Jodhpur Tourism & Travel Guide - Places to See in Jodhpur

Jodhpur Tour & Travel Guide - Places to See in Jodhpur

Built by Maharaja Umaid Singhand named after him, this exquisite Palace is also known as Chittar Palace because of the local chittar sandstone used in it. It is a splendid example of Indo-colonial and art deco architecture of the 1930s. A unique feature of this palace is the fact that the manually chiselled sandstone blocks have been put together in a special system of interlocking. There is no mortar binding. A portion of the palace has been converted into a hotel, the other remains on view to visitors in the form of an excellent museum which houses model aeroplanes, weapons, antique clocks, bob watches, priceless crockery and hunting trophies.

Govt. Bangur Museum

The main attraction of this museum is the idol of Sukali Mata brought from Auwa. The idol of Vishnu, paintings from the Jodhpur school of painting and a rich collection of coins and idols are other attractions. It is situated in the Pali City.

Mehrangarh Fort

Perched on a 150 m high hill, the fort is amongst the most formidable and magnificent forts in Rajasthan. Rao Jodha founded it in 1459 and subsequent rulers of Jodhpur added to it over the centuries. A meandering road leads to the fort from the city 5 kms below. Battle scars of canon balls hit by attacking armies of Jaipur can still be seen on the second gate. There are seven gates, which include Jayapol, meaning victory, built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies.

Fort Museum

This is one of the finest museums in Rajasthan and certainly the best laid out. In the palanquin section of the fort museum, you can see an interesting collection of old royal palanquins including the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin, which was won in a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730. The museum exhibits the heritage of the Rathores in arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period rooms.

Phool Mahal

The grandest of Mehrangarh's period rooms, the Phool Mahal was in all likelihood a private and exclusive chamber of pleasure dancing girls. It has a ceiling rich in gold filigree. The Phool Mahal was created by Maharaja Abhaya Singh (1724-1749). The paintings, royal portraits and the ever-popular raga mala came much later, in the reign of Jaswant Singh II.

Jaswant Thada

On the way down from the fort, on left is Jaswant Thada, the graceful marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. His son Maharaja Sardar Singh built this monument known as the Taj Mahal of Marwar in the memory of Maharaj Jaswant Singh II of Jodhpur. The main memorial has been built like a temple with intricately carved marble stone.

Mandore Garden

Mandore was the former capital of Maharajas of Marwar and is located about 5 miles north of Jodhpur but was later abandoned for the security of Mehrangarh fort. Here you will find the dewals or cenotaphs of Jodhpur's former rulers. Unlike the usual chhatri-shaped cenotaphs typical of Rajasthan, they were built along the lines of a Hindu temple, four storeys high, with fine columns and an elegant spire, all in red sandstone. The most impressive is the dewal of Maharaja Ajit Singh (reigned 1678-1724). These cenotaphs are set in beautiful landscaped gardens. Nearby is the hall of heroes, dedicated to various deities and fabled Rajput folk heroes, whose statues are carved out of rock and painted in bright colours.

Guda

A Bishnoi VillageIt is the nearest point from Jodhpur to experience exotic wildlife and nature. During the season thousands of birds can be seen here. The demoiselle Crane is a great attraction. There is pond with water for the antelopes and black bucks of nearby area. One can also visit to the villages of potters, weavers, shoe makers, shepherds, Bishnois, etc. in the area around.