Mandore Gardens

Mandore is best known for the chattris memorialising the rulers of Marwar up until the late 1890s, but until the mid 15th century it was also the capital of Marwar.Unlike most royal chattris which typically have open pavilions, almost all of those at Mandore resemble Hindu temples. Each one has a nameplate stating which maharaja it belongs to next to the steps leading into the building.
The most impressive of these structures is the chattri of Maharaja Ajit Singh (1679 – 1724), with an impressive domed roof and some elegant carvings. Whilst this cluster of buildings is impressive, their setting is sadly not. Mandore Gardens is in a very poor state, littered with rubbish, dried up water features, and garden features rapidly turning to piles of rubble.
“The place has a good garden, beautiful temples but is facing the apathy of government and the people. It is not at all maintained and the fountains have become swamps, gardens are full of weeds and looks like a place for drug peddlers”. The historic buildings are under the maintenance of A.S.I., and they are in a great condition.
A short distance beyond the chattris is the Janana Palace. This was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh as summer residence for his queens. The complex is said to be an impressive example of 18th century architecture.
Some of the rooms of the palace have been adapted as a museum displaying sculptures, inscriptions and decorative objects. Next to the palace is the three storeyed Ek Thamba Mahal, also built by Maharaja Ajit Singh. Just across the path from here is the Hall of Heroes, a much restored colonnade carved into the cliff face depicting images of gods and heroes. Right next to this is a Hindu temple dedicated to 330,000,000 gods. Mandore Gardens is 6km north of Jodhpur on the road to Osian, so if you’re visiting Osian for the day from the city you can easily incorporate it into your plans.