Rajasthan is the land of stunning constructions and structures. And there is so much that you can explore once you are visiting Rajasthan. As a tourist you would find various locations at different cities in Rajasthan. Moreover all these locations reflect the rich past of the region and further depict the heritage and culture of the land as well. One such location that you can visit in Jodhpur is the Toorji Ka Jhalra. The Toorji Ka Jhalra Jodhpur is basically a stepwell and in regions like Rajasthan a construction like this was life changing. Dry and hot areas like Rajasthan always suffer due to unavailability of water and so this stepwell came as a relief as it offered a source of freshwater to the people living there. Currently this is however a popular sightseeing spot in Jodhpur and that is because of the construction and architectural style of this formation.
Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi is an architectural marvel and the finest skill and craftsmanship here is worth mentioning. You can check out the Toorji Ka Jhalra photos to see how grand the structure looks. But unless and until you are visiting there in person you won’t be able to believe how skillful the masons were who created this structure. It certainly reflects the social and cultural condition of the region. And by visiting here you will get a precise idea about the lives of people in dry areas like this too. So keep on reading this article as here I will mention everything that you need to know about this stepwell in Rajasthan. It would be a helpful article for you if you are planning a trip to this stepwell in Jodhpur any time soon.
Toorji Ka Jhalra
Location: 1, Sutharo Ka Bass Road, Gulab Sagar, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Timings: Toorji Ka Jhalra timings are from 12 am to 12 am which is open all day all through the week throughout the year
Entry fee: There is no Toorji Ka Jhalra entry fee. Entry here is free.
How to reach
By air
If you are travelling by air then the nearest airport to reach the stepwell is the Jodhpur Airport. From the airport the location of the Bavdi is 5.8 km away. It would take you about 16 minutes to reach the location from the Jodhpur Airport. It would be convenient if you take local transport like an auto rickshaw to reach this Bavdi. Or else you can also take a cab as well to reach there.
The nearest international airport to reach this Bavdi is the Jaipur International Airport. From Jaipur airport Toorji Ka Jhalra is located 340 km away. It would take you around 6 hours approximately to reach the location. You will get buses to reach Jodhpur from Jaipur easily. Or else you can also take a car or hire a cab as well to travel from Jaipur to reach the stepwell in Jodhpur.
By train
While travelling in a train the nearest railway station to reach the Bavdi is the Jodhpur Railway Station. From the Jodhpur station the Bavdi is located only 1.9 km away. It would hardly take you around 8 to 10 minutes to reach there from the railway station. The railway station in Jodhpur is well connected to major cities and towns and you will be able to reach there easily. From the railway station you will get local transport like an auto rickshaw to reach this Bavdi.
By road
Jodhpur is well connected by roadways to various nearby cities and towns. Moreover buses are also available on this route that you can opt for. If you are travelling from locations like Jaisalmer, Bikaner or Jodhpur you will get buses to reach Jodhpur. Both public and private buses ply on this route so you can opt for that. Or else if you are travelling locally then auto rickshaws here are major modes of transport. So you can opt for that as well to travel without any hassle to reach Bavdi. The location is around 20 minutes away from the city centre of Jodhpur. If you want you can also opt for a car or hire a cab as well to travel to the stepwell from different locations as well.
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Overview of Toorji Ka Jhalra
The Toorji Ka Jhalra Jodhpur is one of the unique locations that you can visit here. It is also a popular tourist spot in Rajasthan that will give you an insight about the days in the past. This is basically a stepwell which Maharani Toorji the Queen of Jodhpur had made in the 18th century. The Jhalra or the stepwell was built in the 1740s by the Queen of Maharaja Abhay Singh. The main idea behind the construction was basically to keep up with the age-old tradition in Jodhpur where royal ladies or queens used to make these stepwells.
What makes the construction of Toorji Ka Jhalra astonishing is the stunning architectural design. You will be able to notice the beautiful architecture by looking at the features of this construction. Furthermore the construction also reflects the age-old architectural style prevalent in the 18th century. It has seven stories with different kinds of designs. The upper wall has beautiful carves in it with stones and marble arches. Also the intricate designs and carvings are truly magnificent.
