Jodhpur jaunt

The day of our arrival we could not make any programme due to hot climate. So we decided to out out in the evening. We opted to spend our time to the nearest point from our Guest House i.e. Ghanta Ghar, also known as the clock tower. It was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh (1880-1911) from whom the market takes it name.

In fact, the tower dominates the entire scenario. Though it is small yet it is beautiful.  Beside the tower, there is  Sadar Market that is frequented by tourists on shopping spree. From this market, tourists can purchase the local products of Jodhpur.

Next day morning we visited Umaid Bhawan Palace,  is one of the world’s largest private residences. A part of the palace is managed by Taj Hotel.

Named after Maharaja Umaid Singh  this palace has 347 rooms and serves as the principal residence of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family.

A part of the palace also houses a museum. The Palace was built to provide employment to thousands of people during the time of famine during 1857.

The entire palace complex built with sandstone and marble . The palace, magnificent in its lavish proportions, consists of a throne chamber, an exclusive private meeting hall, a Durbar Hall to meet the public, a vaulted banquet hall, private dining halls, a ball room, a library, an indoor swimming pool and spa, a billiards room, four tennis courts, two unique marble squash courts, and long passages.

Our next point was Mehrangarh (Mehran Fort),  is one of the largest forts in India. Built around 1460 by Rao Jodha, the fort is situated 410 feet (125 m) above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its boundaries there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards.

There are seven gates, which include Jayapol (meaning ‘victory’), built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur, Udaipur and Bikaner armies.

The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the most well-stocked museums. In one section of the fort museum there is a selection of old royal palanquins including the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin which was won in a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730. The museum exhibits the heritage of the Rathores in arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period

Mehrangarh Fort stands a hundred feet in splendor on a perpendicular cliff, four hundred feet above the sky line. Built with red sand stone, imposing, invincible and yet with a strange haunting beauty that beckons .

We also visited Mandore Garden. Mandore is located about 5 miles north of Jodhpur. It was the former capital of Maharajas of Marwar. Its extensive Mandore garden, with high rock terrace, makes it a popular local attraction.