THE BLUE CITY
Jodhpur Tour
How would it feel to be greeted by the first ray of sun in the morning, not through your window at your home but in a land where the sun seems to ‘rise’? Jodhpur is famously called the Sun City, as the sun is visible here first every morning. Jodhpur was founded in the year 1459 by Rao Jodha and the city earned its name after him. The second largest city in the state of Rajasthan is divided into old city and new city. The city is famous for its magnificent forts and palaces. Given below are the top places to visit in Jodhpur that need a definite place in your itinerary.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Voted as the Best Hotel in the world, Umaid Bhawan Palace is also a major tourist attraction in Jodhpur. Apart from being a heritage hotel, it is a museum and the residence of the Royal Family of the present owner, Raja Gaj Singh. Because of its location on the highest point in Jodhpur, the Chittar Hill, it is also referred to as the
Chittar Palace.
Mehrangarh Fort
The fort encloses a museum now which exhibits various belongings of the royals. The palace was built by Rao Jodha in 1459. Mehrangarh Fort stands a hundred feet in splendor on a perpendicular cliff, four hundred feet above the sky line of Jodhpur. Mehrangarh, known for its beautiful architecture, formidable walls, and cultural heritage.
Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Tada is a royal cenotaph built in white marble. It has a small pond and a pretty garden next to it. This structure is just a few minutes downhill walk from the main fort. Also called "Taj Mahal of Marwar", it was built in the honor and memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and is still used by the Marwar Royal Family as cremation grounds.
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park was created in 2006 out of a large, rocky wasteland beside the Mehrangarh Fort. The park was built to restore the natural ecology of this neglected terrain . The rocky ravines are densely populated with the indigenous flora of the Thar desert, there are over 200 species of plants at this ecopark.
Toorji Ka Jhalra
Toorji Ka Jhalra is an intricate design of stepwell, one of the few remaining structures depicting the traditional water management systems of Jodhpur. Its impressive design attracts many tourists, and is regarded as a fun place by locals and visitors to engage in harmless, recreational water games in order to beat the heat.
Sheesh Mahal
The Sheesh Mahal in the Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur is a treat to the eye of the beholder. This marvellous piece of architecture is decked from ceiling to floor with intricate mirror work. These decorative ornaments are complemented well with the brightly coloured paintings of various religious figures made in plaster.
Mandore Garden
Famous royal cenotaphs, Mandore Garden is located just 9 kilometres away from Jodhpur in Mandore which was once the ruling seat of the Pratihara dynasty. The garden is a part of the more massive Mehrangarh Fort, and also houses the famous Hall of Heroes and the temple of Three Hundred Million Gods.
Ranisar Padamsar
The main aim of building this lake was conversation on natural water. The best part of that lake is that in its parched climate, it never runs out of water. The most interesting sight attraction will be the scene of the spectacular sunrise from the back of Fort Mehrangarh and the sunset from the other side of the range.
Balsamand Lake
The mesmerizing lake was as the summer home of the Jodhpur Maharajas. Not only does it offer a luxurious stay experience it also presents an idyllic location to enjoy sunset views and lakeside picnics. You can haver have dinner as you sit at Balsamand Palace's restaurant witnessing beautiful lake views.