Mandore Garden, Jodhpur

"

Mandore Garden is located about 8 kms north of Jodhpur in Mandore. Mandore was the former capital of Maharajas of Marwar. Later it was abandoned for security concerns regarding the Mehrangarh fort. Its extensive Mandore garden, with high rock terrace, makes it a popular local attraction. Main attractions of the place are hall of Heroes where sixteen huge figures which have been carved out of a single rock, the shrine of 330 million Gods and the royal cenotaphs.

The Mandore Garden, there are the dewals or cenotaphs of Jodhpur's former rulers. Instead of the usual chhatri-shaped cenotaphs typical of Rajasthan, the cenotaphs of the famous Mandore garden are built along the lines of a Hindu temple. They are four stories high, with fine columns and an elegant spire, all in red sandstone. The most impressive dewal is the dewal of Maharaja Ajit Singh. These cenotaphs are set in beautiful landscaped gardens. The cenotaphs of the Maharani are set on a rocky outcrop over the hill. Near to the cenotaphs is the hall of heroes. The hall is dedicated to various deities and Rajput folk heroes. The statues of the deities and heroes we are carved out of rock and painted in bright colors. But one can not miss the caves in crags and the sprawling gardens, which are now shelter place for monkeys and peacocks.