Located on the foothill of a sandstone hillock, the city of Jodhpur seems like an oasis in the vast desert and is the second largest city in Rajasthan. Showcasing a rich culture and heritage, Jodhpur is one of the preferred Travel destinations in Rajasthan after Udaipur. People from India as well as all over the world visit Jodhpur to witness the beautiful colour of the Rajasthani culture. There are a number of tourist attractions in Jodhpur, enthralling the tourists. The various attractions of Jodhpur that narrates the glorious past are the living evidence of the magnificence, traditions and culture of the city. The glorious past of Jodhpur is embodied through the forts and palaces that were built by the rulers of the place. The prominent places to visit in Jodhpur for India travellers are :
Mehrangarh Fort
Situated on a precipitous hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in India. The beauty and the magnificence of numerous palaces in the fort narrate a tale of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures. Sprawling over 5 km, Meghrana Fort is built on a upright hill and looking down 125 meters, presents a majestic view on city horizon. It was built on advice of a saint in 1459 to establish an unassailable head-quarter. This Fort is one of the best in India with its delicately latticed windows, carved panels, ornately decorated windows and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins, royal costumes, furniture and the cannons on the fort's ramparts are well preserved.
Umaid Bhavan Palace
The quixotic looking Umaid Bhawan Palace was actually built with the purpose of giving employment to the people of Jodhpur during a long drawn famine. The royal family of Jodhpur still lives in a part of the palace. Another part of the palace houses a well-maintained museum, displaying an amazing array of items belonging to the Maharaja and the royal family - weapons, antiques & fascinating clocks, crockery and trophies.
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
The Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park was developed in 2006, with the aim of restoring the natural ecology of a large rocky wasteland area next to the Fort. Neglected for many years, it was overrun by an invasive thorny shrub. After the shrub was eradicated, over 80 native species of rock-loving plants from the Thar Desert were grown there. The Park extends across 70 hectares (around 200 acres) of rehabilitated land and has a walking trail. It's interesting to explore at different times of the year, as its foliage changes with the seasons.
OSIAN TEMPLE
A great centre of Brahmancial and Jain religions. The temples here belong to two periods ? an early period represented by nearly 12 temples and later period of 6 temples. The Jain Mahavir Temple is unique among the Osian temples, with the vaulted design of its hall-celling. The main Sachiya Mata Temple appears to be made in 1178 AD and has a shikhar clustered by two rows of turrets, an ambulatory and large assembly hall with an elaborate ceiling.
Jaswant Thada
Close to the fort complex, lies Jaswant Thada. This 19th century royal cenotaph built in white marble in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and three other cenotaphs, stand nearby. The cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh holds the rare portraits of the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur. A visit inside the cenotaphs, with some villagers of the region, would bring forward the reverence they still hold for their brave kings.
Mehrangarh Fort
Situated on a precipitous hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in India. The beauty and the magnificence of numerous palaces in the fort narrate a tale of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures. Sprawling over 5 km, Meghrana Fort is built on a upright hill and looking down 125 meters, presents a majestic view on city horizon. It was built on advice of a saint in 1459 to establish an unassailable head-quarter. This Fort is one of the best in India with its delicately latticed windows, carved panels, ornately decorated windows and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins, royal costumes, furniture and the cannons on the fort's ramparts are well preserved.
Umaid Bhavan Palace
The quixotic looking Umaid Bhawan Palace was actually built with the purpose of giving employment to the people of Jodhpur during a long drawn famine. The royal family of Jodhpur still lives in a part of the palace. Another part of the palace houses a well-maintained museum, displaying an amazing array of items belonging to the Maharaja and the royal family - weapons, antiques & fascinating clocks, crockery and trophies.
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
The Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park was developed in 2006, with the aim of restoring the natural ecology of a large rocky wasteland area next to the Fort. Neglected for many years, it was overrun by an invasive thorny shrub. After the shrub was eradicated, over 80 native species of rock-loving plants from the Thar Desert were grown there. The Park extends across 70 hectares (around 200 acres) of rehabilitated land and has a walking trail. It's interesting to explore at different times of the year, as its foliage changes with the seasons.
OSIAN TEMPLE
A great centre of Brahmancial and Jain religions. The temples here belong to two periods ? an early period represented by nearly 12 temples and later period of 6 temples. The Jain Mahavir Temple is unique among the Osian temples, with the vaulted design of its hall-celling. The main Sachiya Mata Temple appears to be made in 1178 AD and has a shikhar clustered by two rows of turrets, an ambulatory and large assembly hall with an elaborate ceiling.
Jaswant Thada
Close to the fort complex, lies Jaswant Thada. This 19th century royal cenotaph built in white marble in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and three other cenotaphs, stand nearby. The cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh holds the rare portraits of the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur. A visit inside the cenotaphs, with some villagers of the region, would bring forward the reverence they still hold for their brave kings.