Jodhpur, the blue city of Rajasthan occupies the second position after Jaipur in terms of area in Rajasthan. Attractive sites in Jodhpur pull you towards it.
It is a mind-blowing tourist destination. It was a major trading center in ancient times, providing a strategic location. The city is quite pretty and has cultural, historical, economic, and administrative importance.
From the tourism viewpoint, one can enjoy various sites, cuisines, and experiences. The following content provides information about these things.
History Of Blue City
The rich history of Jodhpur connects us with Rao Jodha, the founder of Blue City. Rao Jodha founded Jodhpur in 1459 AD. He was the 15th chief of the Rajput Rathore family. He ruled the Marwar kingdom in Rajputana.
Maharaja Rao Jodha built Mehrangarh, a symbolic landmark of the blue city at present. In ancient times, Rao Jodha built the fort in 1459 and started the development of Jodhpur. Many rulers and emperors ruled in Jodhpur. And they did some developments one by one.
Moreover, the Blue City has witnessed some wars. After the Rathore clan, the Mughal Era started in Jodhpur. Furthermore, Marathas and Britishers ruled Jodhpur from 1727 to till independence of India. Different rulers built different monuments, a unique blend of different architecture.
Mehran Garh fort – Blue city
The fort’s history begins in 1459 AD when Rao Jodha Ji built the fort and founded Jodhpur. This historical site attracts many tourists per year.
UNESCO has awarded the Mehran Garh Fort for architectural conservation, cultural heritage, and adaptive use. The fort is situated on the Pachetiya hills, which are volcanic rocks. Briefly, red sandstone is the main building rock of the fort which has faced many earthquakes, but undoubtedly it is still standing. Around 35 kings contributed to the construction of the Mehrangarh fort. During a visit to this fort, one can discover the following interesting things.
- Palki- In the past time Royal members used palkis for short distances. There were two types of Palki. Firstly, males used open Palki and secondly, females used closed Palki.
- Sone ki Palki- A golden palki is kept there. It was a victory sign for Jodhpur’s Maharaj, who fought a war with the Mughals near Ahmedad in 1735 AD. He won the battle and kept that 135 kg gold-plated palanquin.
- 10KG Sword- Meanwhile, on the visit, one can also take sight of a sword of 10kg. It belongs to Maharaja Ajit Singh who used it in a war with the Mughals for over 30 years.
- Daulat Khana- It is one of the most important rooms in the fort and was the treasurer of that time.
Alluring sites
- Sheesh Mahal- Kings of the 17th century built the mahal, particularly, for the festival of Diwali. The uniqueness of the mahal is the phenomenon of multiple reflections. For instance, 50 oil lamps look like 50000 because of the phenomenon.
- Tana Bana-The sight of Tana Bana shows the traditional dresses of royal family members. The dresses of queens and their children, made of pure gold and silver, are present there.
- Phool Mahal- In the 18th century Maharaja Abhay Singh built the most beautiful room named Phool Mahal. Liquid gold is used for painting the walls of the room.
- Takhat Vilta- The room belongs to Maharaja Takhat Singh. He had 30 wives and made a beautiful room where he along with his 30 wives lived.
Furthermore, many more sites are there which can take your glance. Sites such as Holi Chowk, Moti Mahal, Shringar Chowki, Loha Pole, canopies used by kings, Jhanki Mahal, bullet marks on the walls of the forts, etc.
Other Places to visit
- Mandore- The capital city of the Marwar was Mandore. Nowadays, it is a must-visit the site of the Blue City. It consists of museums, forts, and historical monuments of that time. Mandore Fort dates back to 6th century. As well as different gardens are there to visit. In fact, there is a belief that Mandodari ( Ravana’s wife ) belongs to Mandore.
- Surpura Dam Safari Park- It is a man-made dam to fulfill the water needs of Jodhpur. Following, there is a beautiful park. Here, one can enjoy flora and fauna, peaceful surroundings, animal statues with details, a safari experience, and exploring wildlife, etc are there to perform. Overall, activities such as boating, trekking, nature walk, photography, etc. The location of the Dam is in Mandore, Jodhpur.
- Jaswant Thada- In fact, Jaswant Thada is also known as the Taj Mahal of Marwar, built by Maharaj Sardar Singh in 1899. Besides, he also built the ghanta ghar (clock tower) in the Blue City. Sardar Singh built it in tribute to his father Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. It serves as the cremation place for the royal members of Marwar. Their domes made of white- marble look like the Taj Mahal.
