Mandore is an ancient town, and was the seat of the Pratiharas of Mandavyapura, who ruled the region in the 6th century CE. Even after the disintegration of the Gurjara-Pratihara empire, a Pratihara family continued to rule at Mandore. This family formed an alliance with the Rathore chief Rao Chunda (r. c. 1383-1424) to defend its chiefdom against the Tughluq dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. Rao Chunda married a Pratihara princess of Mandore, and received the Junagarh Fort in dowry; the Fort served as his family's capital until 1459 CE, when Rao Jodha shifted it to the newly-founded city of Jodhpur.

                                       

Rao Ranmal Rathore secured the throne of Mandore in 1427. In addition to ruling Mandore, Rao Ranmal also became the administrator of Mewar to assist Maharana Mokal (father of Rana Kumbha). After the assassination of Maharana Mokal in 1433, Ranmal continued as administrator of Mewar at the side of Rana Kumbha. In 1438, Rana Kumbha decided to end the power sharing arrangement and had Rao Ranmal assassinated in Chittor and captured Mandore. Rao Jodha, son of Rao Ranmal, escaped towards Marwar. Approximately 700 horsemen accompanied Rao Jodha as he escaped from Chittor. Fighting near Chittor and a valiant attempt to bar the pursuers at Someshwar Pass resulted in heavy losses amongst Jodha's warriors. When Jodha reached Mandore he had only seven people accompanying him. Jodha collected whatever forces he could, abandoned Mandore and pressed on towards Jangalu. Jodha barely managed to reach safety at Kahuni (a village near present day Bikaner). For 15 years Jodha tried in vain to recapture Mandore. Jodha's opportunity to strike finally came in 1453 with Rana Kumbha facing simultaneous attacks by the Sultans of Malwa and Gujarat. Jodha made a surprise attack on Mandore. Jodha's forces overwhelmed the defenders and captured Mandore with relative ease. Jodha and Kumbha eventually settled their differences in order to face their common enemies, the Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat.

"Mantri Karam Chand Vanshavali Prabandh", written by Jaysom Uppadhyay, states that Bachhraj, also known as Vatsraj was not only a very religious person but a very brave and gallant warrior in Patan (Anilpura). He is a descendant of Raja Sagar, a Deora Chauhan of Delwara. During mid-15^th century, on being invited, Bachharaj submitted his services to the Chief of Mandore (later Jodhpur) Rao Jodha, where he was appointed Dewan as he was an able administrator and a strategist. Rao Jodha, then, for the first time, allowed Bachchraj and other Oswals to take part in commanding armies. A holy man sensibly advised Rao Jodha to move the capital to hilltop safety. The construction of the fort thus begun by Rao Jodha in 1459, under the supervision of Dewan Bachhraj and thus Jodhpur was founded. The fort was completed by Maharaja Jaswant Singh (1637–1680). The new fort was named Mehrangarh Fort and situated on a 125 m high hill, is among the most impressive and formidable forts in Rajasthan.

The lake is situated between igneous rock land formations. It receives its water from Hati Nehar (translation: elephant canal), which is further connected to the Indra Gandhi canal. The natural vegetation here mostly consists of Babool trees (Acacia nilotica), and various migratory birds such as Siberian cranes are seen here in the winter season. The city of Jodhpur and all the surrounding towns and villages depend on Kaylana lake as a source of drinking water.

This white marbled architecture is a memorial site of a Rajput clan. This cenotaph was built in the 19th century by Maharaja Sardar Singh in the memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur.

                             

One should visit this memorial, which has a temple like architecture, on their tour to Jodhpur. Jaswant Thada is a perfect example of architectural brilliance. The architecture is made of white marbles which are so fine that the outer surface of the whole building emits a warm glow during sunlight. Currently it exhibits a variety of paintings and portraits of Jodhpur rulers.

                      

Mehrangarh Fort holds the pride of place in Jodhpur because of its splendid architecture and the diverse history associated with it. Considered as one of the most formidable and magnificent forts of Rajasthan, Mehrangarh fort was built by Rao Jodha in the year 1459. The fort is spread over an area of 5 km and is built on 125 m high hill in the outskirts of Jodhpur city.

There are seven gates, which can be used to enter the Mehrangarh fort. These 7 gates are made by different rulers, and are built in honour of victory over Bikaner and Jaipur armies.

One can see the panoramic view of the Jodhpur city from this fort, which seems like a blue carpet laid at the foot of a hill. Every ruler of Jodhpur has contributed in the making of this fort. Within the fort one can see the magnificent palaces. The main palaces located in the Mehrangarh Fort are Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Zenana Dude, Takht Vilas and Jhanki Mahal. There are also two temples located inside the fort - Chamundi Devi Mandir and Nagnechiaji Mandir, dedicated to Goddess Durga and the Kuldevi respectively.

There is also a museum within the Mehrangarh fort, which exhibits a rich collection of palanquins, musical instruments, royal cradles, costumes, arms, furniture and paintings.

Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur is a marvel built by Maharaja Umaid Singh of Rathore Dynasty. The youngest palace of India is an architectural splendor, marvelous heritage hotel of Jodhpur and a true royal experience. Built on sprawling grounds of 26 acres, the royal residence is perched high above the Blue City of Rajasthan. Only 4 kilometers from the Jodhpur Airport and 5 kilometers from the Jodhpur Railway Station, the royal home is a magnificent crown of the desert city. Also known as Chittar Palace, interesting stories are hidden in the premises of the golden-yellow monument. The glorious heritage and hospitality is kept alive by the Taj Hotels Group who own a part of the palace pampering guests with exquisite delights. The imperial palace is no doubt breathtaking but would you not like to know some lesser known secrets?

