Rajasthan Hotels

Jodhpur Desert

Prime Attractions of Jaisalmer

Mehrangarh Fort
The 5 km long majestic Fort on 125 m high hill is one of the most impressive and formidable structures. Although invincible from the outside, the Fort has four gates approached by winding road, within the fort are some magnificent palces with marvellously carved panels, latticed windows and eocative names. Noteworthy these are the Moti Mahal, the Phool Mahal, The Sheesh Mahal, The Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana. These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including superb collection of palan qunis, elephant howdahs miniature paintings of various schools, musical instuments, custumes and furniture.

Jaswant Thada
A cluster of royal cenotaphs in white amrble built in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. With in the main cenotaphs are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers.

Umaid Bhawan Palace
The only 20th century palce bulit under the famine relief project when Maharaja Umaid Singh started a food for work program to famine struck population. This exquisite palace is also known as Chittar Palace because of the local chittar sandstone used. The Palace was completed in 16 years - no wonder, then with its 347 rooms, its is one of the largest private residencess in the world. It is a splendid example, of Indo-colonial and art deco style of the 30s. A unique feature of this palace is the fact that the hand chiseled sandstone blocks have been put together in a special system of interlocking, there is not mortar binding. A portion of the palace has been converted into a hotel, the other remains on view to visitors in form of excellent museum which houses model airplanes, weapons, antique clocks and bob watches, priceless crockery, and hunting trophies. Both sections retain the ambience of royal splendor

Government Museum
Nestling in the middle of the Umaid Public Garden, this museum houses a rich collection of exhibits - armoury, textiles, local arts and crafts, miniature paintings. Portraits of rulers, manuscripts and images of Jain Tirthankars. Umaid Public Garden houses a zoo also.

Girdikot & Sardarkot Market
Throbbing with activity, the colourful bazaar, near Clock tower, has narrow lanes dotted with tiny shops selling exquisite Rajashani textiles, handicrafts, clay figurines of camels and elephants, marble curios with inlay work and exquisite Rajasthani silver jewelry.

Maha Mandir Temple
Leterally, the great temple, a place where sacred glory reigns in a peaceful tranquility. Situated on Mandore road, the temple is an architectural splendor, supported by 84 pillars and ornamented with detailed designs and figures depicting various postures of Yoga. The entire structure is marked by a unique and original style.

Excursions
Balsamand Lake & Palace : is an artificial lake/water body that is the source of freshwater for the region. A mere 7 km from the main city, it is a picturesque picnic spot with summer palaces along the embankment and a bird sanctuary. Both Bal Samand and Sardar Samand have top quality accommodation for overnight stopovers or for those who like to stay away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Mandore
the former capital of Marwar lies 8 km southwest, a true oasis in the desert, with its greenery and pretty gardens. The ancient capital has cenotaphs of Jodhpur rulers. The main attraction here is the ‘Hall Of Heroes’, where you see sixteen huge figures of popular Hindu and folk deities carved out of single rock.

Guda Bishnoi
are the picturesque villages of the Bishnoi community, 25 km from the city limits. The Bishnois are great conservationists, who believe staunchly in the sanctity of animal and plant life and renowned for nurturing and protecting local flora and fauna. The Bishnois will protect wildlife at the cost of their own lives, if necessary. As a result, herds of blackbuck and chinkara roam freely. Go there for an interesting insight into the traditional ways of rural India and meet some true conservationists.

Sardar Samand Lake and Palace
is the former hunting lodge and summer getaway of the erstwhile ruling family of Jodhpur. Little Rajasthani villages and hamlets, drying fields of red chilli peppers and herds of black buck and chinkaras enliven the 55 km drive.

Osian - The ancient town
of Thar desert an archaeologists delight surrounded by Golden sand dunes, a drive to ancient township takes one past undualting terrain, punctuated by desert stretches and little hamlets. it has sixteen Brahamanical and Jain temples beautifully sculpted and designed. Of thse the most outstanding ones are the earlier surya or sun temple and later Kali temple, Sachiya Mata temple and main Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira.

Rohetgarh
40 km from Jodhpur, this 16th century Champawat fort has been renovated & converted into a premium heritage hotel. It houses some of the finest Persian carpets as well as some dazzling chandeliers dangling from ceilings, with the interiors having an impeccable collection of local arms, paintings & other hunting trophies

Khimsar
Perched on the edge of the great Thar desert in the heart of rural India lies this unique 16 th century fort that offers experience after exhilarating experience. The battle- scarred walls & turrets remind of the glorious past. Hundred of years histort folds as you glance at its battle - scared walls and stroll down ramparts. A true rarity of any desert in the world. Pecocks, Parrots and as many 46 species of bird greet you to add to the charm and splendor of this ancient Fort.

How To Reach

By Air : The Blue City of India, Jodhpur is well connected by air with Jaipur, Delhi, Udaipur and Mumbai.

By Rail :
Being a popular tourist destination, the city of Jodhpur is well-linked by railway network with all the major cities of India.

By Road :
There is a good network of roads which connect Jodhpur from all the major cities of Rajasthan and North India.