Umaid Bhawan Palace of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Umaid Bhawan Palace is a palace located at Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. Umaid Bhawan Palace exudes an aura distinctly its own. The Palace hotel subtly blends Rajput and Victorian architecture. Umaid Bhawan Palace was originally called Chittar Palace during construction, due to its location on Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur. Ground for the foundations of the building was broken on 18 November 1929 by Maharaja Umed Singh, it was unfinished until 1944. Umaid Bhawan was one of the last royal constructions (and India's last Palace), built to provide work and drought relief for the poor. The Palace, when it was built, was the world's largest private residence, with 347 rooms. The building is dramatically illuminated at night causing some controversy in a city that continues to endure daily multi-hour power cuts.

Maharaja Umaid Singhji who built this palace was fascinated with western lifestyles so he marshalled the services of a well-known Edwardian architect, Henry Vaughan Lanchester, a creditable equal of Edward Lutyens (architect of New Delhi) to construct a three hundred and forty seven roomed Umaid Palace. This was to become India last of the great palaces and the biggest private residence in the world. Spectacular Central Rotunda, the cupola rises to a hundred and five feet high; the Throne Room with its exquisite Ramayana murals; an elegant wood-panelled library, and even a private museum; an indoor swimming pool, a Billiards Room, tennis courts and unique marble squash courts makes Umaid Bhawan Palace is unabashedly the most magnificent.

The Palace now is a five star deluxe palace hotel. The museum of the palace is highly recommended for its display of weapons, an array of stuffed leopards, a huge banner presented by Queen Victoria and an incredible collection of clocks.
Click here for more details

Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Invincible and mighty, inspiring awe, admiration, envy and fear in friend and foe alike, Mehrangarh is the very spirit of the Rathores. Mehrangarh Fort has never, not even once, been taken in a siege.  Indeed, no historian, no white-whiskered royal retainer, no chronicle, no ballad, no poem can rival the Citadel of the Sun in bringing alive the story of the Rathores of Jodhpur. Every mile-stone in their adventure, every triumph, every act of courage is immortalized here in stone and mortar, marble and metal. The palaces lavished with delicate friezes, record successful campaigns; cart-loads of war booty and caravans laden with imperial favor. The cenotaphs recount stirring tales of valor and sacrifice; cannon-ball marks on the walls speak of repulsed enemies; the hand-prints, tiny and graceful on the portals, weep in remembrance of faithful queens lost to the flames of Sati.

Mehrangarh (etymology:'Mihir'{Sanskrit)-sun or Sun-deity; 'garh'{Sanskrit}-fort; i.e.'Sun-fort'; according to Rajasthani language pronunciation conventions, 'Mihirgarh' has changed to 'Mehrangarh'; the Sun-deity has been the chief deity of the Rathore dynasty; is one of the largest forts in India. Though the fortress was originally started in 1459 by Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur, most of the fort which stands today dates from the period of Jaswant Singh (1638–78). This magnificent fort is located at the centre of the city spreading over 5 km atop a 125-metre high hill.

Mehrangarh Fort located in Jodhpur city in Rajasthan state is one of the largest forts and a famous tourist place in India. The fort is situated on a lofty height, 400 feet above the city, and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its territorial boundaries, there are several palaces, which are known for their intricate carvings and sprawling courtyards.
There are seven gates, which include Jayapol meaning victory built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Fattehpol also meaning victory gate was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh to mark the defeat of Mughals. And Lohapol meaning iron gate has a moving memorabilia on palm print of the queens of Maharaja Man Singh who threw themselves on his funeral pyre in an act of sati [self-immolation]. The palm imprints still attract devotional attention and are covered by vermilion paste and paper-thin silver foil.

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.
Click here for more details

Jaswant Thada of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

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 Singhji built the Taj Mahal of Marwar in the memory of Maharaj Jaswant Singhji II of Jodhpur. The cenotaphs of earlier Maharajas and Maharanis are at Mandore.

