A valiant sentinel in the desert, on the eastern fringe of the Thar desert, was founded in 1459, by Rao Jodha, the chief of Rathore clan of Rajputs, who claimed descent from Rama, the epic hero of the Ramayana. A high stone wall nearly 10 kms. in length and eight gates once protected the city. Within, stands an imposing fort on a low range of sandstone hills, about 125 m above the surrounding plains.
Mehrangarh Fort: Magnificent Mehrangarh crowning a perpendicular cliff, was built by Rao Jodha in 1459 when he shifed his capital from Mandore. It houses a palace intricately adorned with long carved panels and latticed windows exquisitely wrought from red sandstone. The apartments within have their own magic- the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana with a rich collection of palanquins, howdas, royal cradles, miniature paintings of various schools, costumes, furniture and an impressive armoury. The display of cannons on the ramparts is among the rarest in India.
Jaswant Thada: This imposing white marble memorial was built in the memory of Maharajaa Jaswant Singh II, in 1899. It houses portraits of successive Marwar rulers.
Umaid Bhawan Palace: The beautiful palace- built by Maharaja Umaid Singh (1929-1942) is a splendid example of Indo-colonial and art deco style of the ’30s. The palace has been converted into a luxury hotel and a portion of it remains on view to visitors in form of an excellent museum.
Govt. Museum: It lies in the middle of the Umaid public garden and has a rich collection of armory, textiles, local arts and crafts, miniature paintings and portraits.
Girdikot & Sardar Market: The narrow lanes near Clock Tower is dotted with shops selling exquisite Rajasthani handicrafts.
Mahamandir Temple (2 kms.): The great temple has 84 pillars ornately carved with designs and figures depicting various postures of Yoga.
Kailana Lake (11 kms.): Popular picnic site and sunset point.
Mandore Gardens (9 kms.): Mandore, the old capital of Marwar is known for its extensive gardens with high rock terraces. The garden is dotted with ornately carved cenotaphs or “Devals” of Jodhpur rulers set on a high plinth and crowned with souring spires. Another attraction is the “Hall of Heroes” which has sixteen gigantic figures of Hindu and folk deities chiseled out of one single rock.
Around Jodhpur:
Osian (60 kms.)
The medieval town of Thar was great trading The center between the 8th -12th century. Today, it is a desert oasis with Hindu and Jain temples, beautifully sculpted. The largest of these are Sachchiya Mata temple nad Mahavir Jain temple which is both functional. There rows of dunes on the western end of the village, where one can enjoy lovely sunsets and camel rides.
Phalodi-Khichan (135 kms.)
Phalodi, the city of richly carved Havelis and temples is 75 kms. beyond Osian. Khichan Village nearby attracts a large number of migratory Demoiselle Cranes locally called as Kurjan’ during winters. Marny folk songs are based on the beautiful birds who keep on coming here year after year and are greeted by the villagers with great enthusiasm and love.
