Famous Picnic Spots in Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan is popularly known as the Blue City. The name is clearly befitting as most of the architecture – forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The strapping forts that tower this magnificent city sum up to a spectacle you would not want to miss. The mammoth, imposing fortress of Mehrangarh has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with the eight gates leading out of the fortress. The new city is located outside the structure. Jodhpur is also known for the rare breed of horses known as Marwari or Malani, which are only found here.
Jodhpur marks its origin back to the year of 1459 AD. The history of this prosperous city revolves around the Rathore clan. Rao Jodha, the chief of Rathore Clan is credited with the origin of Jodhpur Tour Packages. The city is known to be built in place of the ancient capital, Mandore of the state of Manwar. Hence, the people of Jodhpur and surrounding areas are commonly known as Marwaris. Also, it is believed that the relics of Mandore can still be witnessed in the Mandore Gardens.
Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort is the blue enigma of every Rajasthan holiday. Rudyard Kipling has said about Mehrangarh Fort that “the fort is the palace that might have been built by the Titans and colored by the morning sun.” Now you can guess why Mehrangarh Fort is one of the best tourist places to visit in Jodhpur. Mehrangarh Fort is a perfect place for those who love architecture and photography. It is one of the largest and arguably India’s best-maintained forts.
The fort sits on the rocky cliff at 410 ft (approx.) and provides majestic views of the Blue City. The fort was built in 1459 by Rao Jodha and is made of red sandstone. The walls of the Mehrangarh Fort tell the glory of the royal era as they stand strong even today after encountering so many battles in the past Famous Picnic Spots in Jodhpur.
A visit to Mehrangarh Fort is like stepping into the 500 years back time machine. Several mahals are within the fort. There are a total of 7 gates, but the most talked-about ones are Jai Pol, Fateh Pol, Dedh Kangra Pol, and Loha Pol. The museum here is counted in the list of India’s famous museums. From the sword to the spear, from the attire of the kings to the utensils, you will get to see the sari items found in the king’s palace.
Places to See Inside Mehrangarh Fort
Shringar Chowk: It is the first courtyard inside Mehrangarh Fort, whose corners have a marble throne.
Mehrangarh Fort Museum: This fort is a treasure trove and consists of seven-period rooms and six galleries. The 7-period rooms are Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Moti Mahal, Jhanki Mahal, Deepak Mahal, Takhat Vilas, and Sardar Vilas. All of them showcase the unique artistry work of the Rajput era with fine architecture.
Things to Do Inside Mehrangarh Fort
- Admire the intricate Rajasthani carvings and design on the fort.
- Pay a visit to 2 ancient temples within the fort.
- See the artifacts of the royal family inside the museum.
- Enjoy the traditional melody when you enter the fort premises.
Note: Photography, videography, audio guide charges extra.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Highlights: Umaid Bhawan is the last royal palace built in India before Independence. It is one of the best heritage hotels for a destination wedding in India.
You can guess the splendor of this lavish heritage hotel by knowing the fact that several celebrities host their wedding here. Umaid Bhawan Palace because it is a piece of magnificent Rajasthan heritage. It is the same luxurious heritage hotel where Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas have exchanged their wedding vows. Umaid Bhawan Palace provides honeymooners the chance to romance in the erstwhile era of royals. Forget your usual hotel welcome. You will be welcomed with the rose petals floating from the terrace as you ascend the plush red-carpeted stairs on entry.
Umaid Bhawan is divided into three areas, and one of them is still owned by the royal family of Jodhpur city. The second part is a museum, and the third one is converted into a heritage hotel to provide the utmost royal experience. During your stay at Umaid Bhawan Palace, embrace the peacocks roaming in the gardens of the property. Take a tour to Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum to see vintage clocks and arts. The Umaid Bhawan Palace provides clear views of the glorious Mehrangarh Fort.
The palace built by Maharaja Umaid Singh is made of sandstone of at least 1 million square feet of marble and special methods. This sandstone is also called Chittar, and due to this, many people also know this palace as Chittar Mahal. You will have a full tour here in about three hours. There is also a beautiful antique thing market on the way here, you must go there too Famous Picnic Spots in Jodhpur.
Jaswant Thada
This is yet another popular tourist place to visit in Jodhpur, located next to Mehrangarh Fort. Jaswant Thada is the cenotaph built in honor of Maharaja Jaswant Singh in 1899 and is adorned with precious white marbles. This charisma is built like a temple. The architecture of this brilliant landmark deserves to be admired. This place looks even more beautiful due to a small pond and garden. Filled with carvings and sculptures, Jaswant Thada becomes a distinct identity of its own Famous Picnic Spots in Jodhpur.
Explore this major landmark in India’s ‘Blue City’ to have a sneak-peek into Rajputana architecture. Go on a day trip to Jaswant Thada on a guided excursion to understand the history of this place. If you are lucky, expect to see a bunch of migratory birds. There is a lake behind the Jaswant Thada, which is a picturesque spot.
Highlights: Jaswant Thada is known as the Taj Mahal of Rajasthan because it is entirely built with white marble and lovely domes.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Ticket Price: 30 INR (approx.) for Indians, 50 INR (approx.) for foreigners.
Best Time to Visit Jaswant Thada: October – March, and July to September.
Note: Video camera and still camera charges extra.
Kaylana Lake
Highlights: You will find it hard to control your temptation for a boat ride in the crystal clear water.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Best Time to Visit: October – March, and early summers
Kaylana Lake in Jodhpur is a picturesque spot to visit with family. It is an artificial lake that was constructed by Pratap Singh in 1872. The area around Kaylana Lake is considered ideal for birdwatchers. The lake is enveloped with lush greenery worldwide and is one of the best tourist attractions in Jodhpur to witness the sunrise and sunset. You can explore the lake on a boating excursion and click pictures to amp up your social media game.
Sprawling to 84 sq km (approx.), the lake’s surroundings are known to house bears and other animals. During ancient times, it was the hunting ground for the royal kings. The cool breeze at the lake in the early winters is quite soothing and refreshing. Once the situation gets better for the travel, stop by these famous attractions and places to visit in Jodhpur for that ultimate royal, cultural, and historic affair Famous Picnic Spots in Jodhpur.
Mandore Garden
Popular among the best places to visit in Jodhpur for travellers, Mandore Garden has a history that will take you back to the 6th century. Besides its existence as a historic monument, Mandore Garden is known as a masterpiece of architecture in the city. Furthermore, it houses a museum named ‘Hall of Heroes’ and a temple dedicated to 33 crore Hindu gods Famous Picnic Spots in Jodhpur.
The wonderful domes and structures constructed within the Mandore Garden premises serve as the biggest attraction for tourists in the city, hence qualifying to be on the list of famous places to visit in Jodhpur when there for 2 days.
Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM (approx.)
Ticket Price: 50 INR (approx.)
Best Time to Visit Mandore Garden: October – March, and early summer and monsoon.
