Jodhpur

Just a small portion of the very grand Marwar state before the independence Jodhpur is one established city today. This palce for first a sea called Drumkulya and all most hundred centuries before this was a desert that came into existence. It becoming a desert also has a history attached.

It is said that there was an arrow bound fire shot by Lord Rama which burnt a large part of the sea and it thus converted that space into a desert. After the ravages of many kings it was then hundreds years later under the reign of king Rao Jodha of the Vikram Era (1510), a city was slowly born and also established. It was said to be around a fort that was constructed by King Rao Jodhar.

Reaching to this place is not at all difficult because this place has its own airport and it also links to the many other major tourist destinations like Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur. The railway network also connects this city well to the others. Roadways are also an easy way to get to this space.

Once you are here there are many different places which you can visit in Jodhpur.

Languages: Hindi, English and Rajasthani
Best Time to Visit: September to April
Temperature: Summer (36 o C to 46 o C) & Winter (10 o C to 24 o C)
Climate: Extreme
Nearest Railway: Jodhpur
Nearest Airport: Jodhpur

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Mehrangarh Fort

Famous for: History, Architecture, Photography, Adventure.
Opening Timings: Open on all days (9am to 5pm).

Beyond question, Mehrangarh Fort tops the list of ‘must visit’ places in Jodhpur. It is one among the largest Indian forts. This invincible fort stands magnificently 400 feet above the city. Rao Jodha constructed the fort in 1459 AD. Though the attempt to construct the fort was started in 1459, the fort had seen many centuries before it was completed. Hence, you could find that the style of architecture represents various periods. The grandeur in architecture is awe-inspiring. The Dark Knight Rises was also shot here.

• Visit the Ranisar and Padmasar lakes.
• Explore the fort's museum.
• Go ziplining (Flying Fox Tour).
• Take a guided tour around the fort.
• Visit the Chokelao Bagh.

Umaid Bhawan Palace

Famous for: History, Architecture, Photography.
Opening Timings: Open on all days (10am to 4:30pm).

The construction of Umaid Bhawan Palace was started in the year 1929 and it was completed in 1943. The palace is situated on the highest point in the city. The 347-roomed massive palace is named one of the largest private residences in the world. The palace boasts of a combination of Indian and European style of architecture. A part of the palace still serves as a residence to the former royal family, while other two parts of the palace are converted into Taj Palace Hotel and museum. The museum is open to the public, while the hotel is only accessible to the guests and the entry to the residence is prohibited.

• Observe a stunning vintage car collection
• View the clock collection throughout different periods of history.
• Trek your way to the Palace.

Jaswant Thada

Famous For: History, Architecture, Photography.
Visiting Time: Open on all weekdays (9am to 5pm). Closed on all gazette holidays.

Jaswant Thada was built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, the Second in the year 1899. This is close to Mehrangarh Fort. The tranquility of the marble construction is enchanting. The carvings are intricate. Inside Jaswant Thada, you will find the portraits of the Rathore rulers. The grounds of Jaswant Thada consist of a stunning multilevel garden, intricately carved gazebos and a pond.

• Relax in the nearby lakes and gardens.
• Enjoy a stunning view of Umaid Palace from here.
• A tour of this historic heritage site.
• Explore the stunning architecture.

Mandore Gardens

Famous for: History, Architecture, Photography.
Visiting Time: Open all days.

Mandore, belonging to the 6th century, was Marwar’s capital before Jodhpur was established. Mandore Gardens here attract tourists in great numbers. The Mandore Gardens also house a government museum, a 'Hall of Heroes' and a temple to 33 crore Gods. Various artifacts and statues found in the area are housed at the museum. The architectural splendor of the bygone era is clearly evident here.

• Visit the nearby museum.
• Have a picnic here.
• Go street shopping nearby.
• Visit the Mandore Fort which is in ruins.

Kailana Lake

Famous for: Nature, Photography.
Opening Timings: Open on all days (sunrise to sunset).

Kailana Lake is located on west of the city. This is yet another artificial lake, which was constructed in the year 1872 by Pratap Singh. This is one amongst the most frequented lakes in Rajasthan. It is a birdwatchers’ paradise. You could sail on a boat if you aim to add some breathtaking photographs to your collection. The view of sunset would be stunning.

• Go Boat Riding
• Have a Picnic
• Birdwatching (seasonal).

Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park

Famous for: Nature, Photography, Ecotourism.
Opening Timings: April to September (7am to 6:30pm) & October to March (8am to 5:30pm).

The aim behind the formation of Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park in the year 2006 was to restore the rocky area near the fort. Once preliminary steps were taken to restore the land, more than 80 native plant species from the famous Thar Desert were grown. The 200 acres of park is located at the foot of the impregnable Mehrangarh Fort. The place reflects the hard work and dedication of the ecologists who spared no efforts to make the place green.

• Start your trip here with the The Visitors Centre.
• Explore the park by using the walking trails.
• Visit the outdoor museum.
• Check out the native plant nursery.
• Relax in cafes or shop for souvenirs.

Clock Tower

Famous for: Shopping, History, Architecture.
Opening Timings: Open on all days from 10am to 9pm.

Clock Tower is a famous landmark in the Old City. It was constructed by Maharaja Sardar Singh during his tenure between 1880 and 1911. The clock tower offers a good view of the fort. Sardar Market is adjacent to Clock Tower where a wide range of products is sold. You can find handicrafts, saris, spices, vegetables and a lot more. There are over 7000 shops and you can have a great shopping experience here.

• Shop at the Sardar Bazar.
• Enjoy Rajasthani cuisines.

Chamunda Mata Temple

Famous for: Pilgrimage.
Opening Timings: Open on all days from 5am to 12 pm & 4 pm to 9 pm.

Located inside Mehrangarh Fort, Chamunda Mata temple was built by Rao Jodha who was also the founder of Jodhpur. Built for protection against a curse given by an old sage, this temple is much revered by the people of the Rajasthan and houses the chief deity of Rajputs.

• Attend the evening aarti.
• Get a stunning view of blue city and Umaid Bhavan.

Balsamand Lake

Famous for: Nature, Photography.
Opening Timings: Open on all days (sunrise to sunset).

Balsamand Lake is an artificial lake that was constructed by Balak Rao Parihar in 1159 AD. The lush greenery around the lake has mango groves, papaya groves and groves of guava, plum and pomegranate. Balsamand Lake Palace was intended to serve as summer resort for the royal family of Jodhpur. The lawns and gardens with birds and peacocks finding their homes here, the place is exquisite. The palace reflects Rajputana style of architecture. The palace turned heritage hotel was built of red sandstone.

• Visit the nearby gardens to view an artificial waterfall.
• Picnic
• Boat riding.

Masuria Hills Garden

Famous for: Photography,Gardens.
Opening Timings:Open on all days ( after sunrise till sunset).

Explore the stunning views of Jodhpur at Masuria Hills Garden. Situated on atop Masuria hill, which lies amidst the main city, this place it the ideal way to take a break from the hustle bustle of the main city. Go here if you want some quiet time alone and for some stunning sunset views.

• Catch some great city views.
• Have a picnic with your family.
• Eat at the nearby restaurant.

Umeed garden

Umeed garden spread over almost 85 acres of land was the oen that was developed by Maharaja Umeed Singh. This garden is worth visiting as it has many ashoka trees, roses and also seasonal flowers museum fountains, library and also a zoo. Here you can take a look at all the many different species of birds and animals like bears, foxes, deers etc.

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