Jodhur Places to Visit

Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. It was formerly the seat of a princely state of the same name, also known as Marwar. Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination, featuring many beautiful palaces, forts, and temples, apart from a stark, scenic desert landscape. The city is known as the "Sun City" for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year and the "Blue City" becouse most of its houses in the old city are painted Indigo. Jodhpur lies near the geographic center of Rajasthan state, which makes it a convenient base for travel in a region much frequented by tourists.

Brief  History Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief belonging to the Rathore clan. Rao Jodha succeeded in conquering the surrounding territory and thus founded a state which came to be known as Marwar. As Rao Jodha hailed from the nearby town of Mandore, that town initially served as the capital of this state; however, Jodhpur soon took over that role, even during the lifetime of Rao Jodha. The city was located on the strategic road linking Delhi to Gujarat.

Places to visit. Mehrangarh Built in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha, Mehrangarh Fort looms large over the city of Jodhpur. Almost every ruler since Rao Jodha has added something new Mehrangarh is a beautiful blend of different architec- tural styles & influences. Mehrangarh is known for its exquisite multistoreyed palaces. All its parts are a natural appreciation for the artists. Umaid Bhawan Palace Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh as a part of a massive state-wide famine relief programe. its construction started in 1929 & 3000 labourers were given employment for 15 years. It is built in the famous Jodhpur yellow sand stone. Thus, Umaid Bhawan is not just a place to visit and a place to see in Jodhpur but a place to stay. The museum displays weapons, antique-clocks, crockery and hunting trophies belonging to the Maharaja. Jaswant Thada Near the fort, on the banks of a little pnd, lies the Jaswant Thada - the memorial of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II built by his son Maharaja Sardar Singh in 1895. It is made of shining white marble & is indeed very pretty. Around it are the stone Cenotaphs of the Maharajas & Maharanis. The building is made on a patform of Red sand stone. Clock Tower The clock tower is a popular landmark in the old city near the Sardar Market and narrow alleys lead from here to bazaars selling vegetables, spices, Indian sweets, textiles, silver and handicrafts. It is a great place to ramble around at leisure. Mandore Before the foundation of Jodhpur was laid, Mandore was the established capital of the old Marwar Kingdom. Just 9 km away, Mandore is a fascinating complex of sprawling gardens, massive cenotaphs, temples, ruins and sculpture. The several cenotaphs in memory of the JodhpurMaharajas are intricately carved, peaked, temple-like structures, with entirely sculpted facades. Gods, goddesses, animals, lotuses, adorn the walls and pillars of old yellow sandstone.