Mandore Garden is a beautiful royal garden located in Mandore, about 9 km away from Jodhpur, Rajasthan. It was once the capital of the Pratihara dynasty and later the seat of the Rathore clan of Rajputs, who ruled over Jodhpur and Marwar. The garden is a part of the historic Mandore Fort, and houses several temples, memorials, and museums. The main attraction of the garden is the royal cenotaphs or chhatris of the Rathore rulers and their family members.
Mandore Garden are built of red sandstone and have intricate carvings and sculptures. The garden also has a hall of heroes and a temple of three hundred million gods that depict the legends and myths of the region. The garden is a popular tourist destination in Jodhpur, and offers a glimpse into the history and culture of Jodhpur and Marwar. Visit during Jodhpur Local Sightseeing By Cab
Location of Mandore Garden
Mandore Garden is located in Mandore, a town in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. Mandore is well-connected by road to Jodhpur and other major cities in Rajasthan. The nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport, which is about 12 km from Mandore. The nearest railway station is Jodhpur Junction, which is about 10 km from Mandore. Mandore Garden can be reached by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus from the airport or railway station. Mandore Garden is also accessible by car from other nearby cities such as Jaipur (340 km), Udaipur (260 km), Jaisalmer (290 km), and Bikaner (250 km).
Opening Timing/ Entry Fees Mandore Garden
Mandore Garden is open to visitors every day from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. There is no entry fee for visiting the garden. However, there is a nominal charge for visiting the museum and using the camera. The museum charges Rs. 50 per person for Indian visitors and Rs. 100 per person for foreign visitors. The camera charges are Rs. 25 for still camera and Rs. 50 for video camera.
Things to Do /Must See Mandore Garden
Mandore Garden has many things to offer to its visitors, such as:
- Visiting the royal cenotaphs: The royal cenotaphs are the most striking feature of Mandore Garden. They are the memorial structures built for the Rathore rulers and their family members who ruled over Jodhpur and Marwar from the 15th to the 20th century. The cenotaphs are made of red sandstone and have domed roofs and pillars. They are decorated with intricate carvings, sculptures, paintings, and inscriptions that depict the life and achievements of the rulers. Some of the notable cenotaphs are those of Maharaja Ajit Singh, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, Maharaja Abhay Singh, Maharaja Bakht Singh, Maharani Chand Kanwarji, and Maharaja Dhiraj Singh.
- Visiting the hall of heroes: The hall of heroes is a rock wall that has 16 figures of local heroes carved out of a single rock. The heroes are depicted as warriors riding on horses or elephants or fighting with swords or spears. They represent the folk heroes and deities of Rajasthan such as Pabuji Rathore, Goga Chauhan, Ramdeoji, Veer Tejaji, etc. The hall of heroes also has paintings that narrate the stories and legends of these heroes.
- Visiting the temple of three hundred million gods: The temple of three hundred million gods is a unique shrine that has images of various Hindu gods and goddesses carved on stone slabs. The images are arranged in rows and columns on the walls and ceilings of the temple. The temple also has idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, Goddess Durga, etc.
- Visiting the museum: The museum is located in the old palace building within Mandore Garden. It displays a collection of artifacts and relics related to the history and culture of Jodhpur and Marwar. The museum has various sections that showcase weapons, armors, coins, pottery, paintings, textiles, manuscripts, and musical instruments. The museum also has a gallery that displays portraits and paintings of the Jodhpur maharajas.
- Exploring the garden and the fort: The garden is a well-maintained green space that has various plants, flowers, trees, and fountains. The garden also has a small lake that adds to its beauty and tranquility. The garden is a part of the historic Mandore Fort, which was built in the 6th century and later expanded by the Pratihara and Rathore dynasties. The fort has several gates, walls, bastions, and ramparts that showcase the defensive and aesthetic features of the fort. The fort also has several ruins of palaces, temples, and courtyards that reflect the glory and grandeur of the past.
Significance of Mandore Garden
Mandore Garden is a significant monument that represents the legacy and heritage of the Rathore clan of Rajputs, who built and ruled over this garden and fort for centuries. The garden is a testimony to their love and respect for their ancestors, as they built and embellished the cenotaphs for their departed rulers. The garden is also a symbol of the art and architecture of the Rajput era, as it showcases the exquisite and intricate sandstone carving and sculpting skills of the artisans. The garden is also a source of inspiration and attraction for many artists, writers, filmmakers, and photographers, who have visited and depicted Mandore Garden in their works.
FAQ’s
Q: How long does it take to visit Mandore Garden?
A: It takes about 2 to 3 hours to visit Mandore Garden, depending on your interest and pace.
Q: Is there any dress code or restriction for visiting Mandore Garden?
A: There is no specific dress code or restriction for visiting Mandore Garden, but visitors are advised to dress modestly and respectfully, as it is a historical and religious site. Visitors are also advised to wear comfortable shoes, as there are some stairs and slopes in the garden and the fort.
Q: Is there any facility for food and water in Mandore Garden?
A: There is no facility for food and water in Mandore Garden, but visitors can bring their own food and water, but they are not allowed to litter or eat inside the cenotaphs or the museum. There are some shops and stalls outside the garden that sell snacks and beverages.
Q: Is there any facility for parking in Mandore Garden?
A: There is a parking lot near the entrance of Mandore Garden, where visitors can park their vehicles for free. The parking lot is managed by the garden authorities and has security guards.
Q: Is there any facility for disabled or elderly visitors in Mandore Garden?
A: There is no facility for disabled or elderly visitors in Mandore Garden, as there is no lift or wheelchair access in the garden or the fort. However, visitors can hire a palanquin or a doli (a seat carried by two or four men) to reach the cenotaphs from the parking lot.
Conclusion
Mandore Garden is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the beauty and history of Jodhpur and Marwar. It is a place where you can witness the royal legacy and tribute of the Rathore rulers, who built and lived in this magnificent garden and fort for centuries. It is a place where you can admire the craftsmanship and creativity of the artisans, who carved and painted this splendid garden with red sandstone. It is a place where you can enjoy the serene and peaceful atmosphere amid the plants and fountains. It is a place where you can feel the spirit and soul of Marwar, which lives on in this glorious garden
