Attractions

Mehrangarh, located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is one of the largest forts in India. Built around 1460 by Rao Jodha, the fort is situated 410 feet (125 m) above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its boundaries there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. A winding road leads to and from the city below. The imprints of the impact of cannonballs fired by attacking armies of Jaipur can still be seen on the second gate. To the left of the fort is the chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier who fell on the spot defending the Mehrangarh fort. There are seven gates, which include Jayapol (meaning 'victory'), built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur, Udaipur and Bikaner armies. Fattehpol (also meaning 'victory') gate was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh to mark the defeat of the Mughals. The palm imprints upon these still attract much attention.

The Jaswant Thada is a cenotaph located in Jodhpur, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur State in 1899 in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, and serves as the cremation ground for the royal family of Marwar. The mausoleum is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These sheets are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when illuminated by the sun. The cenotaph's grounds feature carved gazebos, a tiered garden, and a small lake. There are three other cenotaphs in the grounds. The cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh displays portraits of the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur

Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, spreads over 72 hectares, near the historic Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. The park contains ecologically restored desert and arid land vegetation. The park was created in 2006 to try and restore the natural ecology of a large, rocky area adjoining and below the fort. It was opened to the public in February 2011. The area in and around the park contains distinctive volcanic rock and sandstone formations. The park includes a Visitors Centre with Interpretation Gallery, a native plant nursery, small shop and cafe. There are four trails (yellow, green, red, and blue trails), about 880 m to 1115 m long, that visitors can take and trained guides and naturalists are also available.

Merely 5 kilometers from the city centre i.e. from the Clock Tower, on the Mandore Road is the WelcomHeritage Bal Samand Lake Palace, in the vicinity of still and clear Bal Samand Lake. Built in red sandstone and employing the typical ornate Rajput architectural style, it was initially conceived as the summer residence of the Jodhpur Maharajas. The tastefully designed Garden Rooms have a different aura altogether with their own Rose Gardens, Croquet Lawn and Restaurant. The lake itself which was artificially created in the 13th century as a water reservoir that supplied drinking water to the city - now compliments the lush green lawns and staggered terraced gardens of the property. This old royal retreat has now been fitted with all modern amenities which however, do not take away from the old world charm of the property.

The Umaid Bhawan Palace at Jodhpur, India's last great Palace, was constructed between 1929 and 1944. Constructed in what can loosely be described as the Indo-Art-Deco style, this magnificent edifice with 347 rooms is the world's largest private residence when it opened its doors as a royal residence in 1944. Named after The Late His Highness Maharaja Umaid Singhji, the palace has been the residence of Maharaja Umaid Singhji and his successors. The Central Dome soars 110 feet overhead, and provides spectacular centerpiece - a focal point for all the visitors to the property . The view from the Pillars, especially at sunset, are spectacular. Landscaped gardens adorn the exteriors of the building and the spacious lawns at the rear of the Palace create an ambience which is at once serene, restful and yet spectacularly royal.

Mandore was the capital of the Marwar region before Jodhpur was founded but now it's in a miserable condition. There's an old fort, as well as an eclectic collection of temples and cenotaphs, and a small museum, in the Mandore Gardens. It could be a really attractive tourist spot if it was properly maintained. The monuments are in ruins and garbage is often scattered around. It's still worth a visit though, for the amazing architecture and history of a bygone era.