Do you remember the scene from Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises, where Bruce Wayne was held captive by bane in an underground prison? Well that entire collection of scenes was shot at Jodhpur in the state of Rajsthan, India. If epic films like these can find their way here, so can you.
Behind the scenes of “The Dark Knight Rises”
Picture credits: screencrush.com |
The city of Jodhpur is famously called the Sun City as it enjoys sun all around the year. It is also referred to as the “Blue City” due to the vivid blue-painted houses around Mehrangarh Fort. Jodhpur dons a huge collection of some historical masterpieces that have gained immense popularity over the years.
Jodhpur-Blue City during the day
Picture credits: www.mobgenic.com |
In order to reach here, you can take flights from major cities to the airport here. Jodhpur railway station is the divisional headquarters of the North Western Railways (NWR) and is well connected with railways to major Indian cities.
With an amazing layout of forts and palaces, Jodhpur is nothing less than a fantasy land. Exploring some of its top notch tourist destinations, will fill you with travel ecstasy.
Jodhpur-Blue City at night
Picture credits: diadiemdulich.com |
A top pick when it comes to visiting one of the best places at Jodhpur is the Mehrangarh Fort. The impregnable fort stands 400 feet high above the city. It is an impressive, well preserved heritage structure. It was built by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD. Though the construction was started then, the fort has seen many centuries before it was completed. Hence, one can find various styles of architecture which is an absolute grandeur. Standing atop the fort one can capture some stunning views of the city. One of the main highlights here is the museum, which showcases some fine art from the Mughal period. The fort is also the venue for the Rajasthan International Folk Festival and World Sufi Spirit Festival.
Mehrangarh Fort
Picture credits: www.horisontrejser.dk |
For those who love to add a pinch of some thrill to your stay at Jodhpur, can go zip-lining along the Mehrangarh Fort and grab the excitement as you feel the winds go by. The zip-line takes around 1.5 hours to complete.
Jodhpur Flying Fox
Picture credits: www.holidaybirds.com |
Another addition to the magnificent places of Jodhpur is Jaswant Thada which was built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II in the year 1899. Embellished with intricate carvings and portraits of the Rathore rulers, Jaswant Thada is a remarkable spot that depicts Indian history. The interiors here consist of white marble lattice screens and whimsical domes which adds an elusive appeal to its beauty. The front lawn with verdant layers and a pond, is an apt place for a peaceful sprawl.
Jaswant Thada
Picture credits: www.incredibleindiatravels.in |
It is a gorgeous artificial lake, built by Balak Rao parihar in 1159 AD. With lush groves of mangoes, papayas, guavas, plums and pomegranates, Balsamad Lake is a popular picnic spot. It was ideally built to serve as a summer resort for the royal family of Jodhpur. Surrounded by a thick blanket of greens, you can spot peacocks and jackals who find their home here.
Balsamand Lake
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This is yet another artificial lake constructed by Pratap Singh in the year 1872. It is frequently visited by tourists for it serves to be a birdwatcher’s paradise. It spreads across an area of 84 sq km. This region has had palaces and gardens made by two rulers of Jodhpur – Bhim Singh and Takhat Singh, which were destroyed in the construction of the lake. The city of Jodhpur depends on Kaylana Lake as a source of drinking water.
Kaylana Lake
Picture credits: Wikiedit83 / Wikipedia |
The park was built in 2006 with the aim of restore natural ecology. Over 80 native species from the Thar Desert were grown here. It extends across 200 acres and has a good walking trail. The interesting part is that the foliage here changes with every season. A stroll across the park is perfect for those willing to explore nature here.
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
Picture credits: guide.alibaba.com |
It is counted among the world’s largest residences. It is a gigantic palace which is divided into a museum, residence of the royals and a heritage hotel. It was designed by Henry Vaughan Lancaster. The foundation of the palace was laid by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1929 and was completed by 1945. The entire structure is built from yellow sandstone and has the interior in Art Deco style which was a raging trend in Europe during the first half of the 20th century. Spreading across 26 acres, the palace has 347 rooms, a 105 feet high cupola, a Durbar Hall, a billiards room, two marble squash courts, and an indoor swimming pool. A place so lavish and ornate, you easily get jaw dropped by just a glance of it.
Umaid Bhawan
Picture credits: www.indiaataglance.com |
Before Jodhpur, Mandore was the capital of the Marwar region. The garden has an old fort, an eclectic collection of temples and cenotaphs, and a museum. Sadly this spot is not well maintained and is in ruins. In spite of the careless concern, it is definitely worth a visit to explore amazing architecture of the ancient period.
Mandore Gardens
Picture credits: www.holidaymine.com |
It is a famous landmark in the city of Jodhpur which was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh between 1880 and 1911. It is a mind boggling ancient structure which still has the clock working. The Sardar market is adjacent to the clock where you can shop for some exquisite handicraft by the locals. There are over 7000 shops here! This place clearly defines the phrase “Shop till you drop”.
Clock Tower
Picture credits: temporarilylost.com |
“We are not makers of history, we are made by history”-Martin Luther King, Jr.
Jodhpur is a well known place that has been serving as a strong pillar of Indian history till date. It has been praised for its beauty across the globe. Hence, it would be a shame if we try to pull it down into ruins. Free press Journal requests its readers to help such magnificent places stay sustained.
