Top 10 Places to Visit in Jodhpur

Jodhpur, Rajasthan’s second biggest city, is a traveller’s joy, affording a glimpse of the state’s rich cultural history and the legacy left by Marwar monarchs. This city, founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha of the Rathore clan, features numerous intriguing forts, palaces, lakes, and other architectural treasures to discover. Jodhpur’s buildings, painted in vibrant blue hues, make a magnificent picture on the canvas of the Thar Desert – an experience not to be missed, While stay at a dessert. Consider yourself spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do in Jodhpur when visiting the Blue City, so to make things simpler, here is a list of prominent sights that must be included on your Jodhpur itinerary.

  1. Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort

The majestic Mehrangarh Fort, perched on a 400-foot-high hill, commands the landscape of Jodhpur with its architectural brilliance and majesty. Rao Jodha laid the foundation stone for this magnificent fort in the mid-15th century. The fort, which was built over 500 years, gives witness to the great age of the former ruling dynasty and contains perhaps the best museum in Rajasthan, showing paintings, weaponry and armoury, textiles, ornamental arts, and other treasured artefacts. Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Moti Mahal are three renowned palaces within the fort that will take you to another age.

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Fees for entry: 50-100 for Indians, 600 for foreign tourists

Travel Tip: Try zip-lining at the fort for the best views of the Blue City!

 

Explore the region while staying at Manvar Desert Camp in Jodhpur.

  1. Jodhpur’s Jaswant Thada

Jaswant Thada, another excellent example of India’s architectural wonders, located alongside a lake not far from the Mehrangarh Fort. This white marble monument, constructed in the nineteenth century, honours Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, who previously governed the city. This Jodhpur attraction is worth a visit for its captivating beauty, tranquil settings, panoramic vistas, and rich collection of paintings and portraits of Jodhpur emperors.

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Entry Fee: 30 rupees for Indians, 50 rupees for foreign tourists

  1. Jodhpur’s Umaid Bhawan Palace

A tour to Jodhpur would be incomplete without a stop at the magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace. This palace, built in 1929 by Maharaja Umaid Singh, is one of the world’s biggest private mansions. The only component of the palace that is open to the public is the royal home, a luxury hotel, and a family museum. The museum’s large collection of mementos will take you through the intriguing history of Jodhpur royalty in the twentieth century.

Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; closed on Sundays

Indians pay $30 per adult and $10 per child, while foreign tourists pay $100.

  1. Jodhpur’s Balsamand Lake

Balsamand Lake, located on the Jodhpur-Mandore Road, is yet another renowned attraction in the city. This artificial lake, built in 1159 AD to function as a water reservoir, is loved by tourists and residents alike for its lush green surrounds and beautiful natural beauty, making it a wonderful backdrop for picnics. You could even see a peacock if you’re lucky!

  1. Jodhpur’s Kailana Lake

Kailana Lake, another beautiful picnic location, was built in 1872 by Pratap Singh to serve as a water source for Jodhpur and its neighbouring areas. Because of its beautiful splendour, many people visit this manmade lake to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s also a favourite spot for birding, kayaking, and witnessing the most beautiful sunsets.

  1. Jodhpur’s Machiya Safari Park

Machiya Safari Park, located not far from Kailana Lake, is a must-see for birdwatchers and wildlife aficionados. You may see desert foxes, wild cats, deer, monitor lizards, and blue bulls in their native habitats here. There is also a designated site where numerous exotic species may be seen, particularly during the winter. That’s not everything! The sunset and sunrise views from atop the fort inside the park are not to be missed.

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (October-March); 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (April-September); closed Tuesdays

Entry Fee: 15 – 30 rupees for Indians, 300 rupees for foreign tourists

  1. Jodhpur’s Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park is number seven on the list.

A tour through the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park will offer you an insight into the plant life of Rajasthan’s rocky pathways. This 170-acre park was constructed in 2006 to help restore the ecosystem of the swamp surrounding the renowned Mehrangarh Fort. There are some unusual cactus varieties here, as well as various other floral species.

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (October-March); 7:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (April-September)

The entry fee