Are you looking for a unique and serene destination to visit in Rajasthan? Do you want to explore the rich history and culture of the land of kings? If yes, then you should definitely visit Jaswant Thada, a magnificent monument in Jodhpur that will leave you spellbound by its beauty and elegance.
Jaswant Thada is a white marble mausoleum that was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh in 1899 in memory of his father Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur. It is also known as the Taj Mahal of Marwar because of its resemblance to the famous monument in Agra. Jaswant Thada is not only a tribute to the royal legacy of Jodhpur, but also a masterpiece of architecture and art that showcases the skill and craftsmanship of the local artisans.
In this article, we will provide you with all the information and tips you need to visit Jaswant Thada and its nearby attractions. You will learn about its history, architecture, location, timings, entrance fees, things to do, and more. By the end of this article, you will be convinced that Jaswant Thada is a must-see attraction in Jodhpur that you cannot afford to miss.
History of Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh in 1899 in memory of his father Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, who was one of the most popular and beloved rulers of Jodhpur. Maharaja Jaswant Singh II was known for his bravery, generosity, and reforms. He fought against the Mughals and expanded his kingdom. He also built many forts, palaces, temples, and gardens in Jodhpur. He was also a patron of arts and culture and supported many musicians, poets, and painters.
Maharaja Sardar Singh wanted to honor his father’s legacy by building a grand and beautiful monument for him. He chose a site near Mehrangarh Fort, which was the seat of power and pride of Jodhpur. He commissioned local craftsmen to build Jaswant Thada using white marble from Makrana, the same place where the marble for Taj Mahal was sourced from. He also decorated Jaswant Thada with paintings and portraits of his ancestors and other Jodhpur rulers.
Jaswant Thada is not only a mausoleum for Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, but also a royal cremation ground for the Rathore dynasty. Many members of the royal family have been cremated here over the years. Their memorials are scattered around the grounds of Jaswant Thada. There are also some beautiful gardens and gazebos where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery.
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Architecture of Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada is a stunning example of Rajasthani architecture that blends Hindu and Mughal influences. It has a temple-like structure with a central dome and four smaller domes at the corners. The domes are inspired by the Mughal style and have intricate carvings and artwork on them. The main dome has a lotus motif on top that symbolizes purity and divinity.
The walls of Jaswant Thada are made of white marble that is extremely thin and polished. The marble is so translucent that it glows when sunlight falls on it. The walls also have jali work (lattice work) that allows light and air to pass through them. The jali work creates beautiful patterns and shadows on the walls and floors.
The interior of Jaswant Thada is equally impressive as the exterior. It has a spacious hall where the marble cenotaph (empty tomb) of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II is placed on a raised platform. The cenotaph is surrounded by marble pillars that support the dome above it. The walls of the hall have paintings and portraits of Jodhpur rulers that depict their achievements and personalities.
One of the most striking features of Jaswant Thada’s architecture is its contrast with the red steps leading to it. The steps are made of red sandstone that contrasts with the white marble of Jaswant Thada. The steps also offer a panoramic view of Jodhpur city and Mehrangarh Fort.
Another remarkable feature of Jaswant Thada’s architecture is its reflection on the lake below it. The lake is an artificial reservoir that was created by Maharaja Jaswant Singh II to provide water to Jodhpur city. The lake adds to the beauty and tranquility of Jaswant Thada. It also attracts many birds and animals that enhance the natural charm of the place.
How to Reach Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada is located near Mehrangarh Fort, which is one of the most famous attractions in Jodhpur. It is about 5 km away from the city center and can be easily reached by various modes of transportation.
By Air: The nearest airport to Jaswant Thada is Jodhpur Airport, which is about 12 km away. You can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from the airport to Jaswant Thada. The fare and time will depend on the traffic and the route. You can also book a cab online or through an app for convenience and safety.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Jaswant Thada is Jodhpur Junction, which is about 6 km away. You can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from the railway station to Jaswant Thada. The fare and time will depend on the traffic and the route. You can also book a cab online or through an app for convenience and safety.
By Road: The nearest bus stand to Jaswant Thada is Raika Bagh Bus Stand, which is about 4 km away. You can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from the bus stand to Jaswant Thada. The fare and time will depend on the traffic and the route. You can also book a cab online or through an app for convenience and safety.
By Bike or Car: You can also drive your own bike or car to Jaswant Thada. There are parking facilities available near Jaswant Thada. You can follow the signs and directions to reach Jaswant Thada from any part of Jodhpur city.
Timings and Entrance Fees of Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day. There are no exceptions or changes in the timings due to holidays or special occasions.
The entrance fees for Jaswant Thada are as follows:
Indians: Rs. 30 per person
Foreigners: Rs. 50 per person
Children below 10 years: Free
You can also get discounts or concessions if you have valid ID cards or tickets from other attractions in Jodhpur, such as Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, etc.
