12 Best Places to Visit in Jodhpur

Jodhpur is bestowed with a few sobriquets like the ‘Blue City’, the ‘Sun City’, and ‘Gateway to Thar’. However, Blue City is the common nickname that people use for Jodhpur because the old houses are painted in blue. Set in the unambiguous landscape of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur as a tourist place is famous for its majestic forts, palaces, temples, and of course picturesque views.

Adding to this, the city houses quaint streets and lanes that give you a mirage of the years gone by. Right from finding authentic shops that showcase Rajasthan’s intricate artwork to roadside food stalls that are popular for their mouth-watering local dishes; every single place in Jodhpur is famous for something or the other. That being said, a little far from the new Jodhpur town lays the old city that encircles the Mehrangarh Fort which is secured by walls and robust gates. This place has a charm of its own that tourists simply love. Ostensibly, the beauty of this place has attracted the film industry as well. Movies like The Dark Knight, Hum Saath Saath Hain, The Autobiography of a Princess, and so on have the backdrop of the city in a few of the scenes, making Jodhpur tourist spots even more popular. Honestly, the plethora of attractions it houses makes visiting all of them impossible in one trip. To make things easier for you – we have picked the top 12 places to visit in Jodhpur (we know, you will absolutely love them): -

1. Jodhpur’s Best Places to Visit – The Top 5

1.1 The Mehrangarh Fort

Well, the list had to start with this; one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city – the Mehrangarh Fort is also known as the Mehran Fort that was constructed in 1459 by Rao Jodha. The Mehrangarh Fort is perched atop a 410 feet high hill and bounded by huge walls. The intricate artwork on the fort walls, the extensively majestic courtyards, and the history behind the fort makes it one of the best places to see in Jodhpur. Not to forget, it also comes under the list of India’s largest forts. Tourists from all over the world visit the Mehrangarh Fort and have a wonderful time exploring the galleries of the fort’s museum. It houses six different galleries, namely: –

• Elephant's Howdahs
• Palanquins
• Daulat Khana
• Armoury
• Paintings 
• Turban Gallery

With this, the fort has seven famous gates - Victory Gate, Fateh Gate, Gopal Gate, Bhairon Gate, Dedh Kamra Gate, Marti Gate and Loha Gate, which safeguard the fort till date. From atop the Mehrangarh Fort, you can see the entire city and the blue houses that will definitely leave you mesmerised.

1.2 The Umaid Bhavan Palace

When Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas decided to get married, who knew this tourist spot in Jodhpur would become the lucky host? Well, the Umaid Bhavan Palace is one of the most breathtaking architectural masterpieces that the country houses. The palace was constructed somewhere around 1943 and is now a heritage hotel, a museum, and also the official residence of the Royal family. Presently, Raja Gaj Singh from the royal family is the owner residing in Umaid Bhavan. The palace houses around 347 rooms out of which one part is dedicated to the royal family and tourists are not allowed to enter that area. Further, the Umaid Bhavan Museum has an amazing collection of arms, clocks, photographs and possessions that belong to the royal family. The beauty of Umaid Bhavan Palace is enhanced even more with the picturesque garden where a variety of flowers bloom. The palace is situated at the top of the Chittar Hill and the view from there is simply breathtaking. To couples planning for a destination wedding in Jodhpur, we hope this serves as a cue!

1.3 The Ghanta Ghar

One of the best places to visit in Jodhpur to soak in the aura of the antiquated but happening city life, the Ghanta Ghar is a huge clock tower located in the centre of Jodhpur city. Constructed about 200 years ago by Maharaja Sardar Singh, the clock tower marks the starting of the old city. It offers a vivid view of the entire blue city from its top point, making the tourists fall in love with Jodhpur even more. The Ghanta Ghar area encompasses a lot of street markets – Sardar Market being one of the most famous ones where you can experience the true culture of Jodhpur. Here, one of the things that you must not forget to do is… EAT THE STUFFED CHILLY FRITTERS i.e. the Bharwa Mirchi – a famous street food that sure leaves its taste on your tongue! Because of the bustling market in the shadow of the night, Ghanta Ghar is a fabulous place to visit in Jodhpur.

