#2 Head up to the Jaswant marble memorial
Jaswant Thada is a pillared marble memorial to the popular ruler Jaswant Singh II (1878–95), who purged Jodhpur of bandits, initiated irrigation systems and boosted the economy.
The cenotaphs of members of the royal family who have died since Jaswant are close to his memorial; those who preceded him are commemorated by chhatris at Mandor.
In the morning, this southwest-facing spot is an excellent place from which to photograph the fort.
#3 Wander around Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
If you’re in the fort area, consider heading a little west to the new Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, an undulating, grassy expanse spreading over 70 hectares. Crazy though it may sound, visitors are advised to leave their mobile phone numbers at the ticket booth, just in case they get lost.
This area was neglected for decades, partly on account of an infestation of thorny shrubs; there are still some here, but by and large this has been a resounding success. The fort views are especially good in the evening.
#4 Admire the Art Deco architecture of Umaid Bhawan Palace
Dominating the city’s southeast horizon is the Umaid Bhawan Palace, a colossal IndoSaracenic heap that kept three thousand labourers gainfully employed for sixteen years at a total cost of more than ₹9 million.
The furniture and fittings for its 374 rooms were originally ordered from Maples in London during World War II, but were sunk by a U-boat en route to India. The maharaja was thus forced to turn to Stephen Norblin, a wartime Polish refugee, who gave the palace its fabulous Art Deco interiors.
The present incumbent, Maharaja Gaj Singh, occupies only one-third of the palace; the rest is given over to a luxury hotel and a rather dull museum, containing assorted European crockery and glassware.
Far more interesting is the palace itself, its Art Deco furniture and fittings nearly all original, enlivened with lashings of typically Rajasthani gilt and sweeping staircases. There’s a hefty minimum fee to see them.