Jodhpur
Jodhpur is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan, India. Jodhpur was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha, the Rajput chieftan of the Rathores. The Rathore kingdom was also known as the Marwar and was the largest in Rajputana. The city of Jodhpur is located around the grand Mehrangarh Fort, which is bounded by a wall and several gates. The city is called the Blue City as it looks completely blue in colour from an aerial view because of its blue walls and blue houses. Apart from the old blue city, Jodhpur has grown as a city with wider and cleaner roads in some parts. Jodhpur is a very popular tourist destination. The landscape is scenic and mesmerizing. Jodhpur city has many beautiful palaces and forts such as Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhavan etc.
Places to visit
Mehrangarh fort - An architectural masterpiece in itself, Mehrangarh Fort is a magnificent fort and is among one of the largest forts in Rajasthan. The name Mehrangarh is derived from a combination of two Sanskrit words: ‘Mihir’ meaning the Sun god, and ‘Garh’ meaning fort. Built in around 1459 by Rao Jodha, the fort is situated 410 feet above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. The walls of the fort have a height of 118 feet and a width of 69 feet that protect the massive area of it. The palaces at Mehrangarh Fort are called Sheesh Mahal (the mirror hall), Moti Mahal (glass-painted windows of pearl colours where the Maharajas held their courtroom), Phool Mahal (the extravagant hall of leisure activities of the royal family), and Zenana Deodi (women’s quarters made of sandstone).
Jaswant thada - Jaswant Thada is a royal cenotaph. It is made of pure white marble and known as the Taj Mahal of Marwar. It was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh of in 1899 in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Along with the memorials, there is also a separate cremation ground of the royal families. Local musicians and folk singers sit on the steps of the monument to greet the visitors with some authentic Rajasthani melodies.
