Jodhpur

Jodhpur (जोधपुर), the second largest city in Rajasthan, India, was founded in 1459 by King Rao Jodha. It is a popular tourist destination offering palaces, forts and temples.

Monuments

Umaid Bhavan Palace

Umaid Bhavan Palace is one of India's recent palaces. The palace was constructed over a 15 year span from 1929 to 1943 under the supervision of Maharaja Umaid Singh, the president of the British Royal Institute of Architects.

Related Topics:
Umaid Bhavan Palace - Maharaja Umaid Singh

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The Maharaja of Jodhpur concieved the project initially as a public relief and employment works project during a long period of drought. The Maharaja decided to build a world-class palace so as to make Jodhpur an interesting destination for visiting dignitaries, thereby laying the foundations of a strong economy based on tourism and trade.

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The palace was built by 3000 artisans consuming one million square feet (90,000 m²) of the finest marble. Ever since its opening in 1977, Umaid Bhawan has been one of the most celebrated and luxurious heritage hotels in Rajasthan.

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The Umaid Bhavan Palace is renowned for the sandstone used in its construction. The Palace is also known as Chittar Palace for the exceptional Chittar sandstone used in its construction. The Palace is now segmented into the royal residence, the Heritage Hotel and the museum. Its style of construction with the beautiful balconies, charming courtyards, terrific terraces, green gardens and royal roomsis typical of the Rajputs. Its 98 air-conditioned rooms are elegently decorated with antique furniture as well as all the other amenities of a five star hotel.

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Jaswant Thada

The Jaswant Thada is architecural landmark found in Jodhpur. It is a white marble memorial built in 1899 in memory of Maharja Jaswant Singh II. The monument, in its entirety, is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when the sun's rays dance across their surface. Within this cenotaph, there are also two more tombs.

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Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh (meaning Majestic Fort) is one of the largest forts in India. Though the fort was originally started by Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur, in 1459, most of the fort which stands today dates from the period of Jaswant Singh (1638-78). This magnificent fort is located at the centre of the city spreading over 5km atop a 125m high hill. Its walls, which are up to 36m high and 21m wide protect some of the most beautiful and historic palaces in Rajasthan. To commemorate historic victories three gates are found in the fort. Within the fort brillantly crafted and decorated palaces are found. Of these, Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are notable. One also finds the fort museum comprising several palaces. This museum houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniatures, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. The ramparts of Mehrangarh Fort provide not only excellently preserved canons but also a breath-taking view of the city.

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Osiyan Temple

An ancient temple, well worth the visit, in the village of Osiyan. There are many sections of this temple, and it has been developed in phases. About 60 K.M. drive from Jodhpur.

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