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Mehrangarh Fort: One of
the largest forts in India, the Mehrangarh fort is the pride of
Jodhpur. Situated on a 150 m high hill, this magnificent fort was
founded in the year 1469 by Rao Jodha. The fort has seven gates,
some of which still stand as a witness to the battles fought by the
armies of Jodhpur. The fort houses a number of palaces inside, with
extensive patios. The main palaces are Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal,
Sheesh Mahal, Takht Vilas and Jhanki Mahal. A museum also finds a
place inside the fort, displaying a rich collection of old royal
palanquins, arms, paintings, costumes, etc. There are also a number
of galleries and temples inside the fort. The Mehrangarh fort is a
living proof of the expertise and hard work of Jodhpur artisans.
Umaid Bhavan Palace: Maharaja Umaid Singh, an admirer of
western lifestyles hired a famous Edwardian architect, Henry Vaughan
Lanchester, for Umaid Bhavan Palace, Jodhpur. The maharaja got the
palace constructed with the intention of providing employment to
famine stricken farmers. The palace consists of 347 rooms. Jodhpur
Umaid Bhawan Palace was one of the last palaces to be built in
India.
Rai ka Bagh Palace: Rai ka Bag Palace was amongst the
favorite retreats of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Built by Hadiji, the
queen of Maharaja Jaswant Singh I, the palace ranks amongst the
popular attractions of Jodhpur
Jaswant Thada: Jaswant Thada is a royal cenotaph built in the
memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. A white marble memorial, the
cenotaph is adorned with exquisite carvings. It houses the portraits
of the former rulers of Jodhpur. Built like a temple, the Thada is a
perfect example of skill of the Jodhpuri sculptors.
Museums: The most famous museum of Jodhpur is the Government
museum situated in the Umaid public gardens. It has on display an
array of weapons, textiles, miniature portraits local arts and
crafts, etc. Along with that, the other museums of Jodhpur are the
Mehrangarh fort museum and the Umaid Bhavan palace museum.
Parks and Gardens: There are a number of beautiful parks and
gardens in Jodhpur. The Mandore garden houses the chattries
(cenotaphs) of the erstwhile rulers. The Umed garden and Nehru Park
hold special attraction for the kids.
Temples: There are a number of temples in Jodhpur. One of the famous
temples of Jodhpur is the Raj Ranchhodji temple, enshrining a black
marble statue of Ranchhodji. Then, there is the Achal Nath Shivalaya,
a must see for the devotees of Lord Shiva. For Lord Krishna
devotees, there is the Kunj Bihari temple and the Rasik Bihari
temple. Some other famous temples of Jodhpur are Ghanshyamji temple,
Chamunda Mataji temple, Baba Ramdeo temple and Udai Mandir. |