- Bhim- Bhadak- The location is the temple of Mahadev. It is a cave. Bhim Bhadak has an interesting story. Mahamandir and Sidhanath Mahadev Temple are the locations of other famous Mahadev ji temples in the Blue City.
- Kaylana Lake—The calm water and pleasant surroundings attract many tourists. A stunning sunset at the lake provides picturesque scenery. Activities like Boating, fishing, and bird watching can be enjoyed there.
The lake is the house of a variety of birds. Flora and Fauna of the lake surroundings attract many visitors. Even migratory bird species can be seen here.
Attractions of Blue City
The lake is the house of a variety of birds and wildlife. Flora and Fauna in the surroundings of the lake attract many visitors. Even migratory bird species can be seen here.
- Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi- It has very unique architecture. The people used the waterbody in the past and was built by the wife of Maharaja Abhai Singh in the 1740s. Especially, the architecture is so beautiful. Several layers of stairs are designed technically. Many statues of gods, Goddesses, and some animals are there.
- Panchkund Chattriya- Surprisingly, very few people know this location. It is a set of 46 Chattris (cenotaphs). The beauty of these cenotaphs is beyond any other thing. These cenotaphs are a symbol of the ancestors of royal family members. Besides, many film scenes songs, and serials have been shot here.
- Chamunda Mata Mandir- Maharaja Rao Jodha Ji accepted the Chamunda devi as his Ishta devi. He brought the idol of Devi from Mandore, the capital of that time in 1460. Maharaja built the temple of Devi in Mehrangarh fort. And subsequently, Mata Chamunda became the main goddess of the Rajputs there.
Above all, there are many sites to visit. For instance, Rao Jodha Desert Park, Machiya Biological Park, Ghanta Ghar, jeep and camel safari, Sardar government, museum, etc. Most importantly, the narrow streets to taste the flavourful cuisines of the Blue City.
Amusing Facts
- Last Room- The construction of the Mehrangarh Fort was started by Rao Jodha Ji in 1459 and the construction of the fort ended with the last room built in 1940.
- Brahmapuri- Previously, when Rao Jodha Ji established Jodhpur then there was a boundary wall of 10 Km length. At that time it was mandatory to live inside the wall that is currently known as Brahmapuri.
- Sun Fort- Sun Fort is the other name of Mehrangarh Fort. The word Mehrangarh consists of two words Mehran and Garh. Mehran as Mihir means sun and garh means fort. Additionally, the royal family is considered Suryavanshi.
- Curse- When Rao Jodha was choosing a hill to build his fort he selected Pachetiya Hills. But, a saint used to live on that hill. Although Raja removed the saint from Pachetiya Hills then that saint cursed him. He cursed that Jodhpur would remain with the shortage of water.
- Samadhi- To get some relief from the curse, Maharaja Rao Jodha found a solution. As per the solution, a living person had to take samadhi in fort. Raja Ram Meghwal agreed to take Samadhi on the condition to provide wealth to his family members by the royal family.
Note- On the other hand, there are also many other saying about samadhi.
- Palki in the 20th century- Surprisingly, in 20 th century the member of the royal family used the palki for small distances.
- Blue City- The blue city is another name for Jodhpur because most houses near Mehrangarh Fort are blue. Because Jodhpur is a hot weather city ancient Brahmins gave a solution of painting houses with white color. However, with time it faded out and then they gave one more solution of painting with a blue color. That’s why its name is Blue City.
Timing
In general, the timing for almost all sites to visit in Jodhpur is from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Place Time
Mehrangarh fort – 9 AM to 5 PM
Mandore Gardens – 8 AM to 8 PM
Jaswant Thada – 9 AM to 6 PM
Taorji ka Jhalra – All time
Sarpura Safari Park – 8 AM to 9 PM
Bhim Bhadak – 6:30 AM to 6 PM
Kaylana Lake – 9 AM to 5 PM
Umaid Bhawan – 9 AM to 5 PM
Chamunda Mata Mandir – 6 AM to 9 PM
Conclusion
The Blue City is a city of amaze, a place of famous forts and places. You can also see handprints on the walls of the Mehran Garh Fort. Visiting the sites of Jodhpur is easy through all means of transport. In other words, each site links with the main city. Road transportation is the best way. Moreover, hotel rooms are available on budget. In short, jodhpur is a must-visit city.
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