Museums in Jodhpur

History and its preservation are something that every culture aspires towards, to feel connected to their glorious past, and to be able to trace back to their roots. The Rajputana culture and history, has been at the center of fables and much intrigue and for those who love history, it is the stuff that dreams are made of. 

Being a historically significant city, Jodhpur, has a rich royal and cultural history to its name, and it has been preserved in the major museums in the city. One can see the Rajputana culture, and artifacts in their royal demeanor in these museums and for a moment be transported in time, imagining the land as it was in those times.

Sardar Government Museum, located in Ummed Park (Public Park) on the High Court Road, was established in 1909, but formally opened to the public in 1936. The museum has been named after Maharaja Sardar Sigh of Jodhpur and was established by the then Maharaja of Jodhpur, Maharaja Umaid Singh. The credit for the brilliant architecture of the museum goes to famous Edwardian architect, Henry Vaughan Lanchester, who also designed the Umaid Bhavan Palace.

The museum boasts of a fantastic collection of art, crafts, miniature portraits, fabrics, weapons etc. which are reminiscent of the royal Rajputana era. There is also a section of taxidermy in which many animals and birds are displayed in glass cases. A separate section is devoted to the display of military equipment such as battleships and wooden plane models.

It is fascinating to learn about the armory used in that age and the battle techniques that the Rajputana warriors were famed for. The Collection at the museum consists of 397 stone sculptures, 1951 miniature paintings, 32 metallic artifacts, 12 terracotta artifacts, 10 inscriptions, 178 arms, almost 111703 coins, 4107 other miscellaneous objects, compiled in their armory, historical, art and craft section.

One can also visit the Public Library and the Zoo, which are within the Ummed Park complex.

Entry Timings:
10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. every day of the week except Friday

Entry Fee:
Rs. 20 per person for Indians
Rs. 100 per person for Foreign Nationals

Address:
Sardar Government Museum, Behind Rajasthan High Court, Mali Street, Paota, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, 342006, India
Contact No: 91-291-2545353

Built as the last palace of India, Umaid Bhavan Palace was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur, and housed within the palatial complex lies the Umaid Bhavan Palace Museum. The museum is a great display of the riches and splendor of the bygone royal era, and one can see some magnificent antiques in display.


The Palace boasts of a splendid collection of antique clocks, crockery, aeroplane models, trophies, weapons, stuffed animals etc. The prized possession of the collection however, is a banner that was presented to the Maharaja by Queen Victoria of Great Britain, and can be seen in a proud display.

Entry Timings:
09:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Entry Fee:
Rs. 30 per person for Indians
Rs. 100 per person for Foreign Nationals

Address:
Umaid Bhawan Museum Palace Road, Jodhpur, 342006, Rajasthan, India
Contact No: 91-291-2510101

Mehrangarh Fort Museum is arguably one of the best preserved museums of Jodhpur and lies within the Mehrangarh Fort Complex. The museum is a display of the sheer magnificence of the Rajputana Culture as there are many artifacts that display the royality of the Rathores. There is a special section dedicated to a wide collection of the Palanquins of the age.

The collection also includes within it the famed Mahadol Palanquin, which was won in a battle from the then Governor of Gujarat in the year 1730. The Mahadol Palanquin is famed for its elaborate gilded dome and is quite a beauty to behold. Other artifacts in the museum include arms, paintings, costumes etc. there are also special rooms of on display which have retained their royal, periodic feel, and is reminiscent of the bygone grandeur of the Rajput era.

Entry Timings:
09:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur Entry Tickets
International Guests (includes the audio)-600
International Guests (Students)-400
Domestic Guests-100

Domestic Guests (Sr. citizen, Student, Para Military personnel)-
Photography Permit : Still-100
Photography Permit : Video-200
Elevator (one-way)-50
Tour Escort Fee-120
Audio Guide-180
Audio Guide (Concession)-120

Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur Guide Fee:
01 to 04 Pax-300
05 to 15 Pax-400
16 to 30 Pax-500
31 to 50 Pax-600

Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur Parking Charges
Two Wheeler-10
Auto-10
Car / Jeep-50
Mini Bus-80
Bus-100

Address:
Mehrangarh Fort
P.B # 165, The Fort, Jodhpur - 342006, Rajasthan
Contact No:  91-291-2548790/2548992/2541447

Etymologically speaking ‘Arna’ and ‘Jharna’ mean ‘forest’ and ‘spring’, and taking these words quite literally this unique museum is situated close to both entities. Located near the Arneshwara Mahadeva Shiv Mandir, whose spring waters are fabled to hold curative properties, the museum draws from the famous historical association. The foundation of the museum was laid by the legendary Komal Kothari, whose contributions to the causes of the Rajasthani folk music and the conservation of the Rajasthani culture are tremendous.


The museum associates itself with conserving and spreading awareness of the survival skills that are needed for sustenance in the desert, also it seeks to preserve the folk culture, or the indigenous sub culture of the desert. The museum is really an interesting place to visit, wherein you can take part in their interactive sessions and workshops. One will also come across their project called the “Broom Project’, which focuses on the origin, evolution and contribution of this household item in the desert sub-culture.

Entry Timings:
It is better to call up and plan a trip to the museum beforehand, as you can be informed of what all you can witness and partake in and the organizers make special arrangements hence.

Address:
Arna Jharna
The Desert Museum of Rajasthan, Village Moklawas
Jodhpur, Rajasthan, 342006, India
Contact No: 91-292-2551529

About 8 kms from Jodhpur lies Mandore, which was the capital of the kingdom of Marwar before Jodhpur replaced it. The place is known for its scenic beauty and the rich historical heritage that it has been invested with. The museum is located in the Janana Mahal or the Palace built for the royal ladies, by Maharaja Ajit Singh.

The museum is famed for the artifacts it holds within it, which range from the historical paintings carved on stone, to the various artifacts belonging to the bygone era when Mandore was at the peak of its power. One of the main attractions of the museum, are the various idols of gods and goddesses, and also that of a dancer, which is believed to belong to 12th century A.D.

In the Natural History section of the museum, lie the 11 feet long crocodile and the African Bison. Which are a sight to behold. Apart from that the museum houses many artifacts pertaining to the Royal house of Jodhpur, and is definitely a museum that you should visit, to have a glimpse of history.

Entry Timings:
10:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. every day of the week, except Friday

Entry Fee:
Rs. 50 per person for Indians
Rs. 100 per person for Foreign Nationals

Address:
Government Museum, Mandore, Rajasthan