A TRIP TO REMEMBER - MANDORE GARDENS

While planning for the Jodhpur City, Mandore was never on my list as the reviews I got about it on internet was not that much good. But as the popular idiom says "The book must never be judged by its cover", same happened with me on Mandore. Travelling on the streets of Jodhpur, talking to the localites, one place that everyone mentioned is "Mandore Gardens", 30 kms ahead from Jodhpur City, so being an explorer, my impression quickly turned out to be why not give a try.

So, this became my unplanned trip now, heading out from my comfortable zone, I took a local bus from the bus stand in Jodhpur, I must praise here that Jodhpur city is quite convenient in terms of public transport, one may get buses and autorickshaws easily, though you have to bargain a lot with them.

Heading to Mandore was not only a forced decision by localites, but its collabrated with some mythological fact as well. Firstly, it was the earlier capital of Marwar when Jodhpur was not founded till 14th century and secondly, it is known to be the hometown of Mandodri, wife of Ravana who build this entire town. So, all of these aroused my excitement and led my steps to the Mandore gardens.

Mandore Gardens

The first thing I was greeted with when I entered Mandore is Asian Monkeys (langurs), the herd of them, the taller, the bigger but not at all harmful or dangerous, playing with themselves only, they did not bother anyone so its quite friendly then to walk. The Mandore is used as a picnic spot by the localites nowadays, but moving towards its ancient history, it was used as a cremation ground for the Rathore dynasty before Jaswant Thada was founded, where Chattris were built by their grandsons out of sandstone, magnificent  and masterpiece of architecture after their death. The Chatris or cenotaphs there are so old almost ranging from 11th century to 16th century, so it must be understood how much important place it could be of ancient India.

Cenotaphs inside Mandore Gardens

Carving of various Gods and goddesses on the pillars of cenotaphs

Inspite of cenotaphs, it holds a well stocked museum of the things hold by the rulers, the main attractions are crocodile skin and tiger skin hunted by Rathore rulers. It also consists of a ruined Mandore fort which once used to be a marvellous structure but now only its remains are left. The museum is actually the Janana Pol built by Maharaja Ajit Singh for his queens as a summer residence.

Entrance of Janana pol serving as summer residence of queens

The other attraction is the Hall of Heroes which consists of 16 figures carved out of a single rock commemorating the popular folk heroes of the region. Indeed, it must be an unique experience to see 16 distinguishing figures out of single rock. There is a botanical garden in front as well, a captive hub of birds and flora and a unique blend of Kala Gora Bhairov Temple can be seen here.

Overall, the Mandore gardens is quite beautiful historic place but needs a lot of attention as the gardens are not maintained by the government as they meant to be. With little more attention and care, this could be one of the most amazing place to visit in Jodhpur.

Best time of the day to visit Mandore is in the evenings but before 5 pm as the museum gets closed by 5:30 pm. 

Check about the other places on Jodhpur-Sun City, for more pictures and notifications of the places I used to visit, follow me on my facebook page Apex Shine Travels or on instagram @apexshiningneha