Places Visit In Jodhpur

Mehrangarh Fort,Jodhpur

Mehrangarh Fort, located in [Jodhpur], Rajasthan, is one of the largest forts in India. Built around 1460 by Rao Jodha, the fort is situated 410 feet above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls.

Overview

Mehrangarh Fort located in, Rajasthan, 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. A winding road leads to and from the city below. The imprints of the impact of cannonballs fired by attacking armies of Jaipur can still be seen on the second gate. To the left of the fort is the chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier who fell on the spot defending the Mehrangarh fort.

There are seven gates, which include Jayapol (meaning 'victory'), built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur, Udaipur and Bikaner armies. Fattehpol (also meaning 'victory') gate was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh to mark the defeat of the Mughals. The palm imprints upon these still attract much attention.

The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the most well-stocked museums in Rajasthan. 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 rooms.

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur is one of the largest forts in forts. It is also the most magnificent 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, 5 kms below, through a circular road.

Seven gates 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 gates is Jayapol, meaning victory. It was built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Another gate, Fattehpol, 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. The fort also has galleries, temples, etc. To the left of the Mehrangarh Fort is the Chhatri of a soldier, Kirat Singh Soda. It is the spot where he fell while defending the fort against the armies of Amber.

History

Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathore clan, is credited with the origin of Jodhpur in India. He founded Jodhpur in 1459. He was one of Ranmal's 24 sons and became the fifteenth Rathore ruler. One year after his accession to the throne, Jodha decided to move his capital to the safer location of Jodhpur, as the one thousand years old Mandore fort was no longer considered to provide sufficient security.

With the trusted aid of Rao Nara, the Mewar forces were subdued at Mandore. With that, Rao Jodha gave Rao Nara the title of Diwan. With the help of Rao Nara, the foundation of the fort was laid on 12 May 1459 by Jodha on a rocky hill 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) to the south of Mandore. This hill was known as Bhaurcheeria, the mountain of birds. According to legend to build the fort he had to displace the hill's sole human occupant, a hermit called Cheeria Nathji, the lord of birds. Upset at being forced to move Cheeria Nathji cursed Rao Jodha with "Jodha! May your citadel ever suffer a scarcity of water!". Rao Jodha managed to appease the hermit by building a house and a temple in the fort very near the cave the hermit had used for meditation, though only to the extent that even today the area is plagued by a drought every 3 to 4 years. Jodha then took an extreme measure to ensure that the new site proved propitious; he buried a man called "Raja Ram Meghwal" alive in the foundations. "Raja Ram Meghwal" was promised that in return his family would be looked after by the Rathores. To this day his descendants still live in Raj Bagh, "Raja Ram Meghwal's" Garden, an estate bequeathed them by Jodha.

Rao Jodha then invited the famous female hindu warrior sage of Charan caste, Shri Karni Mata, to lay down the foundation stone of the Mehrangarh Fort and the same was carried out by her. Today only the forts of Bikaner and Jodhpur remain in the hands of Rathors, both had their foundation stone laid by Shri Karni Mata. All other Rajput forts of Rajasthan were abandoned for some or the other reasons by the respective clans. Only the Rathors of Jodhpur and Bikaner have their forts with them till date. This fact is considered a miracle by the local population and is attributed to Shri Karni Mata.

Rao Jodha also granted villages of Mathania and Chopasni to the two Charan warlords who were sent by him to request Shri Karni Mata to come to Jodhpur. Mehrangarh (etymology: 'Mihir' (Sanskrit) -sun or Sun-deity; 'garh' (Sanskrit)-fort; i.e.'Sun-fort'); according to Rajasthani language pronunciation conventions,'Mihirgarh' has changed to 'Mehrangarh'; the Sun-deity has been the chief deity of the Rathore dynasty.Though the fortress was originally started in 1459 by Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur, most of the fort which stands today dates from the period of Jaswant Singh of Marwar (1638–78). The fort is located at the centre of the city spreading over 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) on top of a high hill. Its walls, which are up to 36 metres (118 ft) high and 21 metres (69 ft) wide, protect some of the most beautiful and historic palaces in Rajasthan.

