Jodhpur Tours, Rajasthan

Located at a distance of 5 kms to the north of the Jodhpur city is the Bal Samand lake. Built in 1159, Bal Samand is an artificial lake; the source of city's water supply. Surrounded by lush gardens, the lake is the site of the red sandstone building of the Bal Samand Palace.

The palace, a brilliant example of the fine Rajput architecture, was built as a spot for royal recreation and holiday. It was recently converted into a Welcom Heritage Hotel featuring all modern amenities and facilities. A bird sanctuary and public park have been created here which provide excellent excursion spots.

The Umaid Bhavan Palace is an oasis in the endless deserts of Rajasthan, and rises out of the dunes and barrenness that characterises much of this north-western state. The palace took 16 years to be built and was a project to give employment to people during the severe famine. The dome of the palace is only one of it's kind in Rajasthan. The palace houses 300 rooms, has it's own theatre, 8 dinning rooms and a banquet hall which can hold 300 seated people. Ballroom has also been built to cater to the westernized royal lifestyle. The palace also contains an indoor swimming pool with a mosaic of zodiac symbols. The royal family still resides in a part of this palace and the rest has been converted into a hotel and a museum.

Turned into a hotel in 1977 by maharaja Gaj Singh and Welcomgroup, the impression one has of Umaid Bhavan is that it has innumerable rooms, but those available to guests only total 47. Parts of the palace have been converted into a museum, exhibiting objects from an era long past. The Umaid Bhavan Palace celebrated it's golden jubilee in 1993.

The Meherangarh fort, meaning the 'majestic fort', is set on a 125 mt high hill which can be accessed by a winding road uphill. The majestic for, built in 1806, is one of greet hilltop forts and can be seen from the surrounding part of the city. The medieval charm is displayed in the exquisitely carved panels and porches and the decorated walls and windows of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana. Meherangarh has it's own architectural appeal, such as brilliant stained glass, that creates vibrant mosaics on the floors, with the passage of the sun through the day. The palace in this fort has it's own peculiar style. The only means to access royal residences are the narrow staircases built within. The fort still houses a collection of musical instruments palanquins, furniture and cannons.

The well situated Meherangarh almost appears impressible. The battlements are set 400 ft above the hill. It has three gates, each built to commemorate a victory as well as to reinforce the fort.