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AN OASIS IN THE PARCHED LAND
Situated 9-kms north of the city of Jodhpur,
is Mandore which, was the capital of Marwar prior to the foundation of
Jodhpur.Today, its extensive gardens with high rock terraces make it a
popular local attraction. The gardens also contain the cenotaphs of
Jodhpur rulers, including Maharaja Jaswant Singh and the largest and
finest of all, the soaring temple-shaped memorial to Maharaja Ajit Singh.
Inhabited
since the late Gupta period (5th-6th century AD), Mandnaya- Pura, the
original capital of Marwar, once had a 10km wall and a population of
50,000. It was captured by the Rathores in 1381AD and effectively
abandoned when the court was transferred to Jodhpur in 1459 AD. The ruins
now stand in lush, shady gardens and are entered via the Ajit Pol, the
gate that was built as a celebration of Ajit Singh’s victory over the
Moghuls in 1707 AD.
It is truly an oasis in the desert with its beautiful laid out gardens.
The sprawling greenery of Peepal, Banyan, Palms and Plantains alongwith
swirling fountains and lovely peacocks make Mandore a visual treat.
PALACES
Pleasure Palace Of Abhai Singh: The pleasure palace of Abhai Singh
now encloses a small museum.
GARDENS
Mandore Gardens:
The extensive gardens with high rock terraces make it a popular local
attraction and a picnic spot of the city. The ruins of the original
capital of Marwar, stand in lush, shady lanscaped gardens and are entered
via the Ajit Pole, the gate that was built in celebration of Ajit Singh’s
victory over the Moghals in 1707 AD. more...
OTHERS
Hall Of Heroes: It is a rock wall with high relief; brightly
painted depictions of local heroes such as Pabuji and Chamunda (1707-49).
'Hall of Heroes' houses sixteen gigantic figures chiselled out of a single
rock and the cenotaphs of the former maharajas of Jodhpur.
Shrine Of 30 Crore Gods: The crowded modern shrine houses 30 crore
Hindu deities, among them Brahma, Lakshmi and Kali, being the most
prominent ones.
Memorials Of Maharaja Jaswant Singh And Ajit Singh: Mandore
remained the royal cremation ground and there are numerous memorial
'chhatris' and temples, both Hindu and Jain, the earliest of which (on the
hill) date from the 8th century. The finest are the memorials of Maharaja
Jaswant Singh (1638-78 AD) and Ajit Singh (1678-1731AD), the second of
whom was cremated along with six queens and 58 concubines.
Ajit Pol: It is the gate that was built as a celebration of Ajit
Singh’s victory over the Moghuls in 1707AD.
LAKES AND GARDENS
Balsamand Lake And Garden: It is a pretty lake with a pleasure or
summer palace on its banks.
MONUMENTS
Ossian: Ossian (also spelt as Osian) is a major site, containing
monuments spanning five centuries of artistic evolution.
Air: The nearest airport is at
Jodhpur, to which regular flights are available from
Delhi , Mumbai, Udaipur and
Jaipur.
Road: Mandore is well connected to the nearby cities by motorable
roads. There is no direct rail connection to the city
Umaid Bhawan Palace, RTDC Hotel Ghoomar, are some of the best accommodations avaialabe in the nearby city of Jodhpur. For paying guest accommodation within Mandore city, Rajasthan Tourist Office can be contacted.
Jodhpur: 9-km
Ossian: 73-km (approx.)
Merta: 113-km (approx.)
| Climate | Maximum | Minimum |
| Summer | 42°C | 27.3°C |
| Winter | 27.5°C | 9.4°C |
| Clothing | Summer : | Light Tropical |
| Winter : | Light Woollen | |
| Nearest City | Jodhpur |