Within the fort are several brilliantly crafted and decorated palaces. These include, Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Sheesha Mahal (Mirror Palace), Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana. The museum houses a collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniatures, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. The ramparts of the fort house preserved old cannon, and provided a breath-taking view of the city.

Timings : 9am to 5pm daily
Museum Entry Fees:Indian visitors- Rs.60
Foreign visitors- Rs.400

Umaid Bhavan Palace,Jodhpur

Umaid Bhawan Palace, located at Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India, is one of the world's largest private residences. A part of the palace is managed by Taj Hotels. Named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present owner Gaj Singh of the palace, this edifice has 347 rooms and serves as the principal residence of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family. A part of the palace also houses a museum.

Overview

Umaid Bhawan Palace was called Chittar Palace during its construction due to use of stones drawn from the Chittar hill where it is located. Ground for the foundations of the building was broken on 18 November 1929 by Maharaja Umaid Singh and the construction work was completed in 1943. The Palace was built to provide employment to thousands of people during the time of famine. Recently, Umaid Bhawan Palace was awarded as the World's best hotel at the Traveller's Choice Award.

Umaid Bhawan Palace is the last of the great palaces of India and one of the largest private residences in the world, set amidst 26 acres of verdant gardens. Named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, the golden-yellow sandstone monument was conceived on the grandest possible scale, in a fashionable Art Deco Style of that time. Designed by renowned Edwardian Architect, Henry Lanchester, the palace is a blend of eastern and western architectural influences. The lavish interiors with gilt furniture and elegant artwork follow the Art Deco style, complemented by the exotic murals of the self-exiled Polish Artist, Stefan Norblin.

History

History of building the Umaid Bhawan Palace is linked to a curse by a saint who had said that a period of drought will follow the good rule of the Rathore Dynasty. Thus, after the end of about 50-year reign of Pratap Singh, Jodhpur faced a severe drought and famine conditions in the 1920s for a period of three consecutive years. The farmers of the area faced with famine conditions sought the help of the then king Umaid Singh,who was the 37th Rathore ruler of Marwar at Jhodpur,to provide them with some employment so that they could survive the famine conditions. The king, in order to help the farmers, decided to build a lavish palace. He commissioned Henry Vaughan Lanchester as the architect to prepare the plans for the palace; Lanchester was a contemporary of Sir Edwin Lutyens who planned the buildings of the New Delhi government complex. Lanchester patterned the Umaid Palace on the lines of the New Delhi building complex by adopting the theme of domes and columns.The palace was designed as an extraordinary blend of western technology, and many Indian architectural features.

The palace was built at a slow pace as its initial objective was to provide employment to the famine-stricken farmers of the locale. The foundation stone was laid in 1929. About 2,000 to 3,000 people were employed to build it.However, the actual occupation of the palace by the Maharaja came only after its completion in 1943, very close to the period of Indian Independence. There was criticism in some quarters for embarking on an expensive project but it had served the main purpose of helping the citizens of Jodhpur to face the famine situation.The estimated cost of building the palace was Rs 11 million.When it opened its gilded doors in 1943 it was considered as one of the largest royal residences in the world.

The site chosen for the palace was on a hill known as Chittar hill in the outer limits of Jodhpur,after which the palace is also known,where no water supply was available near by and hardly any vegetation grew as hill slopes were rocky. The building material required was not close by as sandstone quarries were at quite a distance. Since the Maharaja had the foresight to bring his project to fruition, he built a railway line to the quarry site to transport the building material. Donkeys were inducted to haul soil to the site. The sandstone transported by rail was dressed at site into large blocks with interlocking joints so that they could be laid without the use of mortar and thus create a wonderful edifice.

