Jodhpur
Jodhpur is situated in the district of Jodhpur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Founded by Rao Jodha of the Rathore clan in 1459, this second largest city of Rajasthan lies on the edge of the Thar Desert. The city is divided into two parts - the old city, which has a 10 km wall surrounding it and the new city which is outside the walls. Known as the ‘Sun City’, Jodhpur, famous for its magnificent forts, palaces and havelis, is a very popular tourist destination visited by travelers from all over India and abroad. The rich cultural heritage of Jodhpur can be seen in the various monuments dotting the landscape.
The Mehrangarh fort towers over the city, standing on a steep, rocky hill which rises right in the middle of the town. Built by Rao Jodha, this imposing structure, sprawling over 5sq.km dominates the rugged landscape. The Fort complex houses many buildings which were added later on like the Phool Mahal, Takhat Mahal, Moti Mahal and Jhanki Mahal. Though the fort looks very rugged and formidable from the outside, it houses some exquisitely beautiful palaces decorated with intricately carved panels and lattice work. The museum in the fort has on display a fabulous collection of palanquins, royal cradles, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. The ramparts of the Mehrangarh fort offer breath taking views of the city. The Umaid Bhawan palace constructed by Maharaja Umaid Singh is a marvelous blend of Rajput and European architecture. The palace was built with the noble intention of providing employment to the people during a long period of drought and famine. This magnificent edifice in pink sandstone and marble is one of the largest private residences in the world, with 374 rooms and serves as the main residence of the Jodhpur royal family. The architect of the palace, Henry Vaughan Lanchester has skillfully combined Rajput, Jain and European art deco styles. At present, a section of the palace has been converted into 5- star hotel. The palace museum houses a rich collection of paintings, weapons and French furniture. Jaswant Thada is a collection of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899 with ornate pillars and delicate lattice carvings enshrining the memory of Maharaja Jaswant II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur. Built of extremely thin marble there are two more memorials within the cenotaph and the portraits of the various Jodhpur rulers. Other interesting places well worth a visit are Balsamand Lake and Gardens, Kailana Lake and Mandore Gardens. 55km from Jodhpur is Sardar Samand Lake, a popular venue for bird watching.
As a travel destination, Jodhpur in the state of Rajasthan, India is one of the most frequently visited cities.
The Mehrangarh fort towers over the city, standing on a steep, rocky hill which rises right in the middle of the town. Built by Rao Jodha, this imposing structure, sprawling over 5sq.km dominates the rugged landscape. The Fort complex houses many buildings which were added later on like the Phool Mahal, Takhat Mahal, Moti Mahal and Jhanki Mahal. Though the fort looks very rugged and formidable from the outside, it houses some exquisitely beautiful palaces decorated with intricately carved panels and lattice work. The museum in the fort has on display a fabulous collection of palanquins, royal cradles, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. The ramparts of the Mehrangarh fort offer breath taking views of the city. The Umaid Bhawan palace constructed by Maharaja Umaid Singh is a marvelous blend of Rajput and European architecture. The palace was built with the noble intention of providing employment to the people during a long period of drought and famine. This magnificent edifice in pink sandstone and marble is one of the largest private residences in the world, with 374 rooms and serves as the main residence of the Jodhpur royal family. The architect of the palace, Henry Vaughan Lanchester has skillfully combined Rajput, Jain and European art deco styles. At present, a section of the palace has been converted into 5- star hotel. The palace museum houses a rich collection of paintings, weapons and French furniture. Jaswant Thada is a collection of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899 with ornate pillars and delicate lattice carvings enshrining the memory of Maharaja Jaswant II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur. Built of extremely thin marble there are two more memorials within the cenotaph and the portraits of the various Jodhpur rulers. Other interesting places well worth a visit are Balsamand Lake and Gardens, Kailana Lake and Mandore Gardens. 55km from Jodhpur is Sardar Samand Lake, a popular venue for bird watching.
As a travel destination, Jodhpur in the state of Rajasthan, India is one of the most frequently visited cities.
