Jodhpur Heritage Tour with Mehrangarh Fort and Sardar Market
Following a hotel pick-up from your Jodhpur city area hotel at 9 am, your first stop will be Mehrangarh Fort. Perched on a 150 m-high hill, its sprawl makes it one of the most formidable and magnificent forts in Rajasthan. Battle scars from cannonballs fired by the attacking armies of Jaipur can still be seen on the second gate. To the left is the chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier who fell on the spot while defending the fort against the armies of Amber. There are seven gates, including Jayapol, meaning victory, built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over the armies of Jaipur and Bikaner.
On the way down from the fort, to the left is Jaswant Thada, the graceful marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The main memorial has been built like a temple with intricately carved marble stone. A visit to this structure takes you through the rocky hills, giving it a secluded and mystic aura.
After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Mandore Garden.
Next door is a larger hall called 'The Shrine of the Three Hundred Million', filled with brightly coloured images of the various Hindu gods. As you climb up the hill, you come to the ruined city of Mandore with its old palace. The beautiful Maharani's cenotaphs, set apart on a rocky outcrop, are a ten-minute walk over the hill. Today, its extensive gardens with a high rock terrace make it a popular local attraction.
Clock Tower and Sardar Market are among the city's prime attractions. Narrow alleys lead to quaint bazaars selling textiles, antiques, silverware, and handicrafts.