The palace was built with "dun-colourd" sandstone with two wings. Makrana marble has also been used, and Burmese teak wood has been used for the interior wood work.When completed the palace had 347 rooms, several courtyards, and a large banquet hall which could accommodate 300 people. The architectural style is considered as representing the then in vogue Beaux Arts style, also known as Indo-Deco style. However, for many years the palace did not function fully on account of many tragic events in the royal family. Umaid Singh who stayed in the place for only four years died in 1947. Hanumant Singh who succeeded him also died at a young age; he had just won in the 1952 General Elections and was returning home after this win when his plane crashed and he died. Gaj Singh II who succeeded his father then decided in 1971 to convert a part of the palace in to a hotel.

Features

Apart from state-of-the-art features and amenities, staying at Umaid Bhawan Palace, is a royal experience in its true sense. Guests wake up to peacocks dancing in the nearby gardens. They can take a midnight dip in the subterranean Zodiac Pool. Guests can also visit the private museum, try a hand at the marbled squash courts or enjoy a game of billiards in the panelled recreation room. Guests can experience the art of Indias ancient healing wisdom in the romantic new setting of the Taj Spa. Dining at the Palace, just like everything else, is a glorious indulgence. Fine restaurants, charming lounges and a slew of fairytale dining experiences satiate the palate and the spirit. Hosting parties, gatherings and official functions at the royal Palace is a regal event. To match the grandeur of the palace, a unique traditional welcome is offered to the guests. For weddings, Umaid Bhawan Palace bestows the special union with a magical gala. A glorious palace background, is enhanced with rainbow-hued Rajasthani costumes and ambiences and all the splendid trappings of an ancient royal wedding.

Jaswant Thada Mausoleum,Jodhpur

The Jaswant Thada is a cenotaph located in Jodhpur, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur State in 1899 in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.

Overview

The Jaswant Thada is a cenotaph located in Jodhpur, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur State in 1899 in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II,and serves as the cremation ground for the royal family of Marwar.

The mausoleum is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These sheets are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when illuminated by the sun.

The cenotaph's grounds feature carved gazebos, a tiered garden, and a small lake. There are three other cenotaphs in the grounds. The cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh displays portraits of the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur.

A magnificent example of Indian architectural expertise, the Jaswant Thada is a white marble mausoleum (made of very thin sheets) built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singhji II of Jodhpur. It was built by his son Maharaja Sardar Singhji in 1899 and was completed in 1906. It is often called as the “Taj Mahal of Marwar”.

The thin marble sheets have been so that when the sun’s rays fall on the stone, it appears to shine and glow. The marble ‘jali’ work done here is really awe-inspiring. The last rites of the rulers of Jodhpur were formerly performed at Mandore, 9 km north of Jodhpur, which was the old capital of Marwar; but after the completion of the Jaswant Thada in AD 1906, they have been performed here.

This monument is more of a temple where deceased rulers are worshipped, as worshipping of ancestors is common to the Rajput clans. Entry fee to the mausoleum is Rs. 15, which goes to the Mehrangarh Museum Trust for the care and maintenance of this monument. To the west of this complex is a water body known as Dev-Kund, where ritual bathing still takes place by the royal family after the cremation of any ruler. To the east are the cenotaphs of various Rajput rulers like Maharaja Umaid Singhji, Maharaja Hanwant Singhji, etc.

Famous Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur, India is an example of architectural brilliance in India. It is a white marble memorial, built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. The carving shows the genius of the sculptors. These stones are extremely thin and polished. As a result, the outside surface of the monument emits a warm glow when the sunrays fall on its surface. There is also beautiful marble jali work on the cenotaph. You can have some nice views from the terrace in front of the cenotaph.

History

Jaswant Thada was built by Sardar Singh in 1899 in memory of Maharajah Jaswant Singh II. An architectural landmark, it is a white marble memorial. This 19th century royal cenotaph built in commemoration of Maharajah Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur, is made out of intricately carved sheets of marble.