But not just that, the stepwell is also significant from the cultural point of view as well. It is a very important part of the local culture in the region. And additionally it also reflects the rich history of the area as well. And the finest craftsmanship of the intricate designs are definitely appreciated. This is also one of the perfect locations in Jodhpur where you will be able to enjoy some time in peace. The atmosphere is serene here and the location seems like a perfect location for meditation as well. So if you are in Jodhpur definitely do visit the stepwell to observe a beautiful construction from the past.
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Toorji Ka Jhalra History
Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi is an architectural marvel located in Jodhpur. Built during the 18th century by Maharaja Abhay Singh and his Maharani Toorji the main idea behind this construction was to provide the locals a source of freshwater. Here the walls of the stepwell looks beautiful and has carvings of Gods and Goddesses on it. Furthermore there are depictions of some scenes from the epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana as well. The design of this construction is definitely something that makes it an architectural masterpiece. The design of the well gives an easy access to the water source.
In locations like Rajasthan where the weather is merciless with scorching heat, stepwells were extremely important. And to escape that heat of the desert the construction of stepwells were undeniable. Currently however this is a popular tourist attraction in Jodhpur where people visit to witness this grand construction. The well is also a popular venue for many cultural events as well. For musical events, dance performances, a lot of visitors from across the world come and visit the Toorji Ka Jhalra.
The Toorji Ka Jhalra also reflects the heritage and the socio-cultural condition of the location. It further also reflects the hard work of the local people along with their dedication as well. It depicts how the people in Jodhpur back then found a practical solution to their problems. And therefore the location serves as an iconic landmark in the city. So make sure you are definitely visiting the stepwell in Jodhpur to witness this construction.
Architecture of Toorji Ka Jhalra
What makes this stepwell in Jodhpur an iconic landmark is the ancient engineering skills and its execution. The fine artistry and architectural style of the stepwell reflects a beautiful amalgamation of architectural styles. These are the styles of the Mughals, Marathas and Rajputs. It is a rectangular structure with a flight of stairs that descend to a depth. Toorji Ka Jhalra depth is about 200 feet and is a 7 story structure that is supported by limestone pillars. The top two floors which are at the top are open and they are used as pavilions. The main purpose of building a stepwell like this was to provide freshwater in the region even during situations like drought.
Each of the levels of the step well has long winding stairs connected down to the water. Also there are beautiful balconies, pavilions along with carvings of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. It is an architectural marvel and reflects the brilliant execution as well. But other than that the structure is a masterpiece when it comes to art as well. The artistry and finest craftsmanship of the masons are something that people appreciate even today. The narratives and portrayal of the scenes from the Hindu epics on the walls are also major attractions here.
What’s more?
Furthermore a structure like this also emphasizes on how modern as well as traditional architectural styles can get mixed. And together both the styles created a beautiful and unique structure that is so important in the society. It is undoubtedly one of the architectural heritage sites that you can visit in India. To witness the lives of the people from the bygone eras a visit to this location is a must. You can also visit the Toorji Ka Jhalra Café or the Stepwell Café located just next to the location overlooking the Toorji Ka Jhalra. There is Stepwell Square Jodhpur which is a market in Jodhpur that you can visit here as well. Overall after a visit to this location you will feel enriched so do not miss out on visiting there when you are in Jodhpur.
Wrapping Up!
So that was everything about the Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi and now you can plan a successful trip there soon. Structures like Toorji Ka Jhalra are examples of finest architecture and are standing tall in its glory. These structures have definitely passed the test of time and are still reflecting the age old traditions. Moreover a structure like this stepwell offers a deep insight on how the social life of the people used to be back then. So for everyone who wants to dive deep into the history of a region visiting this location is a must. The architectural marvel is very much a spot that will leave you in awe. So you cannot miss out on visiting the stepwell.
Whenever you are planning a trip to Rajasthan or Jodhpur, just add Toorji Ka Jhalra as a must visit tourist spot. So when are you planning a trip to this stepwell in Rajasthan? And let me know if this article on the stepwell is helpful for you in planning a trip to this location.
