Mehrangarh or Mehran Fort located in Jodhpur – Rajasthan, India. Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in Rajasthan , perched upon a hill at 400ft, spread across 5kms in the heart of Jodhpur-Rajasthan. Mehrangarh Fort was built in 1459 by Rao Jodha after whom the city of Jodhpur is name. Mehrangarh is derived from a combination of two Sanskrit words ‘Mihir ’ meaning The Sun God and ‘Garh’ meaning Fort. There are 7 gates which can be used to enter the Mehrangarh Fort. Jayapol meaning ‘victory gate’ built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. There is also a Fattehpol also meaning ‘victory gate’ which commemorates Maharaja Ajit Singhji victory over Mughals. Two ancient temples are also situated in Mehrangarh Fort. The rest of the building bear the work of over 500 centuries of different artists. The museum inside the fort contains relics and ancient artifacts that come from not only the royal families of Rajasthan, India but also of the Mughal dynasty culture.
Mehrangarh Fort Museum
Mehrangarh Fort Museum has a distinct position. Located 150 meters on the top of a hill, the particular museum displays the regal lifestyle of the royal families. Reflecting the rich heritage of the Rathores through the various exhibits, it is one of the most popular museums in Jodhpur-Rajasthan, India. Mehrangarh Fort Museum was built in1459. Mehrangarh Fort Museum consists of 7 Period Rooms Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Takhat Vilas, Sardar Vilas, Jhanki Mahal, Dipak Mahal, Moti Mahal and 6 Galleries Howdah Gallery, Palanquin Gallery, Daulat Khana, Painting Gallery, Textile Gallery and Arms Gallery. Mehrangarh Fort Museum has a rich collection of fine and applied arts that date back to the Mughal periods.
Six Places to Visit in Jodhpur
- Balsamand Lake
- Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
- Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum
- Mandore Gardens
- Jaswant Thada
- Osian Temples
Balsamand Lake
Balsamand Lake is situated 5 km from Jodhpur-Rajasthan, India. Balsamand Lake is an artificial lake that was built in 1159 A.D. by Balak Rao Parihar. Balsamand Lake has a length of 1 kilometer long, 50 meter broad and 15 meter deep the lake is located amidst a manicured garden full of mango, papaya, pomegranate, guava and plum trees. Jackal and peacock are the prominent guests in the garden area at Balsamand Lake.
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park spreads over 72 hectares, near the historic Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur-Rajasthan, and famous destinations of India. Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park was created in 2006 to restore the natural ecology of a large rocky wasteland next to Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, rajasthan. The challenge was to eradicate the baavlia and create a suitable home for native rock-loving plants that we would bring back from the desert. Rao Jodha Desert Rock has around 250 species of native plants, including a large number of arid region lithophytes. walking trails that take you up to the city walls, around Devkund lake, spotting local and migratory birds, butterflies and reptiles.
Umaid Bhawan Palace and Museum
Umaid Bhawan Palace located near Jodhpur-Rajasthan, India, is one of the world’s largest private residences. Umaid Bhawan Palace was originally designed by H V Lanchester, a well-known Edwardian architect. Ground for the foundations of Umaid Bhawan Palace was broken on November 1929, again the foundation stone was laid by Maharaja himself on Chittar hill and construction work was completed in 1943. There were around 50 thousands men and women who worked for more than 15 years to construct this majestic Umaid Bhawan Palace. The Palace has exhibits of stuffed leopards, a very large symbolic flag given to Maharaja Jaswant Singh by Queen Victoria in 1877, lighthouse shapes. The classic cars of the Maharajas are also on display in the garden in front of the Umaid Bhawan Palace museum.
Mandore Gardens
Mandore Gardens is located 9 km away from Jodhpur-Rajasthan, India. The lawn, Royal cenotaphs, Hall of Heroes, a Temple of 33 crore gods, Government Museum are the major attractions of Mandore Gardens. The Garden was spotted with small lakes which are filled with birds and fishes. People can feed the fishes. Mandore Gardens was planned in a nice manner with beautiful trees for a pleasant and peaceful environment. The feeling we get when roaming in this beautiful garden is so peaceful and away from the city life. Mandore Gardens is the collection of memorials and temples of the Marwar dynasty. The major attraction of Mandore Gardens is the Royal Cenotaphs or Chhatris. The major attraction of cenotaphs in Mandore Gardens is the cenotaph of Maharaja Ajit Singh built in 1793. Hall of Heroes is another famous spot in Mandore Garden. An interesting thing of Hall of Heroes is 16 figures are carved out from a single rock.
Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada is in Jodhpur- Rajasthan, Indian. Jaswant Thada was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur , Rajasthan in 1899 in memory of his father Maharaja Shree Jaswant Singh II, serves as the cremation ground for the royal family of Marwar. Jaswant Thada is made of pure white marble that still retains all of its allure. Jaswant Thada also consists of some paintings of the previous Kings of Mewar. The small lake lining Jaswant Thada was used for performing rituals for the deceased, and it now has a few ducks swimming about. The entire of Jaswant Thada is made in traditional Rajasthani style, the domes are inspired from some of the most creative Mughal Architecture.
Osian Temples
Osian or Osiyan is an ancient town located near Jodhpur-Rajasthan, India. Osian is well-known as a Khajuraho of Rajasthan. Osian is said to have founded by Utpaladeva was a Rajput Prince belonging to Pratihara Dynasty. Osian is a combination of Jain and Brahmanical Temples and famous religious site visited by many tourists from all over the world. There are about 18 shrines in the group out of which the famous ones include the Sachiya Mata temple, the Sun Temple and the main Jain Temple which is built in dedication of Lord Mahavira. Osian is regarded as a prominent pilgrimage site for Oswal Jain community. Some of temple must visit Mahavira Temple, Sachiya Mata Temple, Surya Temple, Harihara Temples.
How To Reach Jodhpur
By Air: Jodhpur has its own domestic airport which is just 5 kilometres from the city centre. Jodhpur Airport
By Road: Jodhpur is well connected by buses from Delhi or Self Drive.
By Train : Jodhpur railhead is well connected by Indian cities. Jodhpur Junction Railway Station.