When the sun's rays fall across their surface, these thin and polished stones emit a warm glow. Carved gazebos, a beautiful multi-tiered garden, and a small lake are also located within this cenotaph. Royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs are also located at this site. On the cenotaph, there is a marble jali work.

From the terrace in front of the cenotaph, tourists can get an aerial view of the destination. Portraits of the rulers and Maharajahs of Jodhpur are displayed on the cenotaph of Maharajah Jaswant Singh. Built like a temple, the Thada can be reached by passing through a rocky hill.

The main memorial is built like a temple, with beautiful domes and finely carved sculptures. Visitors can see here beautiful portraits of the various rulers of Jodhpur. The complex also features a memorial of a peacock that flew into a funeral pyre. Magnificently carved gazebos, an exquisite multi-tiered garden and a small lake surround the cremation ground.

Mandore Gardens,Jodhpur

Scenic, landscaped grounds featuring tomblike monuments, a temple, statues & the ruins of Mandore.

Overview

The town of Mandore is located 9 kilometres north of Blue City of Jodhpur. In ancient times, it was the capital of Pratiharas who ruled the region in 6th century AD. The old capital was shifted to Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur due to security concerns in 1459 AD. The remnants of the ancient capital can be still found if you visit the famous Mandore Gardens of Rajasthan. The town also exhibits other historical monuments such as Mandore Fort, old Mandore Palace and Ravan Temple.

Mandore is located about 5 miles north of Jodhpur. It was the former capital of Maharajas of Marwar. Later it was abandoned for security concerns regarding the Mehrangarh fort. Its extensive Mandore garden, with high rock terrace, makes it a popular local attraction. The garden is open for tourists from 8 am to 8 pm.

Most of the Havelis are up for display to the common public of today. Bhanwar Niwas is surely one of the exaggeratedly splendid additions to the Rampuria Haveli. Built during the 1920s, Bhanwarlalji Rampuria, who was an heir to a textile and real estate fortune, incorporated the style and architecture prevalent during the 1920s. The Bhanwar Niwas has now been established as a popular hotel for tourists. There are more than twenty guest rooms which are unique and different from the other.

In the Mandore garden, there are the dewals or cenotaphs of Jodhpur's former rulers. Instead of the usual chhatri-shaped cenotaphs typical of Rajasthan, the cenotaphs of the famous Mandore garden of Jodhpur, Rajasthan are built along the lines of a Hindu temple. They are four stories high, with fine columns and an elegant spire, all in red sandstone. The most impressive dewal is the dewal of Maharaja Ajit Singh. These cenotaphs are set in beautiful landscaped gardens. The cenotaphs of the Maharani are set on a rocky outcrop over the hill.

Near to the cenotaphs is the hall of heroes. The hall is dedicated to various deities and Rajput folk heroes. The statues of the deities and heroes we are carved out of rock and painted in bright colors. Also in this garden of Jodhpur, is "The Shrine of the Three Hundred Million Gods", filled with brightly colored images of the various Hindu Gods. As you climb up the hill, you come to the ruined city of Mandore, with its old palace.

Mandore Garden is located in a small town Mandore in the district of Jodhpur of Rajasthan. Mandore was once the capital of the Marwar kings and is 9 kms away from Jodhpur city. The extensive Mandore Garden has high rock hill terrace, making it a poular local attraction. The cenotaphs of former rulers of Jodhpur can also be seen inside the Mandore Garden. These cenotaphs are not of usual shape and are built along the lines of a Hindu temple. These are built of red sandstone and are four stories high, with fine columns and an elegant spire, . The most attractive dewal is the dewal of Maharaja Ajit Singh and set in beautiful landscaped gardens. The cenotaphs of the Maharani are set on a rocky outcrop over the hill.

