Jodhpur Trip

Places We Visited During Our Trip to Jodhpur

• Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower): A historic clock tower built by Maharaja Sardar Singh. The bustling market surrounding it, known as Sardar Market, is also named after him.

• Umaid Bhawan Palace: One of the world’s largest private residences, named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, the grandfather of the present owner, Maharaja Gaj Singh II. The palace has 347 rooms and serves as the principal residence of the former Jodhpur royal family. A part of the palace has been converted into a museum, while another section operates as a luxury hotel.

• Phool Mahal: A beautifully decorated hall inside Mehrangarh Fort. It is believed to have served as the private pleasure chamber of the Maharajas and was also the venue for performances by royal female dancers.

Moti Mahal: Known as the “Pearl Palace,” it is the largest and brightest of the five historic rooms within Mehrangarh Fort. It was used as the royal audience hall by the Maharajas.

• Sheesh Mahal: Also known as the Hall of Mirrors, this exquisitely decorated chamber inside the 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort is adorned with intricate mirror work and fine craftsmanship.

• Mehrangarh Fort: Built in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur, this magnificent fort stands atop a rocky hill overlooking the Blue City. It is renowned for its impressive architecture, rich history, and well-preserved museum.

• Jaswant Thada: A beautiful white marble cenotaph located near Mehrangarh Fort. It was built in 1899 by Maharaja Sardar Singh in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. It continues to serve as the cremation ground for the Marwar royal family.

About Jodhpur

Jodhpur is the second-largest city in Rajasthan. It is famous for the magnificent 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort, a former royal palace that now houses a museum displaying weapons, paintings, textiles, and ornate royal palanquins. Jodhpur is popularly known as the “Blue City” because many of its houses are painted blue. Traditionally, the blue color was associated with Brahmin homes, but over time it became a defining feature of the city. The blue-painted walls also help reflect sunlight and keep the houses relatively cooler during the region’s intense summer heat.