Jodhpur
Chokhelao Garden
The Chokhelao garden sits at the foot of the Mehrangarh Fort. This over two hundred year old garden has recently been restored, complete with the scents, sounds and textures of a garden of eighteenth century Marwar.
The garden today, as in the past, is truly a celebration of nature as it captures the changing colours of the seasons in the upper terrace of flowerbeds. It is equally magical for night viewing when the mehtab bagh or moonlight garden laid out in the lower terrace comes alive with the white flowers of chandni (Tabernaemontana coronaria) and the sweet smelling kamini (Maurya exotia). While paintings capture the activities in the garden in the form of music and dance performances in pavilions and terraces within the garden, romantic interludes in the shade of trees of the orchard area, holding durbans on platform under colourful awnings, the garden today houses a restaurant in the upper most terrace, which enjoys the spectacular view of the garden and the ramparts of the city of Jodhpur beyond. Visit this gem of a garden and carry back the sensuous experience of eighteenth century Rajput garden.
The garden today, as in the past, is truly a celebration of nature as it captures the changing colours of the seasons in the upper terrace of flowerbeds. It is equally magical for night viewing when the mehtab bagh or moonlight garden laid out in the lower terrace comes alive with the white flowers of chandni (Tabernaemontana coronaria) and the sweet smelling kamini (Maurya exotia). While paintings capture the activities in the garden in the form of music and dance performances in pavilions and terraces within the garden, romantic interludes in the shade of trees of the orchard area, holding durbans on platform under colourful awnings, the garden today houses a restaurant in the upper most terrace, which enjoys the spectacular view of the garden and the ramparts of the city of Jodhpur beyond. Visit this gem of a garden and carry back the sensuous experience of eighteenth century Rajput garden.
Daulat Khana Chowk
The Daulat Khana itself: a three-storey building with arched openings on all levels (this is the front of the building whose rear balconies were glimpsed earlier from the outwork below). Built in the early 18th century by Ajit Singh, it was called by him Ajit Vilas. Its present name (which dates from the early 19th century) literally means ‘wealth store’ and is a term that is often used to indicate a treasury, but sometimes (as here) indicates the most prestigious royal apartment. The ground floor is an audience hall or main reception room; the middle storey contains Ajit Singh’s personal apartment and sleeping chamber; and the top storey was an open terrace with pavilions, a place for recreation.
Phul Mahal
The Phul Mahal, situated over the ‘armoury’. Abhay Singh, son of Ajit, constructed a grand and highly ornamented reception room, in the mid-18th century. Its function is different from his father’s audience hall on lower level of the Daulat Khana. This elevated room is less accessible, and would not have been used for receiving outside visitors, but for more restricted (if still formal) male assemblies. It was probably intended as a private audience hall, where the ruler could confer with his thakurs and ministers, and perform certain personal rituals, such as the celebration of birthdays. Being open to the breeze, the room could also have served for some leisure pursuits such as listening to music.
Maidan – (Parade Ground)
Maidan literally means ground - situated at the foothills of Mehrangarh - the ground provides the most spectacular views of the fort midst the rugged impregnable walls.
The festival is proud to present the centre stage at this beautiful venue, used for the first time for such an event.
The festival is proud to present the centre stage at this beautiful venue, used for the first time for such an event.
Ramparts
The historic high walls of the fort with bastions, today lined with cannons offer spectacular views of the city and beyond.
The festival guests get exclusive access to a view of the blue city like no other in Jodhpur.
The festival guests get exclusive access to a view of the blue city like no other in Jodhpur.
Bhure sa ki mazzar – (Dargah)
Bhure sa a warrior in the army of Jodhpur died fighting - he is immortalized with his mazzar right at the entrance of Mehrangarh.
The festival offers a tribute to the legendary warriors through qawwalli.
The festival offers a tribute to the legendary warriors through qawwalli.
Mataji Temple
This temple is devoted to the family deity of the ruling dynasty of Jodhpur - Nagnecha Mataji.
The festival celebrates the temple with sacred music in this sacred setting.
The festival celebrates the temple with sacred music in this sacred setting.
Zenana Deodi
The inner sanctum of the palace once guarded by eunuchs, this is where the Maharaja's wives whiled away their days. The delicate sandstone screens and carvings are exquisite.
Chokhelao Mahal Courtyard
An intimate courtyard with arched hallways and wall paintings, lends beautifully for any performance with excellent acoustics.