History

Mandore is an ancient town, and was the seat of the Pratiharas of Mandavyapura, who ruled the region in the 6th century CE. The rulers of this dynasty probably became vassals of the imperial Gurjara-Pratiharas.After the disintegration of the Gurjara-Pratihara empire, one branch of Pratiharas continued to rule at Mandore. In 1395 CE, a princess of this branch married Rao Chunda of Rathore clan. Rao Chunda received the Junagarh fort in Mandore in dowry, and moved his capital to the site. The town remained the Rathore capital until 1459 CE, when Rao Jodha shifted his capital to the newly founded city of Jodhpur. Mandore was the capital of the erstwhile princely state of Marwar (Jodhpur State), before moving to Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur.

Visitor Information

Famous for :Rich Flora and Architectural Heritage.
Entrance Fee: 100 per person.
Visiting Time:8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Visit Duration:90 to 120 minutes.

Khejarla Fort,Jodhpur

Situated in a rural setting, the 400-year-old, Fort Khejarla offers guests an enlivening experience. The stunning red sandstone monument is a mesmerizing example of the architecture of the Rajputs. The rugged exterior contradicts an inner paradise with a striking blend of art and architecture leaving one with a magnificent aura! The spellbound grandeur of the Fort offers picturesque settings, latticework friezes, and intricate Jharokas that at once transports you back in time to experience the majesty of a long-gone era of valour and chivalry.

Overview

Fort Khejarla Hotel Jodhpur is a beautiful heritage fort resort in Rajasthan, located 85 km East of Jodhpur, surrounded by village with view of plains of Marwar. It is close to Pipar and Bilara and 15 minutes drive from Jodhpur/Jaipur Highway. Ajmer is 170 km away, and Jaipur is 290 km away.

Mount atop granite boulders, the fort rises like a sunbeam from the desert. The stunning red sandstone of Khejarla Fort, over 400 years old, is a mesmerizing example of the architecture of the Rajputs. The rugged exterior contradicts an inner paradise with a striking blend of art and architecture leaving you with a magnificent aura! The spellbound grandeur of the Fort offers picturesque settings, lattice work friezes and intricate Jharokas which at once transports you back in time to experience the majesty of a long-gone era of valour and chivalry.

Room rates: The price of Fort Khejarla varies between ₹ 6166 or up to ₹ 11808. (Prices will vary based on your dates of travel).

Within the desert sand of Rajasthan lays great secrets and a vast variety of culture that has developed over the centuries and is still very much alive. The Khejarla fort of Jodhpur is an ancient monument to cherish. While it provided the service of guarding the boundary of the city in the ancient times, it has served its purpose as a historical reserve that has helped the historians and archaeologists understand a large part of the Indian history. The fort demonstrates the Rajput- Mughal architecture and styles and makes the viewers admire its unique beauty even in its ruined and old exterior.

The fort had been useful to the Rajput rulers to defend themselves successfully from the Muslim attacks and has survived so well because it would be reconstructed every time one part of the fort was damaged. The red stone establish is located in the rural section of Jodhpur and gives the tourists a wonderful taste of the basic culture of the area and the warmth of the desert sand. The great monument has now been turned into a hotel which has an excellent old and rugged architecture on the outside but with modern renovations of the rooms that resemble any five-star hotels with a royal touch to emphasize the presence of royal Rajput blood that runs in the veins and culture of the area. The Khejarla fort now is a well-visited tourist site that exhibits the brave and rich Rajput heritage.

History

The monument standing tall and proud in the middle of the desert in Jodhpur is 400 years old and has been renovated over the years. It contains the history of 14 generations of the Rajput dynasty as the result of a land grant given to Maharajah Gopal Das Ji for his achievements during his time in the court of the Rajput ruler. The fort has provided 550 books of history and literature for the purpose of preserving and comprehending the history of the country, which proves to be an amazing step in preserving the cultural, political and social literature of Marwar.

