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Jodhpur (State: Rajasthan) has many historical monuments of interest. One of them is Jaswant Thada, located on the long road that takes one to the Mehrangarh Fort. (Click on the images for bigger picture)
This monument is built by Sardar Singh in 1899 in memory of Maharja Jaswanth Singh II. This ornamental cenotaph is entirely built using white marble. It is a traditional cremation ground of Jodhpur rulers.
The above image was taken from the fort. The monument in the empty hilly region is Jaswant Thada.
In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the cenotaphs (chhatris) of 16th century are located on the banks of Betwa river. They are basically tomb erected in honor of a person, whose remains are elsewhere. (Click on the images for bigger picture)
Here the Chhatris are elevated, dome-shaped pavilions. The architecture has elements of Hindu as well as Mughal architecture in them.
The royal chattris are memorials to Bundelkhand's former rulers. One can see series of rows of pale brown weed-choked domes and spires inside a compound on the banks of Betwa river.
In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the cenotaphs (chhatris) of 16th century are located on the banks of Betwa river. They are basically tomb erected in honor of a person, whose remains are elsewhere. (Click on the images for bigger picture)
Here the Chhatris of Bundela dynasty kings are elevated, dome-shaped pavilions. But this unusual cenotaph different in design from rest of the royal cenotaphs caught my attention.
In Shivpuri there is a historic site of Scindia's cenotaphs. In the formal Mughal garden facing each other across a water tank are the cenotaphs (Chhatris) of the Maharaja Madhav Rao Scindia and the Maharani Sakhya Raje Scindia. The cenotaphs are blended with architectural idioms of Hindu and Islamic styles with their shikhara-type spires and Rajput and Mughal pavilions. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)
The King Madhav Rao Scindia cenotaph has the glittering white marble surface inlaid with lapis lazuli and onyx. This creates a spectacularly rich effect.
The memorial contain life-size image of the King. It is rendered extreme devotion by ceremonially dressed retainers who perform the rituals of placing flowers and incense before the statue each day. The above snap of the interiors is taken during the day time.
The above snap was taken during he night when the interiors were lighted. At the far end the statue of the King can be seen.
In Shivpuri there is a historic site of Scindia's cenotaphs. In the formal Mughal garden facing each other across a water tank are the cenotaphs (Chattris) of the Maharaja Madhav Rao Scindia and the Maharani Sakhya Raje Scindia. The cenotaphs are blended with architectural idioms of Hindu and Islamic styles with their shikhara-type spires and Rajput and Mughal pavilions. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)
The queen's cenotaph has a noble dignity of line and superb structural harmony.
The memorial contain life-size image of the Queen. It is rendered extreme devotion by ceremonially dressed retainers who perform the rituals of placing flowers and incense before the statue each day.
Next day we left Jaisalmer in the early morning and reached our next destination Jodhpur in the afternoon. We stayed for 1 night in this place. We could not not spend more time here due to the schedule we had sketched. Another extra half day would have really helped. (Click on the images for bigger view)
Once a major trade center of the 16th century A.D. it is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. While the graceful palaces, forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city. The jumble of wide winding streets are flanked with pavement stalls. It is also referred as the Blue City due to the indigo tinge of the whitewashed houses around the Mehrangarh Fort.
The major attractions in the city are given below:
Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort was built in 15th century by the Rathore Rajputs when they shifted their capital from nearby Mandore to Jodhpur. The architecture is such that, one can not separate the fort from bluff-colored sandstone hill on which it is constructed. Past the gates, the fort-palace takes one's breath away.
Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India. To enter the fort, seven gates have to be crossed. The fort encloses many palaces, which are known for their intricate carvings and sprawling courtyards.
Jaswant Thada
The Jaswant Thada, is located on the long road that takes one to the fort. It is the traditional cremation ground of the rulers of Jodhpur.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
We reached this place at 6 p.m and the gates were closed for us. The snap here is from my friend. If one wishes to visit this place be here before 5 p.m. After 5 p.m the gates are closed for visitors and they are allowed nowhere near the gates.From Jodhpur we traveled to Ranakpur, the temple town of Rajasthan.
Distance: Jodhpur ---> Ranakpur 180 kms
P.S: December is the month when lot of tourists land in Rajasthan. So if you really want all the arrangements to be done properly this has to be done before October end.
After completing the tour of the Havelis we moved ahead to see other attractions that this city has to offer. The city has lot beautiful lake and cenotaphs that are a must watch. Tazia Tower
The delicate pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace). Rising in its five-tiered splendor, with each story graced by a delicately carved balcony, the tower is of historical significance. Muslim craftsmen built it in the shape of a Tazia and gifted to their royal patron. Tazia’s are ornately decorated bamboo, paper and tinsel replicas of a bier carried in procession during Mohurram.
Gadisar Lake
Gadisar is a man made reservoir in Jaisalmer built in the 1700s. This tank outside the city walls, once held the town's water supply, and, befitting its importance in providing precious water to the inhabitants of this arid city, is surrounded by small temples and shrines. A wide variety of waterfowl flock here in winter.
The tank was built by Maharaja Gadsi Singh, taking the advantage of a natural declivity that already retained some water.
The main gate that leads to the lake was unknowingly built by prostitutes, and so, noble people never pass under it, but rather use a rather humble step path to the right, under the tree.