It was built in 1899, with all the rulers before him being cremated at Mandore, the previous capital of Marwar. Jaswant Singh who ruled Jodhpur from 1873-95, is worshipped in the city almost like a god and was credited during his lifetime as someone who possessed remarkable healing powers. His cenotaph is built like a temple and was worshipped like one by the public, and the stones with which it was constructed came from a quarry located at Markana, a village on the outskirts of Jaipur. The marble walls of the cenotaph are extremely thin, at some points only about six inches thick. Needless to add all the wives and concubines of Jaswant commited sati on his funeral pyre and their memorials are found alongside him. A visit to this structure is through the rocky hills giving it a secluded and a mystic aura.

Sur Sagar Palaces of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Sur Sagar Palaces are built on rectangular platforms made of white Makrana Marble. Two palaces opposite each other belong one each to ladies and gents. The palace for men was used by the king and other royal men, while the ladies' palace was used by queens and their friends. Two large halls were constructed on the sides of the palaces, which were used by the maids and servants. The security walls made around the palaces, carved domes and arches are proof of the fine architecture of the medieval period. Open grounds outside were used to house elephants and horses. When Marwar entered in an agreement with British Government in 1817, these palaces were converted into the residence and office of the British Ambassador in 1838. Jodhpur's 1st Post Office was opened in the meeting halls of these palaces.

Museums and Temples of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Mehrangarh Fort Museum of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

In the middle of the Umaid Public Garden, this museum houses a rich collection of exhibits armoury, textile, local arts and crafts, and miniature paintings. And even portraits of rulers, manuscripts and images of Jain Tirthankars. Umaid Public Garden houses a zoo and public library. This building and the garden were developed during the time of Maharaj Umaid Singhji.

Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India
 
Maharaja Umaid Singhji who built this palace was fascinated with western lifestyles so he marshalled the services of a well-known Edwardian architect, Henry Vaughan Lanchester, a creditable equal of Edward Lutyens (architect of New Delhi) to construct a three hundred and forty seven roomed Umaid Palace. This was to become India last of the great palaces and the biggest private residence in the world.

Maha Mandir Temple of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Literally, the great temple, is a place where sacred glory reigns in a peaceful tranquility. Situated on Mandore road, the temple is an architectural splendor, supported by 84 pillars and ornamented with detailed designs and figures depicting various postures of Yoga. The entire structure is marked by a unique and original style.

Asik Bihari Temple of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Asik Bihari Temple, also known as the Niniji Temple, is located off the Udai Mandir road, Rasik Bihari temple is a spectacular building. The Sabha Mandaps or meeting halls are built with red sandstone pillars and the Garbh Grihai is surrounded by a gallery (Parikrama), made of white stone. The meeting hall is devoted to Rasik Bihari, Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha and has statues of Lord Vishnu, Garuda and Hanumanji which reside on both sides of its doors. On one part of the main door Adi Vinayak Ganeshji can be seen. The temple is currently managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Raj Ranchhodji Temple of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Raj Ranchhodji Temple was built by Queen Jadechi Rajkanwar after the death of her husband King Jaswant Singh. A major part of this temple is made of red sandstone, carved with beautiful filigree work. The heart of the temple houses the statue of Ranchhodji made of black marble and the main door to the temple has stained glass windows.

Udai Mandir of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India
                                             
Udai Mandir is a great building from architectural point of view. The upper part of the gate is made of carved sandstone. The main temple which stands on a huge platform is supported by 102 pillars. The interiors are full of beautiful wall paintings and pictures of Nath yogis made with gold. The upper portion of the Garbh Griha is covered with cloth and has a railing of sandalwood which is finely carved. The grand door of the main temple is made of carved sandal wood.

