The city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan is a loved destination for travellers. It's tempting beauty and historical heritage has been gifted by several names. Some call it as Blue City and others call it as Sun City. In this article, I want to write about the two most interesting and best places to visit in Jodhpur. The stunning Mehrangarh Fort and Museum and the world-renowned fascinating Umaid Bhawan Palace.
The History
The moment you enter Jodhpur, you can understand the reason behind it being called as the Blue City. The houses lined with blue are an attractive sight to watch and indulge into its magical wonder. There is a small history behind it. The colour indicated mainly the houses of Brahmin, the prominence of the caste system in ancient Rajasthan. People treated the Brahmins with respect and honour, the sole reason behind colouring their residences separately. Through the years the caste system has been considerably relinquished, yet some families have maintained the colours.
The other belief is that blue colour keeps the houses cool from the sun's heat. The locals prefer painting their houses in blue. Jodhpur remains sunny almost all throughout the year. To prevent the scorching heat from penetrating the residences, the special arrangement is preferred by many owners. It has acquired the name the Sun City for the bright weather prevailing year around.
Mehrangarh Fort and Museum
In the beginning, I had mentioned about my desire to pen down about two very popular and interesting places to visit in Jodhpur. One of them is the Mehrangarh Fort and Museum. The moment you stand in front of the Fort, you can feel the royal grandeur and charm at its peak.
The Fort must be visited on the day and at night. The daylight beauty and the illuminated night view are separately distinguishable and unique. Situated on a hilltop and rising above the ground for almost 400 feet, it's a symbol of royalty and valour of the Rajputs.
A Short History
History says, way back in 1459 the fort was constructed under the flagship of the ruler of Mandore, Rao Jodha. He had special instructions of constructing the fort with thick walls to prevent the intruders and enemies from entering inside. It stands tall and high, the brilliant effort of the architects and artisans of yesteryears.
The Marvel
The interior of the fort, now transformed into a museum, portray the architectural marvel of the craftsmen. The red sandstone enhances the beauty of the fort. The walls are adorned with intricate carvings and fascinating artworks. Each symbolizes the valiant nature of the Rajputs, a historical prestige of India. The roads inside meander across in-between wide courtyards.
The Fort has seven gates, the key ones being the Fattehpol gate and the Jayapol gate. Both are symbolical in portraying the victory over the enemies. The museum houses extensive collections of the royal artefacts. Arms and ammunitions, paintings, palanquins, elephant howdahs, turbans, royal attire and many more are present inside.
Every year, the fort hosts several cultural and music festivals enticing tourists from different parts of India and international travellers too. Folk artists and musicians perform live entertaining the audience with their talented feats. Several handicraft fairs and exhibitions are held for you to quench your shopping desire. With all its exotic charm, it is one of the precious places to visit in Jodhpur.
Well, I must not forget to mention that Mehrangarh Fort has proudly hosted two epic films - The Jungle Book and The Dark Knight Rises.
Umaid Bhavan Palace
Traditionally hosting several royal and luxurious marriages, it is one of the fashionable and heritage places to visit in Jodhpur. The palace is associated with a princely history, now it is being commercialized as a hotel managed by the Taj Group.
The Background
The palace is named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, the person instrumental in building this amazing structure. The construction started in 1929 and ended in 1943, a considerable period resulting in a grand mansion. Currently, it hosts about 347 rooms for the guests, an iconic landmark in Jodhpur embellished with sumptuous luxury and comfort.
The Enthralling Beauty
Standing in front of the palace is a charming experience, observing the soaring structure kissing the blue bright sky above. The exteriors and the interiors are both mesmerizing, an epitome of beauty.
Spread across a sprawling area of about 26 acres of land, the palace is a symbol of opulence and splendour. The interior is adorned by several halls serving various purposes. There is a stunning ballroom for marriages and royal ceremonies. It has several courts for enjoying different kinds of sports like squash, tennis, billiards.
The key attraction of the palace is the magnificent dome at the main structure. The architecture and the paintings are a treat to the eyes. The beauty of the palace lies in the different styles of architecture fused into its carvings and decorations. You can observe a surreal mix of Western, Classical and Indian styles in its design, unique and precious.
Museum and Garden
A museum is present inside the palace, showcasing the various exhibits owned by Maharaja Umaid Singh. You will be astonished to watch the vintage cars displayed in front of the museum. The cars are well preserved and maintained, owned by the Maharajas.
The garden around the palace is worth a stroll, considering the wide area it occupies and the vivacious greenery. The striking display of impressive artworks, the palatial grandness and the majestic charm of the palace will leave you speechless and ecstatic. Enough reasons for terming it as one of the exquisite places to visit in Jodhpur.
Some facts to remember
It is best to visit Jodhpur between the months of October and February. The climatic conditions are soothing and pleasant for enjoying the sights. Reaching the city is quite convenient and easy. It has its own airport and railway station. There is no shortage of buses and cars.
Hope you enjoyed the virtual journey of the two interesting places to visit in Jodhpur. Do please share your feedback and comments.