Jodhpur Sightseeing Tour      Festivals      Hotels      Maps      Transportation

Crowing a perpendicular cliff, the fort was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD, when he shifted his capital from Mandore. Standing sentinel to the city below, it overlooks the rugged and rocky terrain and houses a palace intricately adorned with long carved panels and latticed windows exquisitely wrought from red sandstone. The apartments within – the Moti Mahal (Peal palace), Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana have their own magic with a rich, varied collection of palanquins, Howdas, Royal Cradles, Miniature Paintings of various schools, folk music, instruments, costumes, furniture and an impressive armory.

The display of cannons on the ramparts, near Chamunda temple, is among the rarest in India. As you climb up, folk musicians revive the grandeur of a bygone era.

Timings: 0900 to 1700 hrs.

Entry fee: Rs 5-/- for a complete guided tour of the museum; Rs 10/- for vising a portion without a guide.

JASWANT THADA (5KM)
BUILT IN THE MEMORY OF MAHARAJA JASWANT SINGH LL IN 1899, the imposing white memorial marks the site of a royal crematorium. It houses portraits of successive rules. The four cenotaphs around here commemorate acts of bravery and generosity of the four successive rules.

Timings: 0900 to 1700 hrs. Entry Fee: 10/-

UMAID BHAWAN PALACE
Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh (1929-1942), and named after him, this exquisite palace is also known as Chittar Palace, because of the local chittar sandstone used. It is a splendid example of indo-colonial art and deco style of the 30s.

A unique feature of this palace is that the hand-chiselled sandstone block have been put together in a special systerm of interlocking there is no morthar binding. A portion of the palace has been converted into a hotel, and the remaining is on view for visiors as an excellent museum, which houses model aeroplanes, antique weapons, clocks and bob watches, priceless crockery, and huning trophies. Both sections retain the ambience of royal splendour.

Timings: 0900 to 1700 hrs

GOVERNMENT MUSEUM
Nestling in the middle of the Umaid Public Garden, this museum houses a rich collection of exhibits - amoury, textiles, local arts and crafts, and miniature paintings, portraits of rulers, manuscripts and images of Jain Tirthankaras. Umaid public Garden houses a zoo also.

Timing: 1000 to 1630 hrs (Friday closed), Entry Fee: 3.00

SANGEET NATAK ACADEMY
It has a museum of musical instruments.
Timing: 1000 to 1700 hrs, Entry Fee: 5.00

GIRDIKOT AND SARADAR MARKET
Throbbing with activity, the colorful bazaar, near Clock Tower, has narrow lanes dotted with timy shops selling exquisite rajasthani textiles, handicrafts, clay figurines of camels and elephants, marble curios with inlay work and exquisite rajasthani silver jewellery.

MAHA MANDIR TEMPLE (2KM)
Literally the great temple, here sacred glory reigns in peaceful tranquility. Situated on mandore road, the temple is an architectural splendour, supported by 84 pillars and ornamented with detailed desingns and figures depicing various postures of Yoga. The entire structure is marked by a unique and original style.

KAILANA LAKE (11KM)
Situated on Jaisalmer road this small artificial lake is a charming picnic spoot. It is like a canvas with a splash of romantic colours .the beauty will linger on with you for a long time. Boating facilities available RTDC.

MANDORE GARDENS (9KM)
Mandore was the capital of marwar before the foundation of Jodhpur today its extensive gardens with high rock terrances make it a popular local attraction .the highlight of this place is the hall of heroes which houses sixteen gigantic figures chiseled out of one single rock. The statues are either of poular Hindu deities or famous folk deities.

The royal cenotaphs or devals of Jodhpur rulers on a high plinth crowned with soaring spires and ornate carving, are amongst the other attractions of mandore.the longest and finest of all cenotaphs, are those built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh and Maharaja Ajit Singh.

SARDAR SAMAND LAKE AND PALACE (55KM)
As you go up to the shimmering lake and palace, a meandering and interesting drive will keep you entranced. The countryside with its lively villages and smiling, gay village folk of Jhalamand and Goora, will make you stop by and have a taste of their hospitality

Photographers and adventurers can have a day packed with enthralling excitement. Freely roaming herds of chinkaras and black bucks can be seen here.

DHAWA (DOLI) FOREST ARES (45KM)
Situated on Barmer road, with a wild life which is untamed and exotic, Doli invites you to an irresistible adventure. Black India antelopes of varied species can be seen here in large numbers, roaming free and almost mingling with the Bishnoi village. These antelopes are sacred to the Bishnois. And they protect them from poachers with a fervor and religious zeal which is typical of this tribe.

OSIAN (60KM)
This ancient town of the Thar Desert was a great trading centre between 8th-12th centuries. Today, it is a desert oasis with sixteen Brahamanical and Jain temple, beautifully sculpted and designed, most of which have stood the ravages of time.

The largest of these are Sachchiya Mata temple and Mahavir Jain temple, which are both functional. This Medieval town is surrounded by rows of sand dunes on its western end. While in Osian, watch out for lovely sunsets and camel rides. Enjoy an overnight stay at never a village.

PHALODI-KHICHAN (135KM)
A drive through the countryside, 75 km beyond Osian, brings you to Phalodi, the city of richly carved havelis and temple. Nearby, there is the village of Khichan, which is a regular host to the flocks of demoiselle Cranes (Locally called Karjun), which come in thousands due to the amiable conditions and protection given by the villages. Their duration of stay is about 5 to 6 months, after which they go back to their breeding grounds in March-April. Many folk songs are based on them.