Parks of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India
 
Mandore Garden of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Mandore, 9 km to the north of Jodhpur, was the capital of Marwar before the foundation of Jodhpur. It was founded in the 6th century, and passed to the Rathore Rajputs in 1381 after a marriage alliance between a princess of the original founders, the Pratiharas, and the Rathode Raja, Rao Chandor. Today the main attraction here is the far-reaching Mandore gardens with there high rock terraces. The gardens also contain the chhatries (cenotaphs) of the Rathode rulers. One of the most imposing is the Cenotaph of Maharja Dhiraj Ajit Singh, an enormous edifice with carved elephants, amalake (disk-shaped flourishes with fluted edges), a pillared fore chamber with fine sculpture. You can climb to the third storey up a peculiar set of staircases. Opposite is the 17th century Chhatri of Maharaja Dhiraj Jaswant Singh, an enormous octagonal pavilion with a vast dome and huge pillars. It achieves a remarkable symmetry, with a gallery supported by pillars and sculptures of Krishna and the gopies (milkmaids). Unlike the usual chhatri-shaped cenotaphs typical of Rajasthan, they were built along the lines of a Hindu temple, four stories 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). The beautiful Maharani's cenotaphs set apart on a rocky outcrop - a ten-minute walk over the hill. Today its extensive gardens with high rock terrace make it a popular local attraction.

At the rear of the complex, to the right is the small government museum. To the left 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. The brightly painted figures represent Hindu deities or local Rajput Heroes on horseback. Next door is a larger hall called "The Shrine of the Three Hundred Million Gods", filled with brightly coloured images of the various Hindu Gods. The Shrine of 33 Crore Gods is painted with figures of deities and spirits. As you climb up the hill, you come to the ruined city of Mandore, with its old palace.

Timings: 8 AM to 8 PM

Umed Garden of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Umed Garden like Mandore gardens also covers an area of 82 acres. Developed by Maharaja Umed Singh, it has green lawns, towering Ashoka trees, roses and seasonal blooms as well as fountains. Within the grounds are a museum, library and zoo. In the zoo is a 'Walk-in Avery' where one can see different types of birds some local, others from Africa and Australia such as parrots and ducks, (as well as rabbits) in their natural environment. Not only that, there are bears, foxes, deer, lions and leopard that are must sees if travelling with children.

Lakes and Dams of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Kaylana Lake of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Located 8 km west of Jodhpur on Jaisalmer road, Kaylana Lake was constructed in 1872 by Pratap Singh. It is spread over 84 square kilometers' area. Earlier this area had palaces and gardens made by two rulers of Jodhpur-Bhim Singh and Takhat Singh. These were destroyed to make Kaylana Lake. Near the lake is a Dak Bungalow of Irrigation department. This famous picnic spot has taken the lives of many youngsters trying to swim across this deep lake. This is a charming picnic spot with a small artificial lake. And if you are here to stay on to take delight in the sunset. It is like a canvas with a splash of romantic colors. The beauty will linger on with you for a long time.

Bal Samand Lake of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Bal Samand Lake and a garden are located on Jodhpur-Mandore road, 7 km from Jodhpur. It was constructed in 1159 by Parihar Balak Rao. Approximately one kilometer long, 50 meters wide and 15 meters deep this lake has been made by storing the rain water. Water was supplied to Gulab Sagar, Fateh Sagar and Sardar Sagar canals from this lake. Bal Samand Lake is an enchanting picnic spot with cool breeze weaving through the lush grove of mango, guava, papaya and other fruits. It is a placid artificial lake with a summer palace on the embankment. The serene surroundings will leave you at peace with yourself.

Sardar Samand Lake & Palace near Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

As you go up to the shimmering lake and palace, a meandering and interesting drive will keep you entraced. The countryside with its lively villages and smiling, gay village folk of Jhalamand and Goora, will make you stop by and taste a bit of their hospitality. Photographers and adventurists can have day packed with enthralling excitement. Freely roaming herds of Chinkaras and Black Bucks can be seen here in large numbers.

Umed Sagar Dam of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Umed Sagar dam near Kaylana Lake was constructed in 1933 by Maharaja Umed Singh; it is spread over an area of 27 square kilometers.

Guda Bishnoi of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Guda Bishnoi is a small artificial lake and the nearest point form Jodhpur to exotic wild life & nature. During the season thousands of birds can be seen here, like domicile Cranes etc. The Guda pond becomes the water-drinking point for the antelopes and black bucks of near by area.

