A visit to Rajasthan means you would be overwhelmed with the constructions there. The city is like a living museum with so many palaces, forts, buildings and monuments. Each of them holds so much in them. Not just that, these constructions still speak for the extravagant and opulent lifestyle of the Rajasthani and Rajput royal families. One such brilliant site is the Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur. If you talk about grace and exquisiteness then you can spell Jaswant Thada. Furthermore, the unique structure, the detailed artwork, and the intricate detailing put into the making of this structure speaks for itself.
Even today, a monument like this is standing tall in its own glory. So whenever you are in Rajasthan or in Jodhpur this is one of the must visit sites for you. Make sure you are adding this location in your itinerary. And keep on reading this article because this one will be a helpful read for you if you are planning a visit there. I have added every piece of information that you might need to plan a successful visit to Jaswant Thada Jodhpur. So read up and enrich yourself.
Jaswant Thada Jodhpur
Location of Jaswant Thada Jodhpur: Lawaran, Near Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Jaswant Thada timings: 9 am to 5 pm on all days
Entry fee: The Jaswant Thada Entry fee is different for both Indians and foreigners. For the Indians Jaswant Thada Ticket price is Rs. 30 the ticket price is Rs. 50 for the foreigners.
If you are looking for a guided tour then there is a rate for that too. For up to 4 people the charge for a guide is Rs. 100, for up to 15 people the rate is Rs. 135, for more than 15 people up to 30 people the rate is Rs. 170. The rate varies like this on the basis of how many people are booking the tour.
Additionally there are parking charges as well. For a bus it is Rs. 50, for a mini bus it is Rs. 40 and for Car or a jeep it is Rs. 30.
How to reach Jaswant Thada Jodhpur
By air
Jodhpur Airport is the closest if you want to reach here. From there you can take an auto rickshaw or even a cab to reach Jaswant Thada. It is only 6 km away.
By road
There are many buses to Jodhpur and Rajasthan from the nearby cities. Furthermore Jodhpur is well connected by roadways. You can even drive through to reach Jaswant Thada.
By train
The Jodhpur railway station is the nearest and it is connected to major cities. From the station you can take cabs to reach Jaswant Thada.
Best time to visit Jaswant Thada
From the months of October to March weather wise it is the ideal time to visit here. Also around this time just after monsoon the place looks beautiful as the greenery elevates and more flowers bloom in the garden. Furthermore, the sky is also clear this time so you can enjoy the beautiful views. However, you should avoid visiting the location during summer months though. As Rajasthan is very hot and humid, summers most of the time are unbearable and you won’t get to enjoy well at that time due to excessive heat. So plan accordingly.
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About Jaswant Thada Jodhpur
This is an exquisite piece of art in the heart of Jodhpur. Jaswant Thada is an exquisite marble architectural piece in Rajasthan. Furthermore, it is also one of the monuments in Rajasthan that upholds the traditional Rajasthani style of architecture. Jaswant Thada Jodhpur is a memorial built and dedicated to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Entirely made of marble, this monument is often compared to the stunning Taj Mahal. Furthermore, due to the striking resemblance of this structure with Taj Mahal it is also called the Taj Mahal of Marwar.
The grandeur of this structure oozes out an opulent charm that is very much a part of the Rajasthani culture. This is one such monument in Rajasthan that stands out amongst other constructions. Its uniqueness makes it even more special. Additionally, the elaborate marble cravings, the aesthetic design and the intricate wall carvings look stunning and classy at the same time. This is one of the most visited tourist spots in Rajasthan as well as in Jodhpur. It is a living example of the grand lives of the Rajputs and how spectacular their lifestyles had been in the past.
At present the Jaswant Thada Rajasthan is maintained by the Mehrangarh Museum Trust. The main purpose of the structure today is to let people know about the history of Marwar through various portraits and information. Furthermore, a lot of music festivals and concerts like the World Sacred Spirit Festival and the Rajasthani International Folk Festival are held here.
History of Jaswant Thada Jodhpur
Rajasthan is an old city with innumerable forts, palaces and historic monuments. Among them one of the most unique architectural brilliance is the Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur. This iconic monument was built in the year 1899. It was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh in the loving memory of his father Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Basically this monument was built as a cremation ground for the members of the royal family. It is said that famous architect Lallu Lal had built this monument. This splendid structure entirely made of marble looks exquisite in its appearance. In recent times this is a popular tourist destination. After the construction of this place was completed in 1899 it was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. It was also one of the very first monuments in India that was inaugurated by Gandhiji.
