Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan found by Suryavanshi Rao Jodha in 1459 AD is a best tourist centre in India. Giant historic forts, beautiful palaces, and alluring gardens are some of the hot sight scenes of tourist interest. Most of the buildings located in Jodhpur city are painted in blue colour and hence the city is also known as Blue city.
When we go deep into the history of Jodhpur city, the land was once the capital of Marwar enclosed within six gates. Now we will see some of the best tourist spots in Jodhpur. Mehrangarh Fort covering 5 km area is a combined spot of museum, Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. Janaki mahal, Chandan mahal, Royal Durbar Takht and Rang Mahal are other spots which beautifies this fort.
Mehrangarh Fort literally means Majestic Fort and lies at 150 meter high hilltop. Studies say that this fort was built in the year 1459. Wonderful construction of Mehrangarh Fort was made by Rao Jodha who was the chief of Rathore clan. Old cannon exhibited inside Meherangarh Fort depicts the historic ruling period of Jodhpur rulers. View from this auspicious site depicts the beauty of Jodhpur city. Jaswant Thada is another known tourist spot in Jodhpur city. You can see here the rare portraits showing the glorious ruling period of Jodhpur kings. Dazzling view of Jaswant Thada made of white marble is eye pleasing. This cenotaph was dedicated to the brave hearted Jaswant Singh-II king, who ruled Jodhpur from 1878 to 1895.
Lovely Mandore gardens lying 9 km from Jodhpur city is yet another interested area for tourists. Sightseeing options like historic sculpture from single rock piece, cenotaphs, and bushy lawn in this garden refresh everyone. Mahamandir temple located on Mandore road attracts thousands of tourists. Amazing view of yogic postures carved in beautiful pillars seen inside this temple is really appreciable. Classic clock tower decorated with lights situated in Jodhpur city is yet another eye catching point of tourists. Balsamand palace situated on the bank of Balsamand lake is one among the best known tourist spot in Jodhpur. This beautiful palace located nearly 7 km from Jodhpur city was once the summer palace of Jodhpur kings. Umaid Bhawan Palace lying at southeast part of Jodhpur is one among the best known tourist spot.
Umaid Bhavan Palace, constructed in twentieth century during the ruling period of Maharaja Umaid Singh owns a museum, swimming pool, Ramayana murals and wood paneled library. Raja constructed this royal palace with 347 rooms in red sandstone. This palace is one among the world’s largest private residence. Umaid Bhawan Palace lies in Chittar hills, one among the peak points in Jodhpur. Due to its location in Chittar hills, palace is some times referred as Chittar palace. Today, palace is a composition of hotel and museum opened for tourist.
Museum inside this palace stores a rare collection of clocks, banner presented by Queen Victoria, stuffed leopards and old weapons. Palace was constructed in order to provide employment facility to family stricken people. Records say that palace had already provided employment facility for more than three thousand famine stricken people. Presence of elegant spots in Jodhpur makes this blue city a real paradise on Earth.