Royal Cenotaphs
These monuments are located on Ramgarh Road 6kms from Jaisalmer. These cenotaphs also known as chattris and were constructed by the various Bhatti rulers. One cenotaph has been erected for each ruler. The oldest among them is the cenotaphs of Maharawal Jait Singh who reigned from 1470-1506. This tradition was discontinued when in 1947, one of the prince died of a mysterious disease. This was taken as a bad omen and thus this tradition came to its end.
We next move ahead to desert area to explore Sam Sand Dunes . P.S: December is the month when lot of tourists land in Rajasthan. So if you really want all the arrangements to be done properly this has to be done before October end.
Apart from the Junagarh Fort, Bikaner has lot to offer to the tourists.
The other major attractions here are: Devi Kund
Eight Kilometers east of Bikaner, this is the site of royal chatris of many of the Bika dynasty rulers. The royal crematorium has several exquisite cenotaphs (Chatris). Each Chatri is dedicated to the memory of rulers of Bikaji dynasty and is situated on the exact place where they were cremated. There are beautiful paintings on the interior of the chatris inside the dome. The paintings even today appear very fresh.
A sample of one of the interiors of the dome can be seen below.
That is for the tourist attractions of Bikaner. Apart sight seeing in the city we went around the streets of the city in the market area. You will find lot of sweet stalls or bakery's around. Bikner is famous for Bikaner Bhujia. It is a spicy snack made from moth dal, spices and edible oil. There are lot of varieties in them. We purchased quite a few varieties for te rest of the trip.
From Bikaner we traveled to Jaisalmer, the Golden City.
Distance: Bikaner ---> Jaisalmer is 333 kms
P.S: December is the month when lot of tourists land in Rajasthan. So if you really want all the arrangements to be done properly this has to be done before October end.
Each of them are erected in memory of rulers of Bikaji dynasty and is situated on the exact place where they were cremated. These marble cenotaphs reflect the Rajputana style of architecture. 
The cenotaph of Maharajah Surat Singh is very intricately designed. There are beautiful miniature frescoes on the ceiling of this inside the dome. The paintings even today appear very fresh.
Tour of Bikaner is incomplete without a visit to this place.
This monument is built by Sardar Singh in 1899 in memory of Maharja Jaswanth Singh II. This ornamental cenotaph is entirely built using white marble. It is a traditional cremation ground of Jodhpur rulers.
The above image was taken from the fort. The monument in the empty hilly region is Jaswant Thada. 
Here the Chhatris are elevated, dome-shaped pavilions. The architecture has elements of Hindu as well as Mughal architecture in them.
The royal chattris are memorials to Bundelkhand's former rulers. One can see series of rows of pale brown weed-choked domes and spires inside a compound on the banks of Betwa river.
Here the Chhatris of Bundela dynasty kings are elevated, dome-shaped pavilions. But this unusual cenotaph different in design from rest of the royal cenotaphs caught my attention.
The King Madhav Rao Scindia cenotaph has the glittering white marble surface inlaid with lapis lazuli and onyx. This creates a spectacularly rich effect.
The memorial contain life-size image of the King. It is rendered extreme devotion by ceremonially dressed retainers who perform the rituals of placing flowers and incense before the statue each day. The above snap of the interiors is taken during the day time.
The above snap was taken during he night when the interiors were lighted. At the far end the statue of the King can be seen. 
The queen's cenotaph has a noble dignity of line and superb structural harmony.
The memorial contain life-size image of the Queen. It is rendered extreme devotion by ceremonially dressed retainers who perform the rituals of placing flowers and incense before the statue each day.
Once a major trade center of the 16th century A.D. it is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. While the graceful palaces, forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city. The jumble of wide winding streets are flanked with pavement stalls. It is also referred as the Blue City due to the indigo tinge of the whitewashed houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. 
Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India. To enter the fort, seven gates have to be crossed. The fort encloses many palaces, which are known for their intricate carvings and sprawling courtyards. 
The Jaswant Thada, is located on the long road that takes one to the fort. It is the traditional cremation ground of the rulers of Jodhpur. 
The delicate pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace). Rising in its five-tiered splendor, with each story graced by a delicately carved balcony, the tower is of historical significance. Muslim craftsmen built it in the shape of a Tazia and gifted to their royal patron. Tazia’s are ornately decorated bamboo, paper and tinsel replicas of a bier carried in procession during Mohurram.
The tank was built by Maharaja Gadsi Singh, taking the advantage of a natural declivity that already retained some water.
These monuments are located on Ramgarh Road 6kms from Jaisalmer. These cenotaphs also known as chattris and were constructed by the various Bhatti rulers. One cenotaph has been erected for each ruler. The oldest among them is the cenotaphs of Maharawal Jait Singh who reigned from 1470-1506. This tradition was discontinued when in 1947, one of the prince died of a mysterious disease. This was taken as a bad omen and thus this tradition came to its end.
Eight Kilometers east of Bikaner, this is the site of royal chatris of many of the Bika dynasty rulers. The royal crematorium has several exquisite cenotaphs (Chatris). Each Chatri is dedicated to the memory of rulers of Bikaji dynasty and is situated on the exact place where they were cremated. 
