Jodhapur Fort

A view on the top of the Fort

Jodhapur is famous for its Royal Fort, Umaid Bhavan, Mandore garden etc.etc. This city is named by its ruler Rao Jodha

Jodhapur Fort-
This city is also called Blue city. You would be astonished to find thousands and thousands of blue colors buildings to the extend of your sight, seating on the top of the Fort.

In previous history, Jodhapur was known as region of Marwar but later, it named after Rao Jodha. It is also called Mehrangarh perhaps, on the name of Mihir(Sun), being the royal deity. The Fort was built around 1460 by Rao Jodha. He was one of the Ranmal's 24 sons and became the 15th Rathore ruler.

Rao Jodha was a ruler of Mandore which is about 7 km away from Jodhapur. He shifted his capital from Mandore to Jodhapur in security reason.

It is said, with the blessing of a local lady saint Karni Mata, Rao Jodha laid the foundation stone of Mehargarh Fort. To ensure the propitious site, Rao Jodha buried a man of Meghawal caste in laying the foundation of Fort. To this day, his descendants still live in Raj Bagh, 'Rajaram Meghwal Garden'. 


The Fort is situated approx. 400 ft above the city and is surrounded by thick wall. The Fort is at the center of the city spreading over 5 km on the top of high hill. A winding road leads to and from the city below.

Inside, there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expensive courtyards. These includes Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, and Daulat Khana.

400 ft high Fort

The museum in the Mehargarh Fort is one of the most well-stocked museum in Rajasthan. In one part of this , there is a selection of old royal palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniature, musical instruments, costumes, furniture. The museum exhibits the heritage of the Rathores in arms, costumes, turbans, paintings etc.


The intricate mirror work in the Sheesh Mahal, the exqusite gold painting in the Phool Mahal, the lavish interiors of Takhat Niwas, the Jharokhas of Jhanki Mahal, the gallery of paintings, ornate palanquins in the Daulat Khana are magnificent work.

The rampart of the Fort  house preserved old cannon.

Umaid Bhavan- Umaid Bhavan is one of the world's largest private residence. It has 347 rooms. Is serves as the principal residence of the Jodhpur royal family. A part of this palace is managed by Taj Hotal. It also houses a museum.

It is said, it was constructed to give employment to thousand of people in famine during the years 1929 to 1943. Umaids Singh was the 37th Rathore rular of Marwar at Jodhapur. However, Maharaja was criticised for wasting huge amount of money on this royal palace. On 1943, when opened, it was considered one of the largest royal residence in the world.

Umaid Bhavan

Umaid Bhavan was constructed on Chittar hill in the outer site of the city. As the building materials required were not close, Maharaja built a Rly line first to the site for transporting the materials.

Maharaja preferred Buddhist design and style to construct this Bhavan. Large blocks with interlocking joint were used to avoid using mortal. The palace is built with golden-yellow sandstone. Makarana marble and Burmese teak wood are used for interior wood work.

Umaid Bhavan has several courtyards, a large banquet hall. The interior central dome site above the sky, blue inner dome. The inner vaulted dome is a major attraction in the palace which rises to a height of 103 ft in the interior part  which is capped by an outer dome of 43 ft high. The entry to the palace had decorations of the coat of the arms of the Rathore royal family. The entry leads to the lobby which has polished black granite flooring. The lounge area has pink sandstone and marble floors.
Mandore garden-
Mandore was a ancient town since 6th century CE. As said eralier, Rao Jodha was once ruler of this throne. The Mandore garden with its charming collection of temples and memorials, and its high rock terraces, is another major attraction. The garden house the Chhatrise of many rulers of Jodhapur state. Prominent among them is the Chhatari of Maharaja Ajit Singh, built in 1793.

Mandore Garden

Ravan temple is another attraction at Mandore. It is believed to be the native place of Ravan's wife Mandodari. The mandore garden also house a museum. The Hall of Heroes commemorates popular folk heroes of the region.