1.4 Khejarla Fort

One of the best places to see in Rajasthan, the Khejarla Fort boasts of heritage that is merged with the modernity of today. Architected in the 17th century by the honourable Maharaja of Jodhpur, this 400-year-old regal structure has been converted into a hotel that offers luxurious amenities to the guests staying there. The contemporary and chic décor that is complemented well with the stone-carved exteriors of the fort speaks of the grandeur that Rajput architecture has. The Khejarla Fort, because of its beauty and hospitality, is one of the most exclusive places to visit in Jodhpur.

1.5 Jaswant Thada

The list for Jodhpur’s tourist places will be incomplete if Jaswant Thada is not included. It is a cenotaph monument carved from marble and also a mausoleum for the Kings of Marwar. Jaswant Thada was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh in 1899 in the honour his father Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The Marwar Royal Family uses Jaswant Thada as a cremation ground to date. The cenotaph monument has a picturesque garden that is open for tourists. The artwork carved on the marble not only showcases the fine craftsmanship but also paves way for its splendid beauty.

 

2. A Few Other Famous Places to See in Jodhpur

2.1 Mandore Garden

Yet another entry in the list of Jodhpur’s famous places is the Mandore Garden. It is just 9 km away from Jodhpur and is located at Mandore which was once the ruling seat of the Pratihara Dynasty. It is known for the vast lush green spans, attractive architecture, and regal memorials that truly define the meaning of magnificence. The Mandore Garden also houses a Government Museum where tourists can witness artefacts and antic ruins.

2.2 Toorji Ka Jhalra

A 250-year-old structure that was constructed with the famous rose-red sandstone, Toorji Ka Jhalra is a stepwell in Jodhpur that is prominent for its sheer beauty and a brilliant specimen of traditional water management systems in the city. The stepwell was built in 1740 and is more than 200 feet deep. Decked with the carvings of dancing elephants, medieval lion, and cow waterspouts, Toorji Ka Jhalra is one of the best recreational places in Jodhpur.

2.3 Kaylana Lake

This tourist point in Jodhpur is located 8 km west of the city and is a manmade lake. It was built by Pratap Singh in 1872 and serves as the primary source of drinking water to this date. Surrounded by Babul trees, rock formations, and hilly ranges – the sight is something to behold. Along with this, you can also find a few varieties of birds flapping their wings around the Kaylana Lake.

2.4 Hanwant Mahal

Yet another famous place to visit in Jodhpur, the Hanwant Mahal is located closer to the Umaid Bhavan Palace. It is a five-star hotel that was originally a resting palace of Kings after they would finish their hunting expeditions. Today, the Hanwant Mahal is famous for its exquisite dining options with the backdrop of heritage setting and décor, reminding the guests of the marvellous times that the palace experienced with the Kings.

2.5 Phool Mahal

A part of the Mehrangarh Fort, the Phool Mahal was constructed in the 18th century by Maharaja Abhaya Singh. It said to be the most lavish halls present in the fort that was used by the King for entertainment and enjoyment. To a keen eye, Phool Mahal or the palace of flowers is truly one of the most amazing places to see in Jodhpur. 

2.6 Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park

If you are up for some adventurous time amidst nature, then the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park is the best thing to see in Jodhpur. Not so old, the park was created in 2006 out of a large and rocky wasteland, located near the Mehrangarh Fort. Rock formation, crystal formation, natural canals, and varieties of greens are some of the major attractions of the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park.

2.7 Sheesh Mahal

Last but not the least; the Sheesh Mahal should make its way to your Jodhpur tour package. A grandeur example of royal architecture, the Sheesh Mahal is yet again a part of the Mehrangarh Fort that is majestically designed with ornate embellishments, vibrant paintings, and intricate figurines. Do make sure you visit here.

Jodhpur is a city where you will find solace in the embrace of royalty – each of the fort, palace, or even the rock garden boasts of a history that’s worth treasuring.

#HappyHeritageTravelling!