Jodhpur Tour
Jodhpur is famous for the distinctive colour of its buildings, a reminder of the Brahmins, who used to paint their houses blue to deter insects and keep the dwellings cool during the summer. Founded in 1459, the old city is encircled by an imposing wall and accessed through eight magnificent gates. How would it feel to be greeted by the first ray of sun in the morning, not through your window at your home but in a land where the sun seems to ‘rise’? Jodhpur is famously called the Sun City, as the sun is visible here first every morning. Jodhpur was founded in the year 1459 by Rao Jodha and the city earned its name after him. The second largest city in the state of Rajasthan is divided into old city and new city. The city is famous for its magnificent forts and palaces. Given below are the top places to visit in Jodhpur that need a definite place in your itinerary.
MEHRANGARH FORT
The fort encloses a museum now which exhibits various belongings of the royals. The palace was built by Rao Jodha in 1459. Mehrangarh Fort stands a hundred feet in splendor on a perpendicular cliff, four hundred feet above the sky line of Jodhpur. Mehrangarh, known for its beautiful architecture, formidable walls, and cultural heritage, is one of the most magnificent forts in Rajasthan.
UMAID BHAWAN PALACE
Voted as the Best Hotel in the world, Umaid Bhawan Palace is also a major tourist attraction in Jodhpur. Apart from being a heritage hotel, it is a museum and the residence of the Royal Family of the present owner, Raja Gaj Singh. Because of its location on the highest point in Jodhpur, the Chittar Hill, it is also referred to as the Chittar Palace.
TOORJI KA JHALRA
Constructed in 1740, Toorji Ka Jhalra, commonly called stepwell of Jodhpur, is an intricate design of stepwell, one of the few remaining structures depicting the traditional water management systems of Jodhpur. Its impressive design attracts many tourists, and is regarded as a fun place by locals and visitors to engage in harmless, recreational water games in order to beat the heat.
JASWANT THADA
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. Also called "Taj Mahal of Marwar", it was built in the honour and memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and is still used by the Marwar Royal Family as cremation grounds.
MANDORE GARDEN
Famous royal cenotaphs, Mandore Garden is located just 9 kilometres away from Jodhpur in Mandore which was once the ruling seat of the Pratihara dynasty. The garden is a part of the more massive Mehrangarh Fort, and also houses the famous Hall of Heroes and the temple of Three Hundred Million Gods. The garden also has a Government Museum, which is full of artefacts and old relics.
RAO JODHA DESERT ROCK PARK
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park was created in 2006 out of a large, rocky wasteland beside the Mehrangarh Fort. The park was built to restore the natural ecology of this neglected terrain and has become a prime tourist attraction of the city today. The rocky ravines are densely populated with the indigenous flora of the Thar desert, there are over 200 species of plants at this ecopark.
BALSAMAND LAKE
The mesmerising lake was made famous by its adjoining estate is the summer home of the Jodhpur Maharajas. Not only does it offer a luxurious stay experience it also presents an idyllic location to enjoy sunset views and lakeside picnics. You can have long walks beside its water or have dinner as you sit at Balsamand Palace's restaurant witnessing beautiful lake views. The entry to the lake is free of cost, however, getting to the gardens may cost a little, depending upon the season.
SHEESH MAHAL
A characteristic feature of the royal Rajput architecture, the Sheesh Mahal in the Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur is a treat to the eye of the beholder. Also known as Glass Palace of Jodhpur, this marvellous piece of architecture is decked from ceiling to floor with intricate mirror work. These decorative ornaments are complemented well with the brightly coloured paintings of various religious figures made in plaster.The ceilings and floors are inlaid with mirrors, earning the room the title of Hall of Mirrors.
RANISAR PADAMSAR
The main aim of building this lake was conversation on natural water. The best part of that lake is that in its parched climate, it never runs out of water. The most interesting sight for a sightseer in this city attraction will be the scene of the spectacular sunrise from the back of Fort Mehrangarh and the sunset from the other side of the range. You’re likely to get mesmerized by the peaceful scenery on the waterside, with the breathtaking view of the fort glooming close by.