Jodhpur

The Best Places to Visit in India

Rajasthan

Udaipur
Jodhpur
Jaipur
Jaisalmer

Jodhpur history revolves around the Rathore Clan. Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathore clan, is credited with the origin of Jodhpur in India. He founded Jodhpur in 1459. The city is named after him only. It was previously known as Marwar. The Rathores were driven out of their original homeland, kaunaj by Afghans. They fled to Pali, near to the present day Jodhpur. Rathore Singhji married the sister of a local prince. This helped the Rathores to establish and strengthen themselves in this region. In some time they ousted the Pratiharas of Mandore, just 9KM of today's Jodhpur. Initially, Mandore served as their capital, but by 1459, Rathores felt a need for secure capital. This lead to the formation of Jodhpur, the Sun City by Rao Jodha. The Rathores enjoyed good relations with all the Mughals except Aurangzeb. Maharaja Jaswant Singh even supported Shahjahan in his struggle for succession. After Aurangzeb's death, Maharaja Ajit Singh drove out Mughals from Ajmer and added it to Marwar (Now Jodhpur). Under the reign of Maharaja Umed Singh, Jodhpur grew into a fine modern city.
Places to Visit

Mehrangarh Fort:
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur is one of the largest fort in forts. It is also the most magnificient fort in Jodhpur, infact, in the whole Rajasthan. The fort is amongst the popular tourist places in India. It is situated on a 150 M high hill. It was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459. The Mehrangarh Fort can be reached from the city, 5KMs below, through a circular road. Seven getes have to be crossed to reach the fort. The gates still bear the marks of the various battles fought in the bygone era. Its second gate still stands witness to canon ball hits by attacking armies of Jaipur during wars. One of the gate is Jayapol, meaning victory. It was built by Majaraja Maan Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Another gate, Fatehpol, again meaning victory, was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh as a celebration for defeating the Mughals. Other attractions of Mehrangarh Fort, Rajasthan include several palaces inside the fort, with their sprawling and huge courtyards. One of the fort's palaces, The Moti Mahal or the Pearl Palace, has the royal throne of Jodhpur, the Sringar Chowki.
Umaid Bhawan Palace:
Umaid Bhawal Palace in Jodhpur, India is one of India's most imposing and recent palaces. Umaid Bhawan Palace of Jodhpur, Rajasthan was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh. It is named after him only. He utilized the services of a well known Edwadian architect, Henry Vaughan Lanchester for the construction of this palace. It contains three hundred and forty seven Rooms. Jodhpur's Umaid Bhawan Palace was actually built for the welfare of the people. The purpose was to give employment to the people of Jodhpur during a long period of drought and famine. The construction of the palace utilized approximately one million square feet (90,000 Square Meter). Another special feature of the palace is the use of a special type of sandstone, called Chittar sandstone, giving it a special appearance.

Jaswant Thada:
To the left of the Mehrangarh Fort complex is the Jaswnat Thada of Jodhpur, Rajasthan. It is a 19th century royal cenoteph built in commomeration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur. The son of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, Maharaja Sardar Singh, in the memory of his father, built the Jaswant Thada. The cenoteph has two more tombs within it. Near to this are the royal crematorium and three other cenotephs. Famous Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur, India is an example of architectural brilliance in India. It is white marble memorial, built out of intricetely carved sheets of marble. The carving shows the genius of the sculptors.

Rai Ka Bagh Palace:
The Rai Ka Bagh Palace of Jodhpur, Rajasthan is another tourist spot for you to visit on your trip to Jodhpur. The queen of Maharaja Jaswant Singh -I, Haldiji, built this palace. It is situated near the Rai Ka Bagh Palace Railway Station. Famous Rai Ka Bagh Palace in Jodhpur, India was constructed in 1663. It was amongst the favorite palaces of King Jaswant Singh -II. The most of the time he stayed in the octagonal bungalow of Rai Ka Bagh Palace. In 1883, Swami Dayanand Saraswati came to Jodhpur. The arrangements for his public audience were made in the public ground of this palace only. He gave his sermons there itself. Even Jaswnat Singh used to listen to Swami Dayanand in this palace only. At present the palace houses the Income Tax office.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Hotels in Jodhpur

Higher Category Hotels

Taj Hari Mahal
Umaid Bhawan Palace

Medium Category Hotels