Fateh Sagar Lake of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Fateh Sagar was made near Merti Gate by Maharaja Vijay Singh in 1778. The lake measuring 140x75m in size used to get water from its Sourthern canal linked with Bal Samand and Kaylana Lake. Beside the Fateh Sagar is a temple named Ramanuj Kot, belonging to Vaishnavs of Ramanuj cult. This temple was made in 1986.

Gulab Sagar of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Gulab Sagar water storage was constructed by Gulab Rai in 1788, who was a mistress of Maharaja Vijay Singh. Earlier there was another source of water here, called 'Bawri', which was converted into Gulab Sagar measuring 150x90m in size. Located near Sardar Market in old city area, its construction took 8 years. It is said that this part was made in 1835, in the memory of Sher Singh, Gulab Rai's son. The water for it came through a canal from Bal Samand Lake and was used for drinking earlier. But now, it's only the rain water which brings all the garbage and dirt into this neglected monument of Gulab Rai.

Tapi Bawdi of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Constructed in 1675 by Tapoji Tejawat, 40 feet wide and 250 feet long Tapi Bawdi is located at Hatdiyon Ka Chowk in Bhimji Ka Mohalla. It was constructed in four years with 72 thousand rupees. This longest Bawdi of the city was the main source of water in Jodhpur for three decades. It has six beautiful and artistic storeys.

Jaswant Sagar Dam of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

In 1892, Maharaja Jaswant Singh constructed Jaswant Sagar in Pichiyak village between Bilara and Bhavi of Jodhpur district. The Water from this dam is used for irrigating. The greenest part of Jodhpur receives water from this dam. Boating facilities have also been made available for tourists here.

Ranisar-Padamsar of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Ranisar near Fateh Pole of Mehrangarh was made by Queen Jasmade Hadi, Rao Jodha's wife in 1459. Padmasar was made near it by Queen Padmini of Rao Ganga, daughter of Rana Sanga of Mewar.

Excursions from Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Osiyan Temples near Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India
                                
Osian is famous as home to the cluster of ruined Brahmanical and Jain temples dating from the 8th to 11th centuries. The city was a major religious centre of the kingdom of Marwar during the Pratihara dynasty. Of the 18 shrines in the group, the Surya or Sun Temple and the later Kali temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and the main Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira stands out in their grace and architecture. The town was dominated by the Oswal Jains, (a merchant class) both commercially and demographically. Here the Oswal Jain built their temples of stunning quality. Along with Jain temples you will also find superb Hindu temples dedicated to various Hindu gods like Shiva, Vishnu, Surya the sun god and Harihara (the union of Vishnu with Shiva) making Osiyan a truly secular centre. In all there are 16 Hindu and Jain temples of exquisite quality. It is sad to say that Osiyan’s glory is a thing of the past and today the place resembles a ghost town with most of the people having migrated to greener pastures.

Osiyan has as many as 15 Jain temples, the most spectacular of which is the Mahavira temple dedicated to the 24th and last Jain Prophets. The temple was built around 775 A.D. and other smaller shrines were added on to the complex till about the 15th century. Osiyan has great relevance for the Jain community because the Oswal Jains originated in Osiyan and derive their name from the town. The Oswals were a rich trading community and they donated generously for the construction and upkeep of their temples. The torana or the entrance to the temple complex, which was constructed in 1015, has beautiful maidens carved on it, which is perhaps not very conducive to prayer and is quite untypical of a Jain temple. The roof is superbly ornamented and dates back to the 11th century. The temple complex sits atop a terrace and is built in sandstone. The Mahavir temple, the prima donna among the Jain temples has an inner sanctum and three balconied windows. The main mandapa (temple porch) has beautifully ornate pillars and the second porch or nal mandapa was built laterand you can see the stylistic development. The original spire of the temple got broken and was rebuilt in the 11th century.
Click here for more details

Machiya Safari Park near Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

The Jodhpur Machiya Safari Park lies on the way to Jaisalmer. It is about 1km from Kaylana Lake. It is a must see place for those interested in wildlife. The main fauna of the Machiya Safari Park of Jodhpur, Rajasthan includes deer, desert fox, monitor lizard, blue bulls, rabbits, wild cats, mongoose, monkeys, etc. There is also an exclusive bird watching point from where you can see a large number of birds thus, serving as a good place for bird watchers too. The safari park also has a fort inside its complex. The fort also gives a nice view of the sunset. Machiya Safari Park is an interesting place to visit with kids.

