Mehrangarh Fort: One of the largest forts in India, Mehrangarh is located atop a steep hill in Jodhpur. Built on the advice of a saint, the fort is entirely constructed in sandstone and shows finely carved structures. The highlights of the fort are the beautifully latticed windows and carved panels and walls. Within the thick walls are several interesting temples and palaces. The most prominent structure inside is the Chamunda Mataji Temple, which is dedicated to Chamunda Mataji, the patron deity of the royal family. This temple is still crowded especially during Dusshera. The Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) is the largest of palaces here sporting five hidden balconies for the five queens to listen to court happenings. The Sheesh Mahal derives its name from the pieces of mirrors fitted inside in an intricate pattern. The Phool Mahal with its gold embossed ceiling is one of the grandest palaces here, which was used by the female dancers. The Takhat Vilas was used by the last ruler of Jodhpur and sports a rather traditional form of architecture. Especially noticeable are the tiny glass balls that hang from the ceiling.
The Museum within the Fort houses several interesting articles, including ammunitions from the royal Armory. On display are beautiful swords with jade, silver, rhinehorn, ivory hilts, ruby, emerald and pearl-studded shields and guns with gold and silver work on barrels. Especially beautiful are the collection of Elephant Howdahs made in gold and silver and the carved Palanquins, which were used to carry the royal ladies. The Daulat Khana inside, displays a fine collection of miniature and Marwar paintings. A unique hall would be the Turban Gallery, which has on display different varieties of turbans once worn here. Also visit the Folk Musical Instruments Gallery, which houses musical instruments of several kinds of folk arts.
Open from: 9.00 am-5.00 pm
Jaswant Thada: Located close to the fort, Jaswant Thada is a royal cenotaph built in pure white marble in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Rare portraits of the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur are housed within.
Open from: 8.30 am-5.30 pm
Umaid Bhawan Palace: Built in marble and pink sandstone, a part of this palace still houses the erstwhile royal family of Jodhpur. The rest of the palace has been converted into a museum displaying a vast collection of clocks, crystals, crockery, weapons and antiques.
Open from: 9.00 am-5.00 pm
Government Museum & Zoo: Located in the precincts of Umaid Bhawan Palace, the museum has a rich collection of weapons, textiles, miniature portraits, local crafts and images of Jain Tirthankars.
Umed Garden: Developed by Maharaja Umed Singh, this garden has green lawns, towering Ashoka trees, roses and other seasonal flowers, museum, fountains, library and a zoo. The highlight here is the Walk-in Aviary, where several kinds of birds, local, African and Australian parrots, ducks and rabbits can be seen in their natural habitat. There are also large cages for bears, foxes, deers, lions and leopards.
Raj Ranchhodji Temple: LBuilt almost entirely in red sandstone with carved filigree works, a black marble idol of Ranchhodji is placed inside. The main door is decorated in green, yellow and blue glasses.
Temples: One of the most visited temples Siddhanth Shiv Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is accessible by a series of steps cut into the rocky hills. The Ganesh Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, whose idol inside measures eight feet high and five feet wide.
Jaswant Sagar Dam: This dam is used for irrigating the agricultural land of Jodhpur and also has boating facilities for tourists.
Mandore: Located 8 kms from Jodhpur, this was the old capital of Marwar. The highlight of this place is the Hall of Heroes, which has 16 figures carved out of a single rock. Also located here is the shrine dedicated to 330 million gods and goddesses and the royal cenotaphs. The main gate or Ajitpol is adorned with paintings of various gods and goddesses from the Hindu mythology.
Open from: 8.00 am-8.00 pm
Osian: Located 65 kms from Jodhpur, this city is famous for the Brahmanical and Jain Temples that dot the entire region. Popular amongst these are the Surya Temple, Kali Temple, the Sachiya Temple and the one dedicated to Mahavira.
Balsamand Lake & Palace: Located 4 kms from Jodhpur, the 19th century sandstone palace is located on the hillock facing the Balsamand Lake. Ideal for a summer getaway, the palace is now a converted heritage hotel, with fine lattice windows. An artificial cascading waterfall supplies water from the reservoir to the gardens.
Guda Bishnoi: Inhabited by the Bishnoi community, who are staunch believers in the sanctity of plant and animal lives. The entire village is lined with Khejri trees and this is probably the most eco-friendly village you'd ever come across. Close to the village is the Guda Lake, which is a retreat for birds like the sarus crane and demoiselle cranes. Also watch here blackbuck, nilgai, chinkaras and turtles.
Dhawa: This is a great place to visit for the nature enthusiast. The sanctuary is situated at about 45 kilometers from Jodhpur and is home to the famous Indian antelope. The sanctuary also has a large number of cheetal and sambar which can be spotted here.
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