Jodhpur was founded by the chief of the Rathores called Rao Jodha and dates back to the 14th century. The sun rises here first hence the city is now called Jodhpur – the Sun City of Rajasthan. The city is famous for great historical monuments with the most sought after monument – the Mehrangarh Fort. There are other visiting places like temples, Kailana lake and clock tower – a shopping area where you find fabric, clothing, spices, and handicrafts.
The Palace on Wheels train covers the destination Jodhpur on a weeklong luxury trip. The itinerary is prepared so that you also have sufficient time to shop around the local market during some off – board sightseeing trips.
1. Umaid Bhavan
Constructed by Maharajah Umaid Singh, this massive palace hotel consisting of over 300 rooms is one of the largest palaces that is built on the highest point of the city of Jodhpur. The architecture consists of Indian and European style in pink and white colors and built with yellow sandstone. Part of this amazing palace is now Taj Palace Hotel. The descendants of the royal family reside in a restricted portion of it and part of the Umaid Bhavan has been turned into a museum. It is spread over several acres of colorful gardens and is one of the Top Heritage Hotels in India.
2. Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in the country founded by the then Rathore ruler Rao Jodha in the 15th century AD. This fort stands at a height of 400 meters above city as it is built over a hill and can be seen from very far away. The massive fort took centuries to be constructed although it was initiated in mid 1400s. There are several structures, palaces, lakes, museums and temples to visit inside the fort including activities like zip-lining, etc.
3. Mandore Gardens
This place filled with ancient temples in the midst of great gardens gives a relaxing evening feel. There are memorials to pay tribute in amazing architecture. Moreover, the Chattris are to look out for in the tall structures erected. There is a temple with 33 crore gods and Hall of Heroes among several ancient cenotaphs. The ruins of the capital of Jodhpur can be found in the Mandore Gardens in Jodhpur. There are many things to check out in the Government Museum. Beware of the Langoor Monkeys in many numbers.
4. Jaswant Thada
The Maharajah Sardar Singh built this Jaswant Thada of Jodhpur to commemorate his father, the ruler of Jodhpur Maharajah Jaswant Singh in the nineteenth century. You have to go through rocky terrain to approach the Jaswant Thada Mausoleum to find several domes and white marble lattice works. There is a royal crematorium and other cenotaphs with the two tombs inside with main memorial constructed in the type of a temple. Made by white marble many jalis are made from fine thin stone and shines when the sunlight falls on it.
5. Osian Temples
This place close to Jodhpur was known as the Royal Culture Center with temples from the medieval age. There are several Hindu and Jain shrines but many are destroyed over time. Hence, now there are only few shrines. This was a religious site for many and a significant pilgrimage site for the Oswal Jain community. It is a must visit for history buffs and spiritual seekers as the temples unfold the regal legacy.