Dhawa Sanctuary near Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

This sanctuary is about 40km southwest of Jodhpur, on the road to Barmer , and has populations of Black bucks, desert foxes and nilgaies. There is no accommodation here but it is possible to take a half day tour from Jodhpur.

Pali Town near Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Pali is named after the Paliwal Brahmins who once inhabited the area. Ancient Pali housed a highly evolved civilization. The land, was leased by the then chief of Mandore (the former capital of Jodhpur district), was cultivated diligently by the Paliwals who abandoned their former priestly profession. The temples of Somnath and Naulakha are very old. Naulakha Jain temple has elaborate carvings while Somnath Shiv temple is known for its handsome bulling having exquisite mouldings.

Soojat City near Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Sojat city, is situated on the left bank of the Sukri River near Pali town, known as Tamravati in the ancient times, the fort has a big reservoir and several temples like Sejal Mata, Chaturbhuj and much more. The old temple of Chamunda Mata located on the top of one of the hillocks. Dargah of Pir Mastan is the main attraction at the time of Urs- the Muslim festival. One of the major attractions of this city is the plantation of mehandi trees, a herbal plant where the leaves are squashed into a thin paste and applied on the hands and the feet in various attractive designs.

This traditional art form is now known all over the world and is internationally adopted in the fashion circuit. Many of the foreign tours who happen to cross this perticuler route towards Udaipur or Mount Abu often takes a break and get there palms and feets decorated by the Mehndi of Sojat as it is very popular across the country.
Another prominent 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 dedicated her whole life worshiping lord Krishna and spreading his message all over, that attracted the Mughal rulers too. Following these are few more locals like Jawai bandh, Jain temples of Narlai.

Nimaj Town near Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Nimaj boasts of a temple built in 9th century. It was dedicated to goddess Ma Durga . It also covers a unique art gallery showcasing some masterpieces of sculptural art, adorned within natural surroundings so as to provide an authentic ambience.

Nagaur Town near Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

The Ahhichatragarh Fort is medium sized, which have been built by Mughal Emperors Akbar and Shaha Jahan. A well planned Mughal Garden, which retains its pleasant appearance even today. The city has distinct Muslim influences and a Five Domed Mosque built by Emperor Akbar dominates the landscape. The city is best visited during the Ramdeoji Ka mela and Tejaji ka mela in February and August respectively. Nagaur is approachable by express busses of RSRTC and by taxi.

Luni Fort near Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Fort Chanwa of Luni is an exceptional example of Elegance and Symmetry in Indian architecture of the last century. The entire fortress is carved out of the famous red sandstone of Jodhpur and with its ornately carved lattice work friezes and intricate Jherokas it exquisitely captures the romance and grace of a bygone age.

The Fort is composed of a lyrical complex of courtyards, towers, water-wheels, stables, passages and unexpected stairways to secret pavilions and panoramic roof tops spanning the village below and the Thar horizon beyond. The traditional paintings on the walls harmoniously reflect the skill of the master craftsmen and the bygone days.

The village of Luni nestles in the shadow of the Fort walls and is a hub of activity with its many artisans fashioning metal, clay or wood into intricate forms and demonstrating the skills passed down over the centuries by their ancestors.

The Fort has been beautifully restored to its former glory by its owners Maharaj Dilip singhji, the youngest son of H.H. Maharaja Umaid Singhji and his wife Rani Madhu. Each room has been created and decorated with its own particular charm and the many courtyards, verandahs and gardens all offer a setting and ambiance set to capture your heart.