cloth. Around this structure, there a railing made of carved sandalwood, and gold pots. Sandalwood has been used to make up the door of the main temple.
Rasik Bihari Temple is also known as Niniji Temple.Sabha Mandaps, or meeting halls, are also located in the temple. Made up of white stone, a gallery (for parikrama), surrounds the Garbh Griha. Rasik Bihari, Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha are the main deities that have their idols in the meeting hall.On both sides of the hall doors, statues of Lord Vishnu, Garuda and Hanumanji rest. Idol of Vinayakji is located on one part of the main door. Management and maintenance of the temple is currently under the purview of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Mahamandir Temple is supported by 84 pillars and ornamented with detailed designs and figures depicting various postures of Yoga. Located at a distance of 2 km from Jodhpur on the road towards Mandore, the temple was built in 1812. In the premises of the temple, there are many ancient shrines and houses that reflect intricate works of stone. Traditional motifs act as the stud to the walls and pillars of the temple.
Santhoshi Mata Temple is dedicated to Santhoshi Mata, who is a goddess worshipped particularly by Indian women. Situated in Lal Sagar, near Mandore, which is about 10 km away from Jodhpur City, the temple is a revered site amongst devotees.The temple is thronged by devotees on Friday, which is considered the most auspicious day for praying. Devotees believe that fasting and praying in the temple for a period of 16 Fridays consecutively would bestow them with fortune and luck.
Takhat Sagar Lake is situated near the Takhat Sagar Hills, which is about 10 kilometres away from the main city of Jodhpur. The secluded Siddhnath Shiv temple is situated between the Takhat Sagar Hills.The isolated temple attracts a large number of devotees each year despite the poor road that connects the temple with the city. Takhat Sagar Lake can be considered as a part of the vast Kailana Lake. Takhat Sagar Lake is named after an erstwhile king of Jodhpur. Maharaja Takhat Singh was a king of Jodhpur in the 19th century. Kailana Lake was constructed during his time.