Jodhpur Tour Package
Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination, featuring many palaces, forts and temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar desert.
Rajasthan’s second largest city is known as the “Sun City” for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year. It is also referred to as the “Blue City” due to the blue-painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. The old city circles the fort and is bounded by a wall with several gates. However, the city has expanded greatly outside the wall over the past several decades. Jodhpur lies near the geographic centre of Rajasthan state, which makes it a convenient base for travel in a region much frequented by tourists.
To See:
Mehrangarh Fort dominates the city and is the largest fort in all Rajasthan. Founded in 1458 as the site of Rao Jodha’s new capital — hence the name, Jodhpur — the city has grown around it, and in the 500 years that have passed the fort has never been taken by force. It’s easy to see why: it occupies the entire top of a 150 m hill with commanding views all around, with some three kilometers of massive ramparts built around the edges. The name “Fort” belies the size of the complex, which houses the Maharaja’s palace, several temples and, tucked away in the back, an extensive garden still farmed to this day. Highlights within the palace include:
Moti Mahal (Pearl Hall). Pearl-colored inside and decorated with colored glass windows, this is where the Maharaja held his audiences, with the five alcoves on the far wall allowing his queens to listen in.
Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Hall). Just what the name says.
Phool Mahal (Flower Hall). The most extravagant of them all, this was the Maharaja’s pleasure chamber, for dancing girls and revelry.
Zenana Deodi. The inner sanctum of the palace once guarded by eunuchs, this is where the Maharaja’s wives whiled away their days. The delicate sandstone screens and carvings are exquisite.
Chamunda Mataji Temple. Tucked away at the far end of the battlements, this temple is devoted to Rao Jodha’s favorite goddess and remains a local favorite to this day.
A number of people are employed here and there to add flavor by dressing in period costume and doing photogenic things like playing traditional instruments and smoke opium (yes, the real thing). Snap away, but they’ll appreciate a tip if you do. The museum also includes galleries devoted to howdahs (elephant-mounted seats), palanquins, fine arts, weaponry, and the inevitable Turban Gallery.
Jaswant Thada, 1 km downhill from Mehrangarh (easily walked). Royal cenotaphs built in marble, with a picturesque location next to a little lake.
Mandore, 7 km outside the city. The ancient capital of Marwar, before Jodhpur was built.
Umaid Bhawan Palace. Clearly visible to the south of the city and completed only in 1944, this is the last great palace built in India. The Maharaja of Jodhpur lives here to this day, but half the building has been converted to a 5-star hotel and there is also a small museum on grounds.
Khejarla Fort, located 85 km. from the main city. Situated in a rural setting, the 400 year old, Fort Khejarla offers guests an enlivening experience. The stunning red sandstone monument is an example of the Rajput architecture. The Fort offers picturesque settings, latticework friezes, and intricate Jharoka. To reach Khejarla from Jodhpur, head on Jodhpur Jaipur highway for 73 km. You’ll cross Bhavi village and a railway crossing. After railway crossing go 3.5 kms and take a left turn. Then go straight for 12 km and you’ll find Khejarla fort.
Balsamand Lake – now converted to a resort
Kailana Lake – a picnic spot and a main drinking water source for the city
Ranisar Padamsar – Ranisar was made by Queen Jasmade Hadi, Rao Jodha’s wife in 1459. Ranisar is situated near Fateh Pole in Mehrangarh.
Gulab Sagar Lake – Gulab Sagar water storage was constructed by Gulab Rai in 1788.
Baba Ramdev Temple, Masuria Hills.
Ganesh Temple, Ratanada.
Mahamandir Temple, Mahamandir Chauraha.
Pal Balaji Temple, Pal Gaon.
Santoshi Mata Temple, Lal Sagar.
Isqkiya Gajanan Ji Temple, Juni Mandi.