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Things to Do at Jaswant Thada
There are many things to do at Jaswant Thada that will make your visit memorable and enjoyable. Here are some of them:
Observe the scenery and the wildlife:
Jaswant Thada offers a spectacular view of Jodhpur city and Mehrangarh Fort. You can also see the Aravalli hills and the desert in the distance. You can admire the beauty and serenity of the place and take some amazing pictures. You can also spot some birds and animals that frequent the lake and the trees around Jaswant Thada, such as peacocks, parrots, monkeys, squirrels, etc.
Walk around the grounds and the lake:
Jaswant Thada has a spacious and well-maintained grounds that are ideal for walking and relaxing. You can explore the gardens and gazebos that have different flowers and plants. You can also walk around the lake that reflects Jaswant Thada’s image. You can enjoy the breeze and the sound of water.
Listen to local musicians and folk singers:
Jaswant Thada has a tradition of hosting local musicians and folk singers who perform at the entrance of the monument. They play traditional instruments such as sarangi, algoza, khartal, etc. They also sing folk songs that narrate stories of love, war, heroism, etc. They create a lively and festive atmosphere that attracts many visitors.
Visit the memorials and the cremation ground:
Jaswant Thada is not only a mausoleum for Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, but also a royal cremation ground for the Rathore dynasty. You can visit the memorials of other members of the royal family who have been cremated here over the years. You can learn about their lives and achievements. You can also visit the cremation ground where you can see the ashes and bones of the deceased royals.
Take pictures:
Jaswant Thada is one of the most photogenic places in Jodhpur that will make your Instagram feed look amazing. You can take pictures of Jaswant Thada’s architecture, its contrast with the red steps, its glow during sunlight, its reflection on the lake, etc. You can also take pictures of yourself with Jaswant Thada as a backdrop.
Best Time of The Day To Visit Jaswant Thada
the best time of day to visit Jaswant Thada is either in the morning or in the evening. This is because the temperature is cooler and more pleasant during these hours, and you can avoid the harsh sun and heat of the afternoon.
Moreover, you can also enjoy the beautiful glow of the white marble of Jaswant Thada when it reflects the sunlight or the moonlight. You can also witness the stunning view of Jodhpur city and Mehrangarh Fort from Jaswant Thada during these times.
Jaswant Thada is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day, so you can plan your visit accordingly. The entrance fees are Rs. 30 for Indians and Rs. 50 for foreigners. You can also get discounts if you have tickets from other attractions in Jodhpur, such as Mehrangarh Fort or Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Nearby Attractions of Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada is not only a standalone attraction in Jodhpur, but also a gateway to many other attractions that are worth visiting. Here are some of them:
Mehrangarh Fort:
Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest and most impressive forts in India that stands on a hill overlooking Jodhpur city and the desert. It was built by Rao Jodha in 1459 and has been the home of the Rathore rulers for centuries. It has many palaces, temples, museums, and galleries that display the royal heritage and culture of Jodhpur. It also has many cannons, weapons, armors, and paintings that depict the history and glory of Jodhpur. Mehrangarh Fort is a must-visit attraction in Jodhpur that will awe you with its grandeur and splendor.
Umaid Bhawan Palace:
Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the largest and most luxurious private residences in the world that was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1943. It is also one of the last palaces to be built in India before independence. It has 347 rooms and covers an area of 26 acres. It is divided into three parts: a royal residence, a luxury hotel, and a museum. The palace is made of golden-yellow sandstone and has a blend of Rajasthani and Art Deco styles. It has many features such as a throne room, a ballroom, a library, a swimming pool, a spa, etc. Umaid Bhawan Palace is a royal treat for anyone who wants to experience the opulence and elegance of Jodhpur.
Mandore Garden:
Mandore Garden is a historical and scenic garden that was once the capital of Marwar before Jodhpur. It has many monuments, temples, cenotaphs, and statues that date back to the 6th century. It also has a museum that showcases the artifacts and relics of the Rathore dynasty. The garden is famous for its cenotaphs of Jodhpur rulers that are built in red sandstone and have intricate carvings and designs. The garden is also home to many monkeys, birds, and squirrels that add to its charm and liveliness.
Kaylana Lake:
Kaylana Lake is an artificial lake that was created by Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1872 by damming a river. It is located about 8 km away from Jaswant Thada and covers an area of 84 sq km. It is a popular spot for boating, fishing, birdwatching, and picnicking. It offers a serene and refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It also offers a stunning view of the sunset and the stars at night.
Mahamandir Temple:
Mahamandir Temple is an ancient temple that was built in 1812 by Maharaja Man Singh. It is located about 2 km away from Jaswant Thada and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has 84 pillars that are adorned with carvings and sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses, animals, flowers, etc. The temple also has a hall where yoga and meditation classes are held regularly. The temple is a peaceful and spiritual place where you can seek blessings and solace.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article about Jaswant Thada and its nearby attractions. We hope you learned something new and interesting about this majestic monument in Jodhpur. We hope you are inspired to visit Jaswant Thada and experience its beauty and history for yourself.
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