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Umaid Bhawan Palace of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Umaid Bhawan Palace is a palace located at Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. Umaid Bhawan Palace exudes an aura distinctly its own. The Palace hotel subtly blends Rajput and Victorian architecture. Umaid Bhawan Palace was originally called Chittar Palace during 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 Umed Singh, it was unfinished until 1944. Umaid Bhawan was one of the last royal constructions (and India's last Palace), built to provide work and drought relief for the poor. The Palace, when it was built, was the world's largest private residence, with 347 rooms. The building is dramatically illuminated at night causing some controversy in a city that continues to endure daily multi-hour power cuts.

The Palace now is a five star deluxe palace hotel. The museum of the palace is highly recommended for its display of weapons, an array of stuffed leopards, a huge banner presented by Queen Victoria and an incredible collection of clocks. Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India
Invincible and mighty, inspiring awe, admiration, envy and fear in friend and foe alike, Mehrangarh is the very spirit of the Rathores. Mehrangarh Fort has never, not even once, been taken in a siege.  Indeed, no historian, no white-whiskered royal retainer, no chronicle, no ballad, no poem can rival the Citadel of the Sun in bringing alive the story of the Rathores of Jodhpur. Every mile-stone in their adventure, every triumph, every act of courage is immortalized here in stone and mortar, marble and metal. The palaces lavished with delicate friezes, record successful campaigns; cart-loads of war booty and caravans laden with imperial favor. The cenotaphs recount stirring tales of valor and sacrifice; cannon-ball marks on the walls speak of repulsed enemies; the hand-prints, tiny and graceful on the portals, weep in remembrance of faithful queens lost to the flames of Sati.
Mehrangarh (etymology:'Mihir'{Sanskrit)-sun or Sun-deity; 'garh'{Sanskrit}-fort; i.e.'Sun-fort'; according to Rajasthani language pronunciation conventions, 'Mihirgarh' has changed to 'Mehrangarh'; the Sun-deity has been the chief deity of the Rathore dynasty; is one of the largest forts in India. Though the fortress was originally started in 1459 by Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur, most of the fort which stands today dates from the period of Jaswant Singh (1638–78). This magnificent fort is located at the centre of the city spreading over 5 km atop a 125-metre high hill.

Mehrangarh Fort located in Jodhpur city in Rajasthan state is one of the largest forts and a famous tourist place in India. The fort is situated on a lofty height, 400 feet above the city, and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its territorial boundaries, there are several palaces, which are known for their intricate carvings and sprawling courtyards.
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 Mughals. And Lohapol meaning iron gate has a moving memorabilia on palm print of the queens of Maharaja Man Singh who threw themselves on his funeral pyre in an act of sati [self-immolation]. The palm imprints still attract devotional attention and are covered by vermilion paste and paper-thin silver foil.
www.mehrangarh.org  / www.maharajajodhpur.com

Jaswant Thada of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India
On the way down from the fort, on left is Jaswant Thada, the graceful marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. His son Maharaja Sardar Singhji built the Taj Mahal of Marwar in the memory of Maharaj Jaswant Singhji II of Jodhpur. The cenotaphs of earlier Maharajas and Maharanis are at Mandore.
It was built in 1899, with all the rulers before him being cremated at Mandore, the previous capital of Marwar. Jaswant Singh who ruled Jodhpur from 1873-95, is worshipped in the city almost like a god and was credited during his lifetime as someone who possessed remarkable healing powers. His cenotaph is built like a temple and was worshipped like one by the public, and the stones with which it was constructed came from a quarry located at Markana, a village on the outskirts of Jaipur. The marble walls of the cenotaph are extremely thin, at some points only about six inches thick. Needless to add all the wives and concubines of Jaswant commited sati on his funeral pyre and their memorials are found alongside him. A visit to this structure is through the rocky hills giving it a secluded and a mystic aura.

Maha Mandir Temple of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India
Literally, the great temple, is a place where sacred glory reigns in a peaceful tranquility. Situated on Mandore road, the temple is an architectural splendor, supported by 84 pillars and ornamented with detailed designs and figures depicting various postures of Yoga. The entire structure is marked by a unique and original style.

