Jodhpur, the second-largest city in the state of Rajasthan, founded in 1459 AD by Rajput Chief Rao Jodha of the ‘Rathore’ clan, is also popularly known as the “Blue City” owing to its built structures, especially houses, in cascading shades of the colour blue – calm and serene like the daytime sky. Being the largest Rajpur state during British rule, the city flourished to a position of dominance in the Indian trade market. The city encapsulates the significance of the state’s rich cultural heritage left by the Marwar rulers and places to visit in Jodhpur are a delightful haven for architects and travellers with a plethora of magnificent forts, palaces, lakes, etc.
From magnificent royal architectural marvels to exquisite hotels and cuisine, Jodhpur is a paradise for someone who is longing to experience colour and culture and give their taste buds something that they’ll never forget! Here is a list of places a travelling architect must visit in the “blue city”.
Umaid Bhawan Palace | Places to Visit in Jodhpur
A royal palace, a hotel, and a museum, the Umaid Bhawan Palace was built between 1929 – 1943 and named after the then-king, Maharaja Umaid Singh. To help the farmers, devasted by the three-year-long droughts, the Maharaja decided to build a lavish palace to provide them with a chance at surviving the harsh conditions. Henry Vaughan Lanchester, a contemporary of Edwin Lutyens, was commissioned to prepare the plans for the structure. He adopted the elements of domes and columns to project a blend of western technology and Indian architectural features.
Mahamandir Temple
One of the most popular places and temples to visit in the city, the Mahamandir Temple is a 19th-century exquisite architectural marvel dedicated to Lord Shiva. The structure stands on 84 beautiful and intricately carved pillars depicting various yoga postures with well-designed traditional motifs studded onto the pillars and walls of the sacred place. The place is a must-visit not just for its religious sanctity but for witnessing its beauty and ambience.
Mehrangarh Fort
The beautiful Fort situated on top of a 400-feet-high hill is a testament to the rich cultural history of the erstwhile ruling dynasty and is home to one of the best museums of the state with prized exhibits – artwork, arms and armoury, textiles, etc. With the foundation for the Fort laid in the mid-15th Century by the Rajput Chief Rao Jodha, the extravagant structure’s construction took over 500 years to complete to become the piece of architectural brilliance and grandeur it is today, the crown jewel of Jodhpur. The Fort also consists of important palaces like the Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Moti Mahal, etc., and provides breathtaking views of the entire city.
Khejarla Fort
This 400-year-old picturesque Fort is situated in a rural setting approximately 80 km away from the heart of the city. Made up of stunning red sandstone, the mesmerizing monument is an example of Rajput architecture with a rugged exterior and a striking blend of art and architecture. The Fort, now a hotel, offers a glimpse of the ruling dynasty’s valour and chivalry, providing an enlightening experience.
Mandore Gardens | Places to Visit in Jodhpur
Among the best-preserved sites of Jodhpur is the magnificent Mandore Gardens in the ancient town of Mandore. The town served as the capital of the erstwhile ruling dynasty of Marwar until it was deserted in 1459 CE. The Mandore gardens still stand strong after fighting the trials of time to narrate the tale of the town’s rich heritage. It houses several memorials, ancient temples, cenotaphs of the previous rules of the city, and a museum which makes it a sight to see if one visits the blue city!
Jaswant Thada
Built in the 19th century by Maharaja Sardar Singh in memory of his beloved father Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the Jaswant Thada is a cenotaph that serves as the royal Marwar family’s cremation ground as well. The majestic structure consists of extremely thin and polished sheets of marble carved intricately, emitting a warm glow upon the Sun’s illumination. The Cenotaph is spread across a large area featuring beautifully carved gazebos, a lake, and a garden which enhance the aesthetic appeal of the structure.
Phool Mahal Palace
An integral part of the Mehrangarh Fort, the Phool Mahal is a beautifully decorated hall that is believed to have served the Maharajas as a pleasure dome where numerous entertaining events for the kings took place. As the name suggests, the design of the hall was done in a manner to make it look as beautiful as a beautiful blossoming flower. The ceiling of the hall consists of delicate gold filigree work along with remarkable paintings and portraits (like the raga mala series) and pristine furniture from the British era, which glorifies the essence and the aesthetics of the room.
Sheesh Mahal
Another notable structure within the walls of the Mehrangarh Fort is the ‘Glass palace of Jodhpur’ otherwise popularly known as the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ which was part of the private chamber of Maharaja Ajit Singh of Marwar in the 18th Century. This extravagant architectural marvel is embellished with inlaid glass panels and mirrorwork across the walls, ceilings, and floors superimposed by religious figures cast in plaster. The convex mirrors are designed with colourful foil and paint that would shimmer bright under lit candles or oil lamps.
Moti Mahal
The largest room of the Mehrangarh Fort, known as the ‘Moti Mahal’ was built by Raja Sur Singh. The palatial hall consists of coloured window glasses and has decorated ceilings adorned with gold leaves, sea shells, and mirrors. The five alcoves within the hall lead to the hidden balconies, which were believed to be the spot for the Raja’s queens, who used to sit there and listen to the proceeding, not visible to others. The royal throne, known as Srinagar Chowki, is placed in this hall.
Balsamand Lake | Places to Visit in Jodhpur
Planned as a water reservoir to cater to Mandore, this artificial lake was built in 1159 AD by the Gurjara-Pratihara rulers to save Jodhpur from droughts. Followed by the construction of the red sandstone wonder ‘Balsamand Lake Palace’ along its shore in the 17th Century, the lush green gardens with exquisite flora and fauna make it a must-visit for travelling architects to quench their thirst for aesthetics and experience the essence of the place’s natural beauty and appeal.
