Jodhpur Tourism

Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan is popularly known as the Blue City. The name is clearly befitting as most of the architecture – forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The strapping forts that tower this magnificent city sum up to a spectacle you would not want to miss. The mammoth, imposing fortress of Mehrangarh has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with the eight gates leading out of the fortress. The new city is located outside the structure. Jodhpur is also known for the rare breed of horses known as Marwari or Malani, which are only found here.

Jodhpur marks its origin back to the year of 1459 AD. The history of this prosperous city revolves around the Rathore clan. Rao Jodha, the chief of Rathore Clan is credited with the origin of Jodhpur in India. The city is known to be built in place of the ancient capital, Mandore of the state of Manwar. Hence, the people of Jodhpur and surrounding areas are commonly known as Marwaris. Also, it is believed that the relics of Mandore can still be witnessed in the Mandore Gardens.

Mehrangarh Fort
With a dominating landscape of a complex, rising atop a hillock, Mehrangarh Fort has been one of the best places to visit in Jodhpur over the years. The fort, situated around 122 metres above Jodhpur’s skyline, is packed with stories and legends from the past. One of the most famous historic forts in India, built by Raja Rao Jodha in 1459 AD, it is an epitome of an awe-inspiring architecture of various styles of different periods.

Umaid Bhawan Palace
The only palace built in the 20th century; Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the must-see places in Jodhpur. Also known as Chittar Palace, Umaid Bhawan Palace is located on the highest point of Jodhpur city. It was designed by a famous British architect, HV Lanchester, thus flaunts a blend of Indian and European styles of architecture. The palace has three parts now, the first one is reserved for the former royal family and the other two were converted into Taj Palace Hotel and Museum. Only the museum is open to the public.

Chamunda Mataji Temple
Chamunda Mataji Temple was built by Raja Rao Jodha and is located inside Mehrangarh Fort. It is home to the main deity of the royal family and Maharajas, Isht Devi. The deity is worshipped by the locals, as well as tourists. The temple remains open from 5 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM on all days of the week.

Ranisar & Padamsar Lakes
Ranisar Padmasar are two lakes located adjacent to each other near Fateh Pol in Mehrangarh Fort. Ranisar was built in the 15th century owing to preserving water those days, following the order of Rani Jasmade Hadi, who was Rao Jodha’s wife. Padmasar was ordered by Rani Padmini Rao Ganga, who was the daughter of Rana Sanga of Mewar. The lakes are the popular tourist places in Jodhpur, famed for offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere along with scenic beauty to the tourists.

Jodhpur Government Museum
One of the most popular visiting places in Jodhpur, the Government Museum is home to a rich collection of relics made by the craftsmen of Marwar. Jodhpur Government Museum, located in the heart of Umaid Garden was built by Seth Ramkumar Maganiram Bangar in 1935. It houses a wide range of collections from Makrana (marble items with golden work), Sambher (Jaisalmer salt items) and Merta (ivory items) to wooden artefacts and Marwar paintings.

Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada, located near Mehrangarh Fort, is one of the best places to visit in Jodhpur. A cenotaph, dedicated to Maharaja Jaswant Singh, one of the reformers of the state, Jaswant Thada is made of extremely thin and polished marble sheets that glow when illuminated by the sun. The place features a small lake, a garden, gazebos and three more cenotaphs on the grounds. The building is maintained by MMT (Mehrangarh Museum Trust) and is open to tourists. There is also a museum inside where you will find the portraits of Marwar rulers along with didactics.