Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore dynasty. It flourished rapidly due to profits from the trade of opium, sandalwood, dates, and copper. The city has an attractive blue colour when viewed from above or from afar, and it creates a very meaningful picture. With its grand Mehrangarh Fort dominating the skyline, it is hard not to be impressed by Jodhpur. The new town is decidedly chaotic, but one enters the narrow streets of the old town, and you’ll find pots, pans, statues, ornamented clothing, sensual spices, traditional clothing, jewellery, and metal wares, all with rows of tinsel shops. Beaches will be jammed. Stalls and hoardings of bargain women! A shopper’s paradise, Jodhpur is famous for its metal art, richly carved furniture, Lehariya Bandini clothes, and ethnic footwear. Here are the top tourist places to visit in Jodhpur for your itinerary.
Planning a trip to Jodhpur you can hire a taxi service in Jodhpur to explore Jodhpur, Here is our list of top tourist places to visit in Jodhpur.
Mehrangarh Fort
Travel back in time at the most spectacular fort in Jodhpur – Mehrangarh – which was constructed in the year 1459 and stands 150 meters above sea level. There are many things to see within the premises of the fort – many palaces, courtyards, gardens, galleries, a museum, temples, etc. Mehrangarh is a mesmerizing experience. Its scarred walls take you back in time as you approach. Moving around in your spare time, fixing the information when you feel like it is a real treat. Personal guides are available for around $3.
Umaid Bhavan Palace
One of the most attractive tourist attractions in Jodhpur is the Umaid Bhawan Palace. It was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in the 20th century. The palace has been partially converted into a hotel and a museum. The Umaid Bhawan Palace building stands out for its impressive size and spectacular pink and white exterior. It took 15 years to create over 3000 workers, a living example of what hard work can achieve. The palace museum houses some splendid collections of rare clocks, exotic furniture, stuffed leopards, and amazing trophies. You will surely be amazed as you walk through the history-laden corridors of this palace. A part of the palace is still in the possession of the royal family of Jodhpur.
Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada Tomb is situated on the left side of Mehrangarh Fort. This beautiful monument is made of intricately carved marble. The slabs are thin and highly polished and emit a warm glow when the sun’s rays fall in the morning and evening. There is also some delicate webwork of marble on the cemetery. There are two more mausoleums inside this mausoleum, as this mausoleum is the cremation ground of the Jodhpur royals. The grounds are filled with a beautiful multi-level garden, carved gazebos, and a small lake. The main monument is built like a temple. To visit the tomb, you have to pass through some rocky hills which give a mystical aura to the whole journey.
Mandore Garden
Mandore was the former capital of the formidable Marwar kingdom. In Mandore Gardens, you will find evocative monuments of the former rulers of Jodhpur. The beautiful graveyards at Mandore Gardens are set amidst the rolling greenery of a well-landscaped rock garden. There is a hall of heroes dedicated to various deities of popular folklore and Rajput heroes, whose idols are carved out of rock and painted in bright colours. As you climb the hill, you’ll see the remains of Mandore, including its old palace. The Queen’s Cenotaph stands still on a rocky outpost and is a ten-minute walk up the hill. This attraction is visited by thousands of visitors every month and is certainly a haven for photographers with a love of historical design.
Osian Temple
The ocean is famous for its oasis-like appearance. This ancient desert settlement is a tribute to the glorious past of Rajasthan. The showstopper here is the fifteen beautifully preserved temples. Carved out of stone, they were carved between the 8th and 9th centuries. The oldest and most popular of the structures is the Sun Temple, which has the most finely constructed entrance you will ever see. The surprising fact is that no two temples in this group are alike. Considering that each temple is so intricately carved, symbolizes a lot of design, creativity, and skill that was used to build them!
Ghanta Ghar or Clock Tower
Literally translated as ‘Clock Tower’ – Ghanta Ghar is an important place and landmark in Jodhpur. It is used by one and all to find places, meet down and use as a guide. It was built in the 1800s by Maharaja Sardar Singh and is located in the populated Sardar Bazar. The sightseeing tour of this tower is usually accompanied by some roadside shopping in the market and trying street food like Mirchi vada and kachori.
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
If you visit Mehrangarh Fort and have free time then visit Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park. The park was created in 2006 to preserve the rocky trails that run around the Jodhpur Fort. The exotic Thar flora has been preserved in this park. Rao Jodha Desert Park is a beautiful place to visit and is visited by a lot of people, so a late afternoon or evening walk is perfect for relaxing and taking you away from the noise of the city.
flying fox
There is an adventure park amidst the culture, heritage, and desert of Rajasthan. Did anyone even expect this?
By the way, flying fox is a pleasant surprise for tourists. From rock climbing to zipping to rope walking, Flying Fox Adventure Park offers you a thrilling experience. It is the thrill of heights that you enjoy here, and also get a panoramic view of the entire Jodhpur. To break the monotony of all that sightseeing, be sure to visit with your friends.
Toor Ji ka Jhalara
Toor ji ka Jhalra is a stepwell in Gulab Sagar. The royal charm of this step is well exemplified by every stone in its structure, taking you back to the time of Rajput rule. Gangaur, the Rajasthani festival of fertility and good married life, was celebrated every year by women on the banks of Turji Ka Jhalra. Nowadays, the excavations of the stepwell have developed the area into a tourist haven, with cafes and restaurants, and shops all around. People come here during summers to get cool or cool by jumping in the well. So get a dose of the ancient and the modern here.
Tripolia Market
Now for some good ol’ shopping – Jodhpur is famous for its wooden crafts, handicrafts, antiques, and metal knick-knacks. And Tripolia is one of the best markets to shop for these little delights for your home decor and souvenirs. From marble sculptures to gems, textiles, and juttis to metal furniture, Tripolia Market fulfills all your TLC dreams the Indian way. What’s more, many shoppers are happy to bargain by giving you the best price!
Machiya Safari Park
Machiya Safari Park is another popular tourist and a local haunt for nature lovers. You get to see many exotic wild animals here, from desert fox to blue bull, rabbit to deer to wild cats. Even mongooses make your car move like an arrow swinging on the ground. Bird watching is also a good sport here along with climbing the fort in the middle of the park. The park is located in the Basni region of Jodhpur and is best visited during winters.
How to Reach
From the Jodhpur railway station or Jodhpur airport, you can hire a taxi rental in Jodhpur and go to explore the Jodhpur.