Sightseeing in Jodhpur (Rajasthan)

Mandore: Towards the north of Jodhpur is the ancient capital of Marwar, Mandore. It is just 8 Kms from the city. The main attractions of the place are the Hall of Heroes which has sixteen huge figures which have been carved out of a single rock, the shrine of 330 million Gods and the royal cenotaphs. The extensive gardens at Mandore contain the beautiful chatris (cenotaphs) of Rathore rulers like Maharaja Dhiraj Ajit Singh and Maharaja Dhiraj Jaswant Singh. Greenery of the place makes Mandore, in a true sense, an oasis.

Osian (58 kms): 58 kms north of Jodhpur, lie ruins of an ancient city called Osian, an oasis in the desert, situated on the diversion off the main Jodhpur - Bikaner highway. A drive to this ancient township takes one past undulating terrain, punctuated by desert stretches and little hamlets. Osian has 15 beautifully sculpted Jain and Brahmanical temples. Of these, the most outstanding ones are the earlier Surya or Sun Temple and the later Kali temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and the main temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira.

The Bishnoi Villages (25 kms): The villages are inhabited by the Bishnoi tribe who are staunch believers in the sanctity of plant and animal life. The villages are marked by khejri trees and deer which thrive there. The Bishnoi villages are located along and off the Pali Road to the south-east of Jodhpur. The cult was established in the last 15th century by Guru Jambhoji, who outlined 29 conservation principles. The Bishnois hold all animal life as sacred and the rare blackbuck thrives in their region. At Guda Bishnoi, along the small artificial lake, migratory birds, blackbucks and chinkaras can be seen.

Balsamand Lake & Palace (7 kms): This picturesque artificial lake is 7 Kms from the main city. The pretty lakeside pleasure palace of the Maharajas, is a small oasis in the desert. Set by the side of an artificial lake created in the 12th century, measuring nearly half a mile long, the palace itself was built in the late 19th century, during the time when the lake was being enlarged. The red sandstone facade is richly carved with traditional Hindu motifs, but the interiors are clearly European, with a strong Italian influence. Around the palace is a pleasant garden and a small bird sanctuary has made it a picnic spot.

Sardar Samand Lake and Palace (60 km): The tranquil waters of the Sardar Samand Lake beckon countless varieties of migratory birds as well as tourists who come to savor the peace and quiet of the place. The lake lies 60 km south-east of Jodhpur off the Jodhpur-Pali route. Enroute to Sardar Samand from Jodhpur, tourists can look forward to spotting wildlife of the region, especially the blackbuck, neelgai and chinkara. The route also passes through the Bishnoi villages - a community renowned for their abiding concern and practice of environmental conservation. Near the lake stands the stylish art-deco summer palace of Maharaja Umaid Singh, the Sardar Samand Lake Resort, being operated as a heritage hotel. This superb art-deco hunting lodge was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1933. All the original features have been retained and its expansive grounds and gardens offer delightful walks. Overlooking the large lake teeming with birdlife, the lake resort affords one of the most breathtakingly beautiful views of the lake.

Nagaur (135 km): Nagaur lies about midway between Jodhpur and Bikaner. The city of Nagaur dates back to the 4th century AD and was at the center of Muslim invasions from Central Asia. The massive protective walls of the historic Nagaur Fort encompass an ancient complex of richly painted palaces, mosques, temples, intricate baolis (reservoirs), water systems, fountains, open terraces and pleasure gardens dating back to the Mughal times. Delicate paintings adorn many of the walls and ceilings of the palaces. The old city also contains several mosques, including one commissioned by Akbar.
Soak in the medieval atmosphere of Nagaur with a luxurious stay at the Royal Camps. Pitched within the fortifications of the splendid Nagaur Fort, the Camp offers a unique opportunity to participate in the rich traditions of Rajasthan and witness its vibrant culture and people. The Camp is an ideal stopover for lunch for those who wish to visit the fort, the city and the sand dunes which are only 55 km away. Nagaur is known for its puppeteers and colourful annual cattle fair held in January / February every year.

Luni Fort (20 km): Now converted into a heritage hotel, this fort and its surroundings are worth a visit.

Mahamandir Temple (9 km): Built in 1812 A.D. it is a noteworthy temple with 84 carved pillars.

Kailana Lake (11 km): The beautiful lake is an ideal picnic spot.

Dhawa (45 km): A wildlife sanctuary with the largest number of Indian antelopes.

Rohit Fort (40 km): Now a heritage hotel, the fort is worth a visit.