Mandore Garden is a stunning attraction in Jodhpur that will take you back in time to the glorious era of the Marwar dynasty. Located just 9 kilometres away from the city, this garden is a part of the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort and houses some of the most beautiful and impressive monuments, temples, museum and gardens in Rajasthan.
If you are looking for a place to explore the rich history, culture and art of Jodhpur, Mandore Garden is the perfect destination for you.
Famous Royal Cenotaphs
The most striking feature of Mandore Garden is the cluster of royal cenotaphs or chhatris that dot the landscape. These are dome-shaped structures built as a homage to the rulers of Jodhpur and their families. Each cenotaph is unique and showcases the architectural style and craftsmanship of the Marwar dynasty. The most beautiful and famous of these cenotaphs is the one that belongs to Maharaja Ajit Singh, who ruled Jodhpur from 1678 to 1724. His cenotaph is a three-storeyed structure with intricate carvings, pillars, arches and balconies.
It also has a large statue of the king on a horseback at the entrance. Some of the other notable rulers and their cenotaphs are Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur, Jaswant Singh II, who built the Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur, and Bakhat Singh, who was known for his love of art and music.
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Hall of Heroes
Another attraction in Mandore Garden that will awe you with its uniqueness and charm is the Hall of Heroes. This is a monument that displays 16 figures of warriors carved from a single rock. These warriors are the heroes of Jodhpur who fought bravely and sacrificed their lives for their kingdom.
Some of them are legendary folk heroes, such as Pabuji and Shambhuji, who are revered as gods by the local people. Others are historical figures, such as Durgadas Rathore, who defended Jodhpur from the Mughals, and Akheraj, who was a loyal minister of Maharaja Ajit Singh. The Hall of Heroes also has colourful paintings on the walls that depict scenes from the battles and stories of these warriors.
Temple of Three Hundred Million Gods
If you are interested in Hindu mythology and spirituality, you will love visiting the Temple of Three Hundred Million Gods in Mandore Garden. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu pantheon and contains images of various gods and goddesses, such as Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesha, Durga, Hanuman and many more. The temple is also known as the Shiva Temple or the Navgraha Temple as it has nine shrines for the nine planets or celestial bodies in Hindu astrology. The temple is a place of worship for the devotees who come here to offer prayers and seek blessings from their favourite deities.
Government Museum
If you want to learn more about the history, culture and art of Jodhpur, you should not miss visiting the Government Museum in Mandore Garden. This museum is a treasure trove of artefacts and relics from the past that showcase the richness and diversity of Jodhpur. The museum exhibits items such as coins, weapons, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, textiles, jewellery and more. Some of the highlights and interesting facts about the museum collections are:
The museum has a rare collection of ancient coins from different periods and dynasties, such as Mauryan, Kushan, Gupta, Pratihara, Mughal, Maratha and British.
The museum has a fine collection of miniature paintings from various schools and styles, such as Marwar, Mewar, Bundi, Kishangarh and Kangra.
The museum has a remarkable collection of stone sculptures from different eras and regions, such as Gandhara, Mathura, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The museum has a fascinating collection of manuscripts written in different languages and scripts, such as Sanskrit, Prakrit, Persian, Arabic and Urdu.
Play of Langur Monkeys
One of the most fun activities that you can enjoy in Mandore Garden is watching and feeding the langur monkeys that roam freely in the garden. These monkeys are friendly and playful and will entertain you with their antics and expressions. You can buy some fruits or nuts from the vendors in the garden and feed them to the monkeys.
They will happily accept your offerings and may even pose for a photo with you. However, you should also be careful and respectful while interacting with the monkeys. You should not tease or hurt them, keep your belongings safe, and follow the instructions of the staff and guides in the garden.
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Best Time To Visit & How To Reach
The best time to visit Mandore Garden is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and the garden is lush and green. The garden is open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day and the entry fee is free for the garden and INR 50 for the museum.
You can reach Mandore Garden from Jodhpur city by bus, auto-rickshaw, taxi or car. If you are looking for a place to explore the rich history, culture and art of Jodhpur, Mandore Garden is the perfect destination for you.
Other Attractions To Visit Near Mandore Gardens
Here are some of the places to visit near Mandore Garden in Jodhpur:
Mehrangarh Fort:
This is one of the most impressive and majestic forts in India, perched on a hill overlooking the city of Jodhpur. The fort was built by Rao Jodha in the 15th century and showcases the history, culture and art of the Marwar dynasty. The fort has several palaces, courtyards, galleries and museums that display the royal heritage and splendor of Jodhpur. The fort also offers stunning views of the city and the blue houses below. The fort is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day and the entry fee is INR 100 for Indians and INR 600 for foreigners.
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park:
This is a unique and eco-friendly park that was created in 2006 to restore the natural ecology of the rocky wasteland near the Mehrangarh Fort. The park has over 80 species of native plants that thrive in the arid conditions and provide habitat for various birds, butterflies and reptiles. The park also has walking trails, interpretation centre and a café that offer a relaxing and educational experience for visitors. The park is open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM every day and the entry fee is INR 100 for Indians and INR 300 for foreigners.
Umaid Bhawan Palace:
This is one of the largest and most luxurious private residences in the world, built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in the 20th century. The palace is a blend of Rajput, Mughal and Art Deco styles and has 347 rooms, including a museum, a hotel and a royal residence. The museum showcases the history, lifestyle and belongings of the royal family of Jodhpur, such as vintage cars, weapons, paintings, clocks and more. The hotel is managed by Taj Group and offers a royal stay for guests who can enjoy the palace facilities, such as swimming pool, spa, gardens and more. The palace is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day and the entry fee is INR 30 for Indians and INR 100 for foreigners.
Jaswant Thada:
This is a beautiful marble cenotaph built by Maharaja Sardar Singh in 1899 as a memorial for his father Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The cenotaph is an example of Rajput architecture and has intricate carvings, domes, pillars and jalis (lattice screens). The cenotaph also has portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur and a garden with a lake. The cenotaph is a peaceful and serene place to visit and offers a panoramic view of the Mehrangarh Fort and the city. The cenotaph is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day and the entry fee is INR 15 for Indians and INR 50 for foreigners.
Mandore Garden is a historical and cultural gem in Jodhpur that will captivate you with its beauty and charm. It is a place where you can experience the glorious past, the vibrant present and the hopeful future of Jodhpur. Whether you are interested in architecture, art, mythology or nature, Mandore Garden has something for everyone.
