Jodhpur
Jodhpur is a city in the Thar Desert of the northwest Indian state of Rajasthan. Its 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort is a former palace that’s now a museum, displaying weapons, paintings and elaborate royal palanquins (sedan chairs). Set on on a rocky outcrop, the fort overlooks the walled city, where many buildings are painted the city’s iconic shade of blue.
Places to visit in Jodhpur
- Balsamand Lake Balsamand Lake is an artificial lake located only 5 kilometres away from the central city of Jodhpur. It was created in 1159 AD by the Gurjara-Pratihara rulers. The Maharaja Sur Singh, who was the creator of this artificial lake was honoured by the title of Sawai Raja
- Ghanta Ghar The Ghanta Ghar in Jodhpur is a magnificent clock tower in the centre of the city which offers a brilliant panoramic view of the city from the top, surrounded by the busiest and largest marketplace of Jodhpur.
- Jaswant Tada Jaswant Tada is a royal cenotaph built in white marble. It has a small pond and a pretty garden next to it. This structure is just a few minutes downhill walk from the main fort, so there is no need to take a ride.
- Kaylana Lake Kaylana Lake is a massive manmade lake on the outskirts of Jodhpur city. It serves as the primary resource for drinking water for the citizens of Jodhpur and other neighbouring settlements. It also serves as an excellent viewpoint for sunsets
- Khejarla Fort Have you ever wondered what it must have been like for the royal kings and queens of ancient India to live in their magnificent castles? If so, the Khejarla Fort is an experience worth trying out. Originally built in the 17th century by the Maharaja of Jodhpur,
- Mahamandir Temple Located two kilometres away from Jodhpur on the road towards Mandore, it is a very big temple with he fantastically carved 84 pillars which are a sight to behold.
- Mandore Garden Mandore Gardens is located about 10 kilometres from the city of Jodhpur. The garden contains cenotaphs which are built like traditional Hindu temples unlike other cenotaphs. The garden also contains a ruined fort and palace.
- Masuriya Hill Garden The Masuriya Hill Garden lies on top of the Masuriya Hill, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the city of Jodhpur. Inside, one can find a statue of Veer Durgadas Rathore, a temple of Baba Ramdev, and one of the largest TV towers in India.
- Mehrangarh Fort Located in Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in the country. It is located at the top of a 410 feet elevated hill and guarded by huge walls. The fort encloses a museum now which exhibits various belongings of the royals. The palace was built by Rao Jodha in 1459.
- Moti Mahal Moti Mahal is the largest and brightest room of the five historic rooms present in the Mehrangarh Fort. The materials used for the surface of the hall give it a pearly look, hence the name palace of pearls. The Maharaja would hold private audience with his subjects in this room.
- Pali Pali is a city of great beauty and historical significance 70 km south of Jodhpur. One can find many temples, industries and scenic sights here. The infamous Om Banna temple is close to this city.
- Phalodi Phalodi is a delightful little town located between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. It is known as the salt city as it is densely populated by salt industries, and is home to some notable historic structures such as the Lal Niwas and the Phalodi fort.
- Rajasthan International Folk Festival Jodhpur RIFF - (Rajasthan International Folk Festival) is an annual festival which is held in October (Sharad Purnima).
- Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park The Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park was created out of a large, rocky wasteland by the side of the famous Mehrangarh Fort to restore and reflect the natural ecology of the region. It is home to over 200 species of rocky and arid plants.
- Sardar Government Museum The Jodhpur Government Museum lies in the centre of Umaid Bagh. One can find a variety of weapons, textiles, miniature paintings, inscriptions, sculptures, metallic objects, arts and crafts at the government museum that help understand the life led by the past generations of Jodhpur.
- Shastri Circle A lively and vibrant part of the city, it is considered a relaxing hangout spot by the locals. The evenings see a musical fountain show with lights to jazz it up.
- Umaid Bhawan Palace Voted as the Best Hotel in the world, Umaid Bhawan Palace is also a major tourist attraction in Jodhpur. In 1944, it was the last of the greatest palaces built in Jodhpur. It is named after the then Maharaja of Jodhpur, Raja Umaid Singh.