Jodhpur Sightseeing, Quick Facts, History, Packages, Tours & Excursions

Steeped in royalty, Jodhpur's forts and palaces are simply majestic. Umaid Bhawan Palace is considered one of the best art deco buildings in India. Built of creamy-pink sandstone and marble, this beautiful palace is one of the largest private residences in the world. It took 15 years and 3,000 men to complete this architectural marvel. Commissioned by Maharaja Umaid Singh as part of the relief project to support the famine-stricken subjects, the magnificent palace has a staggering 374 rooms including eight dining halls, two theatres, a ballroom, ornate reception halls and a huge underground swimming pool.

Henry Vaughan Lanchester, the architect of the palace had beautifully blended Rajput, Jain and European art deco styles. The 60-ft dome covers the central hall of the palace. A section of the palace is the present royal residence of Umaid Singh's grandson, Gaj Singh, while a large section has been converted into a 5-star heritage hotel. The palace museum is open to tourists and boasts a rich collection of decorated weapons, paintings, porcelain, watches, antique clocks and French furniture.

Jaswant Thada is a white marble cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899. This fine piece of architecture has striking lattice carvings and pillars. There are imperial cenotaphs of subsequent rulers and members of the royal family as well.

Sardar Bazaar in the heart of the old city is a fascinating cluster of shops selling silver jewellery, lacquer bangles and clay figurines. Other highlights are Mandore Gardens, Balsamand Lake and Gardens and Kailana Lake. Balsamand also has a 19th century red sandstone water palace near the lake. Sardar Samand Lake 55 Km from Jodhpur is a good spot for bird watching. The art deco style hunting lodge here is worth seeing.

Forts and Palaces:

Rising sharply on a perpendicular cliff, Mehrangarh Fort is by far the most imposing citadel in India. Spread over an area of 5 sq. Km, the stunning Jodhpur fort in red sandstone has seven gates and preserves one of the most beautiful structures in Rajasthan. The forbidding ramparts lend a very rugged appeal to the colossal fort while inside lie magnificent palaces and museums replete with palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniatures, musical instruments, costumes and furniture.

The bastioned walls are hewn out of rocks and at some places are 24 m thick and 40 m high. Old cannons can be seen on top. Jai Pol is one of the seven gates which is the main entrance to the fort. It was built in 1806 by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victory in a battle. About seventeen generations of Rathore rulers had added various temples, palaces and courtyards, but what remains a surprise is the astonishing symmetry in all of them.

Phool Mahal built by Maharaja Abhai Singh is the fort's most ornate chamber with rich murals and paintings. Takhat Mahal built by Maharaja Takhat Singh has murals depicting dancing girls and scenes from Krishna-Lila. The ceiling is supported by huge beams resting on corbels. Moti Mahal was the Hall of Private Audience. The ceiling is decorated with mirrors and gold leaf, and crushed seashells were blended with plaster to give a polished feel.

Shringar Chowk is a huge courtyard where the white marble coronation throne is kept and various rulers were crowned here. Sileh Khana has an amazing collection of weapons including the gem-studded shields and armours for war elephants. Chamundi Devi Mandir and Nagnechiaji Mandir inside the fort are dedicated to Goddess Durga and the Kuldevi respectively.

Mehrangarh Fort Museum is considered one of the most well preserved museums in Rajasthan depicting baroque architecture, royal artefacts and excellent displays. The entrance to the museum is through Suraj Pol. To the right is Palki Khana with the richest collection of palanquins including Rajat Khasa, the lotus-shaped silver palanquin used by the royalty. Next to Palki Khana is the Howdah Gallery depicting the lavishly crafted howdahs (a howdah is a two-compartmentalized wooden seat, mostly covered with gold and silver embossed sheets, which was fastened on the elephant's back). A priceless solid silver howdah gifted by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan is the pride of the gallery.

On the first floor is the sprawling Umaid Mahal displaying paintings of Jodhpur school with a strong Mughal influence. These paintings depict life of the court and various entertainment activities. There is a silk canopy on display that was used by the royals for outdoor camps. Next on this floor is Phool Mahal which treasures miniature paintings depicting the 36 moods of musical ragas or Ragamala. Takhat Mahal has glass Christmas tree balls which were added in the 1930s. Sardar Vilas displays fine woodwork. Jhanki Mahal was used by the women of the royal zenana who could peep through latticed stone screens to see ceremonies and other happenings at the courtyard. The museum also displays a rich collection of turbans, musical instruments and costumes used by royalty.

Other Activities:

Just like Jaipur, Jodhpur offers plenty of shopping opportunities, but you must know where to shop for the right thing. Mochi Bazaar is a good place to look for embroidered shoes besides Jooti Corner at Station Road. Antique lovers can hunt for authentic pieces at Rajasthan Art Emporium, Sun City Art Exporters and rows of antique shops at the foothills of Umaid Bhawan Palace. Check out tie-dye fabrics, Jodhpuri coats, hand woven carpets, puppets and turbans at Kapra Bazaar, Sojati Gate Market, Nai Sarak Market and Sardar Bazaar. Sardar Bazaar is also famous for silver jewellery and handicrafts.

One of the most famous spices in Jodhpur is red chilli powder. You can buy it from Clock Tower, but only if you can endure it's 'chilli' flavour! Tripollia Bazaar is for local handicrafts while Lakhera Bazaar is the best option for lac work and pretty bangles.

If you happen to be in Jodhpur during October, which is the best time to visit, you can witness the colourful Marwar Festival showcasing some of the finest folk dances of the region. Out of town excursions can be made to the ethnic villages on the outskirts of the city. Besides getting acquainted with the communities of potters and weavers, you can also relish a nice meal here.

You can relish the fine cuisine of the region at Midtown Restaurant in front of the railway station. Other popular hangouts are On the Rocks on the Circuit House Road. Do try delights such as shahi samosa, mirchi vada and makhan lassi. Chimney near the airport road is known for its rustic ambience and tandoori recipes. Sojati Gate is the place to look for sweets and the famous Mawa Kachori dipped in sugar syrup.

Tourism Info: 

RTDC Hotel Ghoomar Campus, High Court Road.

The second largest city in Rajasthan, Jodhpur has been the hub of Marwari traders since time immemorial. The Mehrangarh Fort rises dramatically out of the rugged mountainside and is surrounded by the blue washed houses that dominate the city's landscape. Started in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the fort compound has various later structures that are more ornate and decorative - the Phool Mahal, Takhat Mahal, Moti Mahal and Jhanki Mahal.

In contrast to the medieval fort is the early 20th century Umaid Bhavan Palace a magnificent mix of Rajput and European architecture - built by Maharaja Umaid Singh to flaunt his princely power. The palace museum is a reminder of this grand past, while if you really want to feel like royalty you can live in the luxury hotel that occupies a part of the palace.

Jodhpur brings to mind a bygone era with its old havelis, bustling bazaars and loads of rustic charm. The enigmatic city that was once the capital of Marwar state has been on the Rajasthan tourist circuit for the last two decades now. Its merchant class, the Marwaris dominate the business sector not only in Rajasthan, but across India. Jodhpur is divided into two sections, the Old City, well fortified by a long high wall and the New City where you can find restaurants and big markets.

History oozes from the city's magnificent forts, palaces, temples and traditional homes washed in pale indigo. Much hasn't changed for Jodhpur and the city still retains the medieval charm; except that tourists outnumber the locals now. Jodhpur is known for its feisty festivals and folk songs besides gracious hospitality and great food. A lot of heritage hotels are coming up in the city although handicrafts exports accounts for the larger share of the economy.