Read More: Nahargarh Fort Jaipur Timings, Photos, Sheesh Mahal, Entry Fees
Architecture of Jaswant Thada Jodhpur
If we can cite examples of the rich Rajasthani heritage and culture through its craftsmanship then the name of Jaswant Thada Rajasthan would come in the upper section of the list. Amidst the Thar Desert this structure is made with pure white marbles. Furthermore built in traditional Rajasthani style of architecture, the monument has many domes. With beautiful carvings on the walls the intricate work looks splendid. There is very fine lattice work done on the arches that is one of the styles in Rajasthani style of architecture. The domes are also intricately carved and decorated with Jali work on it. You can also see some bits of Mughal architecture mixed with the style of Rajasthani architecture. From all the intricate detailing you can notice an amalgamation of both the styles of architecture.
Furthermore, there is a large archway at the entrance of the monument. From there the way leads to a large courtyard. And from there a major portion of the monument is visible and you can notice the intricate artwork as well. Further, from here you can see a number of chambers as well. However since the Jaswant Thada is a memorial the cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II is the main feature of this structure. The cenotaph of Maharaja is covered in canopy. Further the cenotaph is surrounded by the cenotaphs of the wives of Maharaja. The cenotaph gets illuminated with the sunrays during the morning and with moonlight at night. It has beautiful lattice work and intricate carvings done on top of it.
Moving on, the interiors of the structure are equally enticing. The main hall is supported by 12 pillars on all sides. This is where the cenotaph of Maharaja is. Along with that there are portraits of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II along with his ancestors. The ceiling is carved intricately. There are huge chandeliers that hang from there giving a royal look to the structure.
Furthermore, you can notice very high walls around the whole structure. There is also a garden in front with a large pond at the centre. The green lawn looks captivating with beautiful colourful flowers.
Things to remember before visiting the Jaswant Thada Jodhpur
You must go closer to the carvings. As close as you get you will be able to observe how gorgeous and intricate these works are.
You can see many squirrels and colourful birds here. Also the lake has a few ducks swimming in the water.
You will have to walk a lot here, so make sure you are wearing comfortable footwears.
Stay hydrated as there will be a lot of up and down. Especially if you are visiting during hot months make sure you are hydrated to the optimum level.
The Mehrangarh Fort is located nearby. So on your trip to Jaswant Thada, try to cover the Mehrangarh Fort As well.
Do not forget to take lots of pictures. Very recently they have made the entry of cameras free. So now without any additional charges you can carry your cameras inside and take beautiful pictures of this gorgeous location.
To reach the cenotaph you will have to climb a little up. So be prepared for that short climb.
To enter the cenotaph you will have to remove your shoes. This is a way to show respect to the deceased.
Carry a hat, or umbrella and sunglasses to save yourself from the sun. Rajasthan is in itself a humid state, so you must be ready to fight the sun and the heat.
Wear sunscreen on all exposed parts of your body. This is a must.
Try to wear cotton outfits. This way it would be more comfortable for you.
You can enjoy a nice view of the Mehrangarh Fort and the Umaid Bhawan Palace from here.
The whole structure is built with marble. However it is said that the marbles are polished slightly from top to give it a more glistening effect as the sun rays hit the structure.
Jaswant Thada looks even more beautiful during the sunset. With the change of colour of the sun the structure also changes its colour. With the greenery in its backdrop it looks like a beautiful contrast of white and green. And with the sunset the rays of the setting sun falls on the marble and it glistens in that light.
It is said that while the last rites of Maharaja were taking place a peacock deliberately jumped onto the funeral pyre. Later a memorial was created here and dedicated to the peacock.
I can guarantee that the Jaswant Thada Photos do not do justice to how beautiful it looks in reality. You need to observe such a masterpiece from up close and not in photographs. I am sure you will be mesmerized by this beautiful place. Whenever you are in Rajasthan you must plan a visit to this location. Furthermore, the artistic brilliance of a place like this definitely deserves some special love and attention. You must add this place in your itinerary when you are visiting Jodhpur. Do let me know if you are excited already to visit this place. And also let me know if this article was helpful for you or not. If you are visiting here make sure you are coming back here and let me know about your experience. I would love to know that.