Mandore Garden of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India
Mandore, 9 km to the north of Jodhpur, was the capital of Marwar before the foundation of Jodhpur. It was founded in the 6th century, and passed to the Rathore Rajputs in 1381 after a marriage alliance between a princess of the original founders, the Pratiharas, and the Rathode Raja, Rao Chandor. Today the main attraction here is the far-reaching Mandore gardens with there high rock terraces. The gardens also contain the chhatries (cenotaphs) of the Rathode rulers. One of the most imposing is the Cenotaph of Maharja Dhiraj Ajit Singh, an enormous edifice with carved elephants, amalake (disk-shaped flourishes with fluted edges), a pillared fore chamber with fine sculpture. You can climb to the third storey up a peculiar set of staircases. Opposite is the 17th century Chhatri of Maharaja Dhiraj Jaswant Singh, an enormous octagonal pavilion with a vast dome and huge pillars. It achieves a remarkable symmetry, with a gallery supported by pillars and sculptures of Krishna and the gopies (milkmaids).
Timings: 8 AM to 8 PM

Umaid Garden of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Umed Garden like Mandore gardens also covers an area of 82 acres. Developed by Maharaja Umed Singh, it has green lawns, towering Ashoka trees, roses and seasonal blooms as well as fountains. Within the grounds are a museum, library and zoo. In the zoo is a 'Walk-in Avery' where one can see different types of birds some local, others from Africa and Australia such as parrots and ducks, (as well as rabbits) in their natural environment. Not only that, there are bears, foxes, deer, lions and leopard that are must sees if travelling with children.

Kaylana Lake of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India
Located 8 km west of Jodhpur on Jaisalmer road, Kaylana Lake was constructed in 1872 by Pratap Singh. It is spread over 84 square kilometers' area. Earlier this area had palaces and gardens made by two rulers of Jodhpur-Bhim Singh and Takhat Singh. These were destroyed to make Kaylana Lake. Near the lake is a Dak Bungalow of Irrigation department. This famous picnic spot has taken the lives of many youngsters trying to swim across this deep lake. This is a charming picnic spot with a small artificial lake. And if you are here to stay on to take delight in the sunset. It is like a canvas with a splash of romantic colors. The beauty will linger on with you for a long time.

Sardar Samand Lake & Palace near Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India
As you go up to the shimmering lake and palace, a meandering and interesting drive will keep you entraced. The countryside with its lively villages and smiling, gay village folk of Jhalamand and Goora, will make you stop by and taste a bit of their hospitality. Photographers and adventurists can have day packed with enthralling excitement. Freely roaming herds of Chinkaras and Black Bucks can be seen here in large numbers.

Umed Sagar Dam of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India
Umed Sagar dam near Kaylana Lake was constructed in 1933 by Maharaja Umed Singh; it is spread over an area of 27 square kilometers.

Guda Bishnoi of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India

Guda Bishnoi is a small artificial lake and the nearest point form Jodhpur to exotic wild life & nature. During the season thousands of birds can be seen here, like domicile Cranes etc. The Guda pond becomes the water-drinking point for the antelopes and black bucks of near by area.

Ranisar-Padamsar of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India
Ranisar near Fateh Pole of Mehrangarh was made by Queen Jasmade Hadi, Rao Jodha's wife in 1459. Padmasar was made near it by Queen Padmini of Rao Ganga, daughter of Rana Sanga of Mewar.

Excursions from Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India
Osiyan Temples near Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India                            
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 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. The town was dominated by the Oswal Jains, (a merchant class) both commercially and demographically. Here the Oswal Jain built their temples of stunning quality. Along with Jain temples you will also find superb Hindu temples dedicated to various Hindu gods like Shiva, Vishnu, Surya the sun god and Harihara (the union of Vishnu with Shiva) making Osiyan a truly secular centre. In all there are 16 Hindu and Jain temples of exquisite quality. It is sad to say that Osiyan’s glory is a thing of the past and today the place resembles a ghost town with most of the people having migrated to greener pastures.

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