Fort Khejarla was constructed in early 1611 A.D. for Maharajah Gopal Das Ji, who was granted ‘Jagirs’ (fiefdoms) of Khejarla and nearby villages for his great achievement in war against the Mughals, in honour of his service to the Maharaja of Jodhpur. The Mughal army rolled in to attack the Fort three times. Each time the Fort was destroyed, it was rebuilt. Khejarla derives its name from the Khejdi Tree that can be found at the village. The tree holds significance in the village as it is believed to have saved the Fort when hit by Mughal cannons. The classic Rajput – Mughal architecture is built on a small hillock and is owned by the Bhati clan of Rajputs. The family of Khejarla has descended from the royal family of Jaisalmer. Maharajah Gopal Das Ji was the youngest son of the royal family of Jaisalmer and moved to Khejarla after being granted the fiefdom of Khejarla.

Khejarla was then one of the most important and flourishing Jagirs of Marwar with 9 Estate Managers, 400 servants, 125 horses, 15 camels, and huge area of land for cultivation. Nobles here enjoyed the highest status amongst the most trusted in the Court of Marwar. The Thakurs of Khejarla were one of the eight feudal lords to the Maharaja of Jodhpur and were known for their heroism, valour, sacrifice, chivalry, and gallantry. The 16th generation of the royal lineage of Khejarla was Thakur Bhairon Singh Khejarla who was also the first member of the legislature assembly of Rajasthan who was elected from the Bilara constituency after India gained independence from the British Raj. He was elected and remained as MLA from 1952 – 1962. Later he was also elected as the Health Minister of the State of Rajasthan. During the 1950 famine, he made arrangements of grains and drinking water for the public of the State. Moreover, he was very close to erstwhile rulers of Jodhpur - Maharaja Umaid Singh Ji and Maharaja Hanuwant Singh Ji.

Thakur Bhairon Singh Khejarla opened a Research organization to promote the culture and literature of Rajasthan. The Noble family of Khejarla presented 550 books of history and literature to the organization, which did a great job in preserving the literature of Marwar. The Maharaja died in July 1974 and the present heir, Maharaja Dileep Singh took over him. The Maharaja serves in essence as mayor of the Khejarla village and the surrounding villages. Thakur Dileep Singh waits to tell you more about the momentous deeds of his ancestors who had experienced the Mughal Empire and the British Raj. Take a walk through the 17 generations of history, and get enthralled and fascinated by the never – to – be forgotten experience.

Balsamand Lake,Jodhpur

Balsamand Lake is a lake situated 5 km from Jodhpur on Jodhpur-Mandore Road. This lake is a popular picnic spot, built in 1159 AD by Gurjara-Pratihara rulers. It was designed as a water reservoir to provide water to Mandore.

Overview

Balsamand Lake is a lake situated 5 km from Jodhpur on Jodhpur-Mandore Road. This lake is a popular picnic spot, built in 1159 AD by Gurjara-Pratihara rulers. It was designed as a water reservoir to provide water to Mandore. The lake has a length of one km, breadth of 50 m and a depth of 15 m.

The Balsamand Lake Palace was built later as a summer palace on its shore. The lake is surrounded by lush green gardens that house groves of trees like mango, papaya, pomegranate, guava and plum. Animals and birds like the jackal and peacock also call this place home.

Located on the Mandore Road near Bal Samand Lake, WelcomHeritage Bal Samand Lake Palacewas designed to be the summer residence of the Maharaja of Jodhpur. Location: Made of red sandstone, the WelcomHeritage, Bal Samand Lake Palace is just 5 km away from the heart of the city and just 12 km away more.

Balsamand Lake is an artificial lake that was created to provide the town of Mandore. Located only 5 kilometers away from the main city of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, the lake was built in 1159 AD by the Gurjara-Pratihara rulers. Surrounded by plush gardens, containing a large variety of trees like mango, papaya, pomegranate, etc., the artificial reservoir with a depth of 15 m, a length of 1 km, and breadth of 50 m, is a great picnic spot amidst the natural landscape and tranquil waters. For all those who want a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, this attraction is a great destination to unwind and get away.