                                

Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace is the last royal palace built before the Independence of India. Its foundations were laid in 1929 and completed in 1943. Four years after the palace’s completion, the country became a free sovereignty. Independent India had no royal kingdoms, only their lavish homes remained. Maharaja Gaj Singh, the descendant of Maharaja Umaid Singh still resides here. Wouldn’t you love to meet a Maharaja and his family?

Maharaja Umaid Singh had a vision to create the largest private residence in the world. For the luxury home, the Maharaja hired the British engineer, H.V. Lancaster, contemporary of Sir Edward Lutyens who planned the buildings of the New Delhi government complex. The Chittar Sandstone has been used for the outer structure. The inner architecture is a combination of lndo-Saracenic, Classical Revival and Western Art Deco styles designed in Makrana marble and Burmese teak wood. The exotic frescoes of the palace are painted by Polish artist, J.S. Norblin.

Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace is spread over 26 acres of lush grounds including 15 acres of well-kept lush gardens. The royal residence has 347 rooms, an exquisite throne chamber, an exclusive private meeting hall, a Durbar Hall to meet the public, a vaulted banquet hall, private dining halls, a ball room, a library, an indoor swimming pool and spa, a billiards room, four tennis courts, two unique marble squash courts and long passages. The gardens of the beautiful property have peacocks freely roaming around. Views of Mehrangarh Fort and other attractions of Jodhpur can also be seen.

Don’t lose your way while exploring. It’s a maze of history, heritage and memories. Every corner has numerous stories to narrate.

The Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur is part palace, part hotel and part museum.

Royal Residence: The Chittar Sandstone monument has two major wings. One wing is entirely the home of the Rathore Dynasty of Jodhpur. They live their imperial lifestyle away from prying eyes. Maharaja Gaj Singh, grandson of Maharaja Umaid Singh till date resides here with family.

Taj Hotel: The Taj Hotel Group owns and maintains the other wing of the palace. They have under their dominion, 64 accommodations compromising of 25 rooms and 39 suites. The rooms/ suites are categorized as Maharani Suite, Maharaja Suite, Royal Suite, Regal Suite and Deluxe Rooms. The ostentatious rooms have retained the historic charm. Many family portraits, leopard skins and stuffed animal heads are seen. The hotel rooms are blessed with picturesque scene of gardens where magnificent peacocks stroll around. The hotel indulges guests with elegant dining. Indian fares, multi cuisine la carte options and gourmet drinks of fine wines from various countries are available. Spa and yoga studio pamper guests with rejuvenating sessions. The hotel is a luxury experience in the modern times with glories of the regal era.

Museum: The grand property houses a museum. Open for all, here are some marvelous specimens. The museum has exhibits of glass, porcelain wares, memorabilia, and information on the building of the palace. The unique allures are the stuffed leopards, an enormous symbolic flag gifted to Maharaja Jaswant Singh by Queen Victoria in 1877, an impressive collection of clocks in interesting windmill and light house shapes, and photographs of the graceful art-deco interior of the palace. The classic cars of the Maharajas are also on display. A part of the museum, Darbar Hall, has elegant murals, miniature paintings, armors and a rare collection of expensive household paraphernalia of 1930s.

4. Built for a noble cause rather than luxury.

The building of Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace has an interesting tale behind it. Once in the 1920s, famine struck Jodhpur then known as Marwar. The troubled people came for help to Maharaja Umaid Singh. His Royal Highness (the grandfather of the present Maharaja) generously commissioned a new palace to give employment to the people. The expensive venture employing the needy was not only a beautiful private residence but a symbol of hope and the new icon of Jodhpur replacing the Mehrangarh Fort. The venture was constructed from 1928 and 1943 giving the hard working people enough to survive the bad times.

5. The Grandest Hotel Experience.

Umaid Bhawan Palace became a part of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces in 2005 January. Taj having its legacy of hospitality, was the perfect choice to uphold the royal tradition of the luxurious Umaid Bhawan Palace and extend its indulgent hotel experience.

The 64 accommodation allotted to the property are no short of royal pleasure. From the modern facilities, the old world charm and the mesmeric views, the hospitality in unparalleled. The hotel pampers guest with lavish dining, spa & wellness and leisure. For the royal dining, ‘Risala’ a la carte restaurant serves wide range of cuisine from across the regions. ‘Sunset Pavilion” is an old charm hangout to savor the royal barbeque and drinks. It is the highest point to enjoy a drink in Jodhpur. ‘The Pillars’ is a comfy coffee shop with delicious pastries, sandwiches and sweets. Relish a steaming cup of hot coffee while enjoying a spectacular view of the Jodhpur city.

‘The Trophy Bar’ is a well-stocked bar serving wide range of exotic drinks. To pamper your senses, Taj Hotels offers the pampering services of Jiva Spa. The spa and wellness centre specializes in Indian beauty and Ayurvedic treatments. Rejuvenating body massages and therapies in the serene ambiance of the spa is available for all guests. The in-house yoga studio provides classes with a yoga master who has studied with legendary Deepak Chopra. The ostentatious hotel experience of royalty can be relished in the magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace.