Jodhpur, Rajesthan - Celebration

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Blue City, Sun City Jodhpur is a well-known name for Rajasthan travelers. The city is known as "Sun City" because its sunny weather throughout the year. Also Known as the "Gateway to Thar", it is famous for its Mehrangarh fort, blue houses, temples, sweets and snacks. Jodhpur city has many beautiful palaces and forts such as Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhavan Palace and Rai ka Bag Palace. These unusual pants were designed by the Maharaja of Jodhpur's son, Pratap Singh, and worn by his polo team when visiting the Queen of England in 1897. Blue originally denoted a high-caste brahmin residence, resulting from the addition of indigo to lime-based whitewash, which was thought to protect buildings from insects, and to keep them cool in summer. Jodhpur is one of the best desert cities you will ever set foot on in the world. Jodhpur is also known for the rare breed of horses known as Marwari or Malani, which are only found here. Apart from the fort, there are multiple temples, lakes, shopping streets that are like a mirage from a bygone era. The name is clearly befitting as most of the architecture – forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. Located in the middle of the Thar desert, Jodhpur juggles history, adventure, culture and old-world charm rather perfectly. You can also go for paragliding in Jodhpur, the panoramic view from up there will certainly blow your mind. As the sun is bright all the year, so blue color keeps houses be cooled down. Artistic masterpieces and divine food makes JODHPUR one of INDIA’s richest cultural experiences.

Nearby Jaswant Tada and Umaid Bhawan Palace are also among the top attractions in Jodhpur. Having the best adventure tours in Jodhpur, it is the one place for desert adventures no other can really match up to. The history of this prosperous city revolves around the Rathore clan. Rao Jodha, the chief of Rathore Clan is credited with the origin of Jodhpur in India. The city divided into old city and new city, the old city is separated by a10 km long wall surrounding it. Also it has eight Gates leading out of it. The new city is outside the walled city. Before this name the land was called Marwar and its people Marwari. It is also known for its grand marriages. Jodhpur is a very popular tourist destination. You can tour a local village, get to meet the people and know their lifestyles, while enjoying a beautiful sunset in the desert. The city landscape is scenic and mesmerizing, it is famous for its magnificent forts, palaces, mausoleums, gardens, lakes, and towers, making it a hotspot for tourist activity. Jodhpur is the place of forts and historical monuments, so while in Jodhpur, definitely go for a sightseeing city. If you are a rock climbing enthusiast, you can go to Bheem Bhadak where you can enjoy the activity. If you enjoy rappelling, you can visit Soorsagar near Jodhpur.

“Put yourself in a state of mind where you say to yourself, Here is an opportunity for you to celebrate like never before, my own power, my own ability to get myself to do whatever is necessary.” – Anthony R.

MEHRANGARH FORT

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Most of the tourists come Jodhpur to visit here. The view of Jodhpur from the fort is breath-taking. As impressive as it is, as a well preserved heritage structure, there's so much more to discover inside. The Mehrangarh Fort’s main entrance is at the northeast gate. One of Jodhpur’s most popular attractions, the Mehrangarh Fort rises 400 feet above the city of Jodhpur and makes for a spectacular sight. Though the attempt to construct the fort was started in 1459, the fort had seen many centuries before it was completed. The ramparts were fenced off in 2016 after a fatal selfie accident. Hopefully a temporary measure, as the views are spectacular. Rising perpendicular and impregnable from a rocky hill that itself stands 120m above Jodhpur’s skyline, Mehrangarh is one of the most magnificent forts in India. Rising perpendicular and impregnable from a hill which is 125 metres above Jodhpur’s skyline is the Mehrangarh Fort. Impregnable Mehrangarh Fort, which rises above the city, is one of the largest forts in India. Mehrangarh Fort still bears the imprints of cannonball attacks courtesy the armies of Jaipur on its second gate. The Fort's ramparts are lined with antique artillery and offer a panoramic view of the "Blue City". Chiselled and sturdy, the fort is known for its exquisite latticed windows, carved panels, intricately decorated windows and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. Head to the top of the fort to take in a splendid bird’s eye view of the city of Jodhpur sprawled out below. The Fort is also an evocative setting for music festivals. The grandeur in architecture is awe-inspiring. Still run by the Jodhpur royal family, Mehrangarh is packed with history and legend. You don’t need a ticket to enter the fort itself, only the museum section. You can exit here into the old city quarter of Navchokiya.

MEHRANGARH MUSEUM

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Mehrangarh Museum was established with an aim to house the collections of Maharajah Gaj Singh II. The museum has outstanding collection of fine and applied arts from the Mughal period. The lovely latticed windows over 250 different designs (and through which the women could watch the goings-on in the courtyards). The fort's museum encompasses the fort’s former palace, and is a superb example of Rajput architecture. The floor and the walls were stripped bare to show the quality of the original stone work. The Courtyards n’ Hall’s Stone lattice work that it often looks more like sandalwood than Sandstone. Takhat Vilas was the bedchamber of Maharaja Takhat Singh (1843–73), who had just 30 maharanis and numerous concubines. Its beautiful ceiling is covered with Christmas baubles. In the museum has Two Galleries in 14 display rooms, Daulat Khana Chowk is one gallery exhibits the heritage where showcased miniature paintings, portraits, books and manuscripts, headgear, weapons, textiles costumes and tents, elephant howdahs and palanquins, curved sword of the Mughal emperor Akbar and the other Gallery is the Armory. Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) is 17th-century’s main Durbar Hall (Royal Reception Hall) for Official Meetings and Receptions, with gorgeously colourful stained glass. Budgets were low, so entire system of display and Lighting created by Local Artisans and Vendors. Upstairs is a fabulous gallery of miniature paintings and 18th Century Phul Mahal (Flower Palace), In 19th-century wall paintings depicting the 36 moods of classical ragas as well as royal portraits; the artist took 10 years to create them. Turban Gallery Preserve the document and display different types of turbans. The palace called Jhanki Mahal, Cradle Gallery once used to be the place from where women could peep through. The galleries around Shringar Chowk (Anointment Courtyard) display India’s best collection of elephant howdahs and Jodhpur’s royal palanquin collection.

MANDORE GARDENS

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Mandore, belonging to the 6th century AD or possibly earlier, situated 9 Km north of the centre of Jodhpur. Towards the north of Jodhpur is the ancient, Mandore was the capital of Marwar prior to the founding of Jodhpur. Mandore Gardens here attract tourists in great numbers. The gardens are beautiful and used as a local picnic spot. The best time to go is during the week, when it's quietest. Its gardens, complete with rock terraces and home to playful grey langurs, contain a variety of dark-red cenotaphs of Jodhpur’s rulers. Constructed in deep red sandstone, one of the highlights of the gardens is the Chhatri of Maharaja Dhiraj Ajit Singh, a beautiful amalgamation of Buddhist and Jain architecture. 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 memorial also marks the spot where 64 queens and concubines committed sati on Ajit Singh’s death in 1724.

UMAID BHAWAN PALACE

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It is one of the world’s largest private residences. The king Umaid Singh Ji started built Magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace, the construction of Umaid Bhawan Palace was started in the year 1928 and it was completed in 1944, one of the last great palace to be built in India. Also known as Chittar Palace, because use of stones drawn from the Chittar Hill. The half of the palace is the royal residence and also has a museum boasting of royal portraits, vintage cars, watches collection and other historic artefacts from the royal families of Jodhpur. The 347-roomed massive palace is named one of the largest private residences in the world. The palace was designed by HV Lanchester, a renowned British architect, and It took more than 3000 workers 16 years to complete, at a cost of around ₹11 million. It is the only palace built in the 20th century. The museum mostly displays old photos of the Maharaja and his family. Reasons enough for Umaid Bhavan Palace to be listed among the top places to visit in Jodhpur, without a doubt! If you can't afford $600+ per night for a room, you can still get a glimpse inside the palace by having an expensive dinner at one of its restaurants or visiting the museum. Take an autorickshaw to this hilltop palace, 3km southeast of the old city.

RAO JODHA DESERT ROCK PARK

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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. The park was created in Thar Desert to restore native plant species in the region. The 200 acres of rehabilitated land and has a walking trail is located at the foot of the impregnable Mehrangarh Fort. It's interesting to explore at different times of the year, as its foliage changes with the seasons. A walking trails that take you up to the city walls, around Devkund Lake, spotting local birds, butterflies and reptiles. For an extra insight into the area’s native flora and fauna. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the most pleasant time.

JASWANT THADA

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Jaswant Thada was built a white marble lattice screens and whimsical domes of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur in 1899. Visit a memorial architecture temple, grounds also include exquisitely carved gazebos and a small lake just 1km northeast of Mehrangarh. Rajasthan’s very own marble marvel is the Jaswant Thada mausoleum in Jodhpur, which is more commonly known as the Taj Mahal of Mewar.The tranquility of the milky white marble construction is enchanting. The inside is adorned with portraits of Ranthore rulers. Dating back to the 19th century, the Jaswant Thada boasts of beautiful jaali work and offers visitors a peaceful environment, far from the madness of city life. It's a peaceful place to relax and enjoy stunning views of the Fort and city. Hidden amidst lush green trees and perched tenderly on lakeside, The architecture is made of white marbles which are so fine that the outer surface of the whole building emits a warm glow during sunlight. Currently it exhibits a variety of paintings and portraits of Jodhpur rulers.

CHAMUNDA MATA TEMPLE

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Built for protection against a curse given by an old sage, this temple is much revered by the people of the Rajasthan. Located in the southern part of Mehrangarh fort, is the temple dedicated to the Ishta devi of royal family, the Chamunda Mata temple was built in the year 1460 by Rao Jodha who was also the founder of Jodhpur and it is worshipped even today by both royals and citizens. A stampede occurred on 30 September 2008, at the temple, in which 249 people were killed and more than 400 injured. This temple lies in the southern end of the Mehrangarh Fort. It had been a favourite place of worship for the royal families of Jodhpur. From the old capital of Mandore, he brought her favorite idol to the fort in 1460. Installed in the Mehrangarh Fort, the goddess remains the Isht Devi of Maharajahs and the Royal Family, till date.

HOW TO REACH

BY AIR : Jodhpur has its own domestic airport which is 5 km from the city and it is well-connected to major cities. Once you reach airport, you can hire a Cab/Auto. The nearest international airport is IGI airport in New Delhi.

BY TRAIN : Jodhpur is well connected by major cities. Even the luxurious 'Palace on Wheels' also visits the city of royal splendour. Few popular trains from the Jodhpur Station are Rajasthan Sampark Kranti, Howrah Jodhpur SF Express and Jaisalmer Delhi Express.

BY ROAD : Jodhpur is well connected by buses. There are numerous private buses, Volvo coaches and deluxe buses that ply between Delhi and Jodhpur. You can take a bus till Jaipur and then board another government operated bus to Jodhpur.