Constructed in 1159 AD, by Balak Rao Parihar, of the Gurjara- Pratiharas, this man-made attraction was originally purposed to provide the Mandore town with water, however recently, it is more famously known for its idealistic setting, scenic beauty, and peaceful environment. This lake was made famous by its adjoining estate, which is believed to be the summer home of the Jodhpur Maharajas.

In the recent years, the mansion has been converted into a 5-star hotel, right at the bank of the lake, called the Balsamand Lake Palace, and is considered a heritage site. The hotel is a must visit for all the avid travelers and the history and ethnic fanatics.

History

Balsamand Lake was built in 1159 AD by Balak Rao Parihar. This artificial lake is situated 5 km from Jodhpur on Jodhpur-Mandore Road. Once a water reservoir to provide water to Mandore, the lake has a depth of 15 m, length of 1 km, and breadth of 50 m. In the green gardens that surround the lake are housed groves of trees like mango, papaya, pomegranate, guava and plum.

Within the garden, many animals and birds like jackal and peacock also find an abode. Balsamand Lake Palace was conceived as a summer resort for the Jodhpur royalty. It exemplifies traditional Rajputana architecture. Built out of special Jodhpur red sandstone, the palace is complemented with antique and traditional furniture and medieval Rajasthani style tapestries and floor coverings. The palace has been presently converted into a heritage hotel.

Visitor Information

Famous for:History, Photography, Serenity
Entrance Fee:None
Visiting Time: Sunrise to Sunset (Daily)
Visit Duration:2-3 hours

Rajasthan International Folk Festival,Jodhpur

Rajasthan International Folk Festival is an annual music and art festival organized to promote traditional folk music and arts held at Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

Overview

Rajasthan International Folk Festival (or Jodhpur RIFF or Jodhpur folk festival) is an annual music and art festival organized to promote traditional folk music and arts held at Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

The Jodhpur RIFF took off in 2007 and it's been growing in distinction and popularity ever since. Hardly surprising, considering it attracts a galaxy of top-notch musicians from across India and all around the world coming together in a place as striking as Jodhpur's Mehrangarh Fort. The RIFF (October 5th - 9th this year) has been endorsed by UNESCO as a "People's Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development." H.H. Gaj Singh II, Maharaja of Jodhpur is its chief patron and Sir Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones is the international patron. You'll also have the rare chance to stay in exclusive tents within the fort during the festival. Oh, and did we mention- the RIFF takes place during the night of the brightest full moon of the year in north India!

RIFF fully entices the enthusiasm of inhabitants of Rajasthan for consecutive five days with the help of most sizzling performances given by local and international artisans. The RIFF society assures to produce new sounds and observe different musical heritages each year through innovative associations of over 250 musicians and performing artists. Alternatively, it is known as the Jodhpur Folk Festival started in year 2007 and since then the highly sensational performances have been deeply transporting the emotions of the swarmed. Mehrangarh Fort of the blue city, Jodhpur plays a host to this musical sensation and a series of spectacular events and musical concerts start flowing through all its corners as the sun goes to embrace the horizon during Sharad Poornima and thus make the whole scene culturally one of its kind. You may also become wordless after seeing the cutting-edge global dance grooves and headline acts presented every night on desired dates on the Main Stage and hence will keep it like a never-ending late night party. However, school kids, families and interactive day time sessions are also scheduled against the background of this remarkable fortress.

History

The Jodhpur folk festival 2017 guarantees some of the most sizzling performances from local and international artisan. As the sun goes to embrace the horizon, divine music begin flowing through every corner of the Mehrangarh Fort making the crowd enraptured with the true spirit of Rajasthan. RIFF Jodhpur features a series of events and concerts based in and around Mehrangarh Fort. Besides, opening of the folk festival 2017 is timed to coincide with the brightest full moon of the year in north India that is called, Sharad Purnima. Voted as "Asia's Best Fortress" by Times Magazine, Mehrangarh Fort gets decorated as the beautiful bride during this Folk festival. Rajasthan folk festival- Jodhpur festival- RIFF includes performances by some musician maestros from local Rajasthan communities, by showcasing sensational headline acts each night on the master stage, and sharp global dance grooves. This will surely keep the party banging till late at the Club Mehran. Interactive daytime sessions for visitors, school children and families are staged against the breathtaking backdrop of the Fort. Rajasthan International Folk Festival Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur. The Rajasthan International Folk Festival showcases the vitality and energy of Rajasthani culture with live performances in the stunning surroundings of Jodhpur's Mehrangarh Fort. Vocal recitals, folk mornings and dawn and sunset devotional concerts complete the performance schedule. The huge Mehrangarh Fort stands 400 feet above the skyline of Jodhpur and is a truly breathtaking festival setting. Traditional Rajasthani folk, jazz and gypsy dance music feature on the Rajasthani International Folk Festival evening programme.

Celebrated every year in the month of October, this 5-day festival is spearheaded by the RIFF society ( which includes the Mehrangarh Museum Trust and the Jaipur Virasat Foundation) since 2007. More than 200 musicians and artists unite to celebrate Rajasthan’s folk music and history. From a hippy jazz night to a comforting morning raga, witness the different genres of music under one roof. And it’s not just music, you can also see some ethnic dances being performed by the artists here.

Mahamandir Temple,Jodhpur

Come and explore the architectural marvel of Jodhpur. Built in 1812, this temple is supported by 84 pillars which are decorated with frescos and carvings depicting yogic postures, intricate motifs and other artwork within its premises. The temple boasts a beautifully designed hall that is used for Yoga classes. The best part of this temple is its royal architecture which attract tourist in large numbers.

Overview

Come and pay a visit to one of the most beautiful shrines in Jodhpur (Rajasthan), Mahamandir; a marvelous piece of architecture. Constructed in 1812, it is a great 84 pillared temple with intricate stone carvings exhibiting yogic postures. The main deity inside the temple is of Lord Shiva.

Around 2km away from Jodhpur on the road to Mandore, Mahamandir boasts of various pre-historic shrines and houses adorned with brilliant stone works.

The shrine is frequently visited by Shiva devotees and photo fanatics. The magical ambience of the temple will rejuvenate you as a whole and rebuild your faith in the almighty.

The Mahamandir in Jodhpur is open on all days of the week; Monday to Sunday. The morning opening hours of the temple are 5:00am to 12:00pm and evening hours are 4:00pm to 9:00pm.

When it comes to beauty, the Maha Mandir temple at Jodhpur is a splendid piece of architecture. It is truly a treat to the eye and also has gained more popularity in the last few years. Now, it enjoys a position of being at the center of Rajasthan Tourist Attractions. The fabulous master architecture is supported by fourteen pillars. The temple boasts a beautiful designed hall that is used for Yoga classes to train various positions of Yoga to keep your health fit. The best part of this temple is its royal architecture that attributes the beauty of the temple often makes tourists awestruck.

History

Built in 1812 and standing as one of the prime attractions of the city of Jodhpur is the Mahamandir Temple. It is well known for its marvellous piece of architecture that stands on 84 beautifully carved pillars. These pillars display intricate stone carvings that depict yoga postures. The walls of the temple are designed with traditional motifs as well that have an amazing royal aura about itself.

Mahamandir Temple is supported by 84 pillars and ornamented with detailed designs and figures depicting various postures of Yoga. Located at a distance of 2 km from Jodhpur on the road towards Mandore, the temple was built in 1812. In the premises of the temple, there are many ancient shrines and houses that reflect intricate works of stone. Traditional motifs act as the stud to the walls and pillars of the temple.