Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan, is known as the Blue City as well as the Sun City. The Blue City name comes from its architecture as most of the houses and temples in city are painted blue. The impressive Mehrangarh fortress dominates the city’s landscape. Jodhpur is also known for its rare breed of horses, the Marwari or Malani. The city was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha and is divided into an old and new city. It is a perfect destination for those who love history and culture.
I went to this beautiful city in the month of February which is kind of perfect for Jodhpur. The weather is balanced and you can enjoy all the places comfortably.
Jodhpur’s top tourist attractions include palaces, forts, shrines, museums, and gardens. The city has a rich history that revolves around the Rathore clan, and the city is said to have been built in place of the ancient capital, Mandore. Jodhpur is a great destination for those looking to explore the past and immerse themselves in culture and tradition. It is a city that offers visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of the past and the charisma of the present.
So given you’re ready to explore this historic city, we are here with the 11 best places to visit in Jodhpur among all.
Table of Contents
1: Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort is the largest Indian fort in Jodhpur and a top must-visit destination, which stands 400 feet above the city, built by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD. It is famous for its grandeur in architecture, exquisite latticed windows, carved panels, and intricately decorated walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal. The fort has been built over several centuries and represents various styles of architecture. It is also known for its association with the popular Batman series as the location where Bruce Wayne was imprisoned.
Jodhpur is a city with many tourist destinations that take the visitors on a journey back in time. The city treats the tourists with the grandeur of the past by offering them several options for sightseeing, including forts, palaces, shrines, museums, and gardens that articulate erstwhile excellence. Other things to do around Mehrangarh Fort are visiting the Ranisar and Padmasar lakes, exploring the fort’s museum, going ziplining, and taking a guided tour around the fort.
The fort is open on all days from 9 am to 5 pm, and the ticket prices for Indians and foreigners are INR 200 and INR 2000, respectively, with discounted prices for senior citizens and students. Visitors can spend 2-3 hours exploring the fort and its surroundings, admiring the beauty of its architecture and the scenic landscapes around the fort.
2: Ummaid Bhavan Palace
Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur is among the largest private residences in the world, with a combination of Indian and European architecture. The palace is a symbol of hope in tough times, as it was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh to provide employment to locals during a famine. Constructed between 1929 and 1943, the palace now serves as a residence for the former royal family, as well as housing a museum and Taj Palace Hotel.
The museum features various regal items, including a stunning vintage car collection and a clock collection spanning different periods of history. Visitors can trek their way to the palace and observe the grandeur in every corner.
The palace is a prominent tourist attraction, and visitors can view the exterior of the residence, the museum, and the hotel. The entry fee to the museum is 30 INR for Indians and 100 INR for foreigners, and it is open from 10am to 4:30pm daily. A visit to Umaid Bhawan Palace is a must-see for history, architecture, and photography enthusiasts, and can be completed within 1-2 hours.
3: Mandore Gardens
As the third recommended spot for travelers visiting Jodhpur, Mandore Gardens offers a glimpse into ancient Indian history. Dating back to the 6th century, the gardens were once the capital of Marwar, long before Jodhpur became a city. Mandore Gardens showcase traditional Indian values and incredible ancient architecture, including the cenotaphs of Jodhpur’s former rulers from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The garden is a popular spot and attracts tourists in great numbers. The center of attraction here is the dewal of Maharaja Ajit Singh, the ruler of Marwar. The garden features a government museum, a ‘Hall of Heroes,’ and a temple dedicated to the 33 crore Hindu Gods. Various artifacts and statues found in the area are housed at the museum, providing an opportunity to learn about the historical significance of Jodhpur.
In addition to exploring the garden’s various features, visitors can picnic in the serene garden setting, go street shopping nearby, or visit the nearby ruins of the Mandore Fort. The area is also home to playful langur monkeys, which add a fun element to the visit.
4: Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower)
The Clock Tower or Ghanta Ghar is one of the most popular tourist spots in Jodhpur, located next to Sardar Market. It was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh in the early 1900s. The market is a prominent shopping destination and offers a glimpse into the everyday life of Jodhpur locals. You can buy ethnic artifacts and try local delicacies here.
The clock tower is a famous landmark in the Old City and offers a good view of the fort. The market adjacent to the tower, Sardar Market or Sadar Market, has over 7,000 shops selling a wide range of products, including handicrafts, saris, spices, and vegetables. You can have a great shopping experience here.
Visitors can explore the vibrant culture of Jodhpur by shopping in Sardar Market and enjoying the famous Rajasthani cuisines. The entry to Clock Tower and Sardar Market is free, and it remains open from 10 am to 9 pm on all days. This is the 4th best spot in Jodhpur out of 11 that travellers should consider visiting.
5: Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada is a serene white marble monument adjacent to Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, built in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Inside the monument, there are portraits of various Rathore rulers, and it is considered more of a temple where deceased rulers are worshipped. Its intricate carvings and multi-level garden make it one of the most photogenic places in the city.
Jaswant Thada is known as the Taj Mahal of Marwar, and locals believe that the monument grants wishes. The extremely thin marble sheets of the monument glow golden when the sun rays touch it. The Pond of the Gods at Jaswant Thada is known to be the traditional cremation ground for the Jodhpur royals.
Visitors can relax in the nearby lakes and gardens, enjoy a stunning view of Umaid Palace from here, and explore the stunning architecture. The entrance fee is 30 INR for Indians and 60 INR for foreigners. Jaswant Thada is open on all weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm, and closed on all gazette holidays. It is famous for history, architecture, and photography, and is a must-visit spot for anyone visiting Jodhpur.
6: Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi
Toorji Ka Jhalra is a step well in Jodhpur that was built in 1740. Constructed by the queen-consort of Maharaja Abhaya Singh, it is one of the few remaining structures that depict the traditional water management systems of Jodhpur. The step well is made of rose-red sandstone and adorned with Rajput-style engravings of elephants, lions, cows, and sculptures of deities. This historic monument has remained popular, and locals still use it as a public watering hole, making it a unique place to visit.
Toorji Ka Jhalra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jodhpur, with numerous shops and cafes surrounding the stepwell. The stepwell plays an essential role during the festival of Gangaur, a women’s festival. The site also serves as a great way to comprehend the lifestyle of earlier generations, with the stepwell designed to function as a local watering hole.
Toorji Ka Jhalra is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, and there are no entry fees or ticket prices to visit.
7: Osian Temples & Desert Safari
Osian, also known as “Khajuraho of Rajasthan,” is a small town located about 70 km from Jodhpur. It is famous for its temples & desert, which are a unique blend of Hindu and Jain architecture. The town was once an important trade center until it was attacked by the armies of Muhammad of Ghor in 1195. However, the town still attracts a large number of tourists who come to see its ancient temples and to enjoy a desert safari.
The Jain Mahavira Temple, built in 783 AD, is one of the most popular attractions in Osian. It is a significant Jain pilgrimage center in Jodhpur, and its architecture is breathtaking. The Sachiya Mata Temple, built by Upaldev, is also a must-see temple that is dedicated to the goddess Shakti. Its walls have carvings that resemble those of Khajuraho. The Katan Baori, a step well built in the 10th century, is another enchanting historical ruin that is worth visiting.
The Osian Desert Jeep Safari is a popular adventure activity that visitors should not miss. A jeep safari through the sand dunes is the best way to explore the true charm of the desert. Tourists can witness the shades of the sun and the vast sea of shimmering sand and barren land. Additionally, tourists can enjoy a camel ride, watch folk dances, and experience campfire arrangements and delicious food. Overall, Osian is a place where one can enjoy a unique blend of religion, architecture, and adventure.
8: Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
The Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park in Jodhpur is a serene park spread over 72 hectares of land, featuring over 80 different species of plants from the Thar Desert. The park was created in 2006 with the aim of reviving the ecology of the rocky area and promoting greenery around it. The park also features unique volcanic rock formations in the form of vertical columns and is recognized as a National Geological Monument.
The park is situated near Mehrangarh Fort and is an artificially created park that preserves the rocky trails of Jodhpur and promotes the growth of exotic plant species that belong to the Thar Desert area. The Devkund Lake within the park is a popular spot for migratory and local birds, reptiles, and butterflies. Visitors can take a stroll through the park and appreciate the raw beauty of desert vegetation while enjoying the serene environment.
The park is open from 7 am to 6:30 pm between April and September, and from 8 am to 5:30 pm between October and March. If you enjoy the diverse flora of the Thar Desert and seek peace and serenity in a natural environment, then a visit to the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park should definitely be on your list of top places to visit in Jodhpur.
9: Machia Biological Park
Machia Biological Park is located about 8 km from Jodhpur and is one of the best places for nature lovers. The park houses a rich variety of wildlife such as lions, tigers, bears, crocodiles, and ostriches. The park is a decent zoo and conservation project that was created in 1983 to serve as a satellite zoo for Jodhpur Zoo.
Visitors can spot several bird species at the park’s birdwatching point, making it an exciting place for bird lovers. The park also includes an exhibition gallery of local herbs and weeds. Machia Fort, which provides scenic views from the top, is also located within the park.
The park is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (summers) and 8.30 am to 5:00 pm (winters), with an entry fee of INR 30 for adults and INR 15 for students. The park is best experienced early in the morning, with ample walking space available for visitors to observe the animals in their natural habitats.
10: Kaylana Lake
Kaylana Lake, built by Pratap Singh in 1872, is one of the most beautiful artificial lakes in Jodhpur. This 84 square kilometre lake with depths ranging from 35-50 feet, is a favourite spot for travellers. It acts as the sole source of consumption water to Jodhpur and surrounding areas, making it an important site. In the winter months, visitors can spot Siberian Cranes as they make a stopover at the lake.
While en route to Jaisalmer, Kaylana Lake is a great place to relax and unwind, take a tour around the lake or go boating. However, it’s important to note that the lake was built on top of existing gardens and palaces, constructed by rulers Bhim Singh and Takhat Singh in prehistoric times. The lake is also connected to the Hati Canal, which is a part of the larger Indira Gandhi Canal.
11: Masuria Hills Garden
Masuria Hills Garden, located on top of Masuriya hills, is another top tourist place in Jodhpur. It provides a 360-degree view of the city, abundant flora, and a statue of Veer Durgadas Rathore, a Marwari revolutionary. It is an ideal location for a quiet break from the hustle and bustle of the city, as well as offering stunning sunset views.
Masuria Hill Garden is a popular spot for nature lovers and small family picnics, with a nearby restaurant for meals. Visitors can also explore the Baba Ram Dev Temple and witness the statue of Maharana Pratap and Veer Durgadas Rathore. Don’t miss out on catching the beautiful city views and basking in the splendor of the hill garden.
Apart from these, there are some more good places where you can visit if you have more time. For example: Samrat Ashok Udhyan, Statue of Rao Jodha Ji, Shree Pal Balaji Temple, Balsamand Lake, Chamunda Mata temple, and a few more.
