Activities/Sightseeing

Jodhpur’s Sightseeing

Mehrangarh Fort, located in Jodhpur city in Rajasthan state is one of the largest forts in India.

The fort is situated 400 feet (122 m) above the city, and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its boundaries there are several palaces known for their

intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. A winding road leads to and from the city below. The imprints of cannonball hits by attacking armies of Jaipur can still be seen on the second gate. To the left of the fort is the chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier who fell on the spot defending the Mehrangarh fort.

There are seven gates, which include Jayapol (meaning ‘victory’) built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Fattehpol (also meaning ‘victory’) gate was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh to mark the defeat of the Mughals. The palm imprints upon these still attract much attention even today.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, located at Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India, is one of the world’s largest private residences. A part of the palace is managed by Taj Hotels. Named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present owners of the palace, this monument has 347 rooms and serves as the principal residence of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family.

Umaid Bhawan Palace was called Chittar Palace during its construction due to its location on Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur. Ground for the foundations of the building was broken on 18 November 1929 by Maharaja Umaid Singh and the construction work was completed in 1943.

Mandore Garden, with its charming collection of temples and memorials, and its high rock terraces, is another major attraction. The gardens house the Chhatris (cenotaphs) of many rulers of the erstwhile princely state of Marwar. Prominent among them is the chhatri of Maharaja Ajit Singh of Marwar, built in 1793.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 ‘Hall of Heroes’ commemorates popular folk heroes of the region. It contains 16 figures carved out of a single rock. Next door is a larger hall called “The temple of 33 crore Gods” which houses images of various Hindu Gods.

Jodhpur Nearby Tourist Places

When you need to get an experience in the tribal India, Jodhpur Guda Bishnoi Village is the place for you. It’s roughly 25 kms through the main city of Jodhpur. The Guda Bishnoi village of Jodhpur, Rajasthan is scenic beauty marked with Khejri trees and deer. Also inside the village is the Guda Bishnoi Lake. It is an artificial lake, ideal as a picnic spot. An individual considering exotic wild life & nature will need to definitely visit this village.

The Bishnoi community inhabits the village. The villagers are staunch worshippers of nature in all its forms, specially the sanctity of plant and animal life. They even pray to the green trees and animals that inhabit their land. In this world of exploitation everywhere, they make every effort to conserve the environment. Another fact about the Bishnoi tribals is that they worship Lord Vishnu and are vegetarians.

Osian (Osiyan) is an ancient town located in the Jodhpur District of Rajasthan state in western India. It is an oasis in the Thar Desert, 65 km (40 miles) north of the district headquarters at Jodhpur, on a diversion off the main Jodhpur – Bikaner Highway.It is also known as Khajuraho of Rajasthan.

Osian is famous as home to the cluster of ruined Brahmanical and Jain temples dating from the 8th to 11th centuries. The city was a major religious centre of the kingdom of Marwar during the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty of the 18 shrines in the group, the Surya or Sun Temple and the later Kali temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and the main Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira stands out in their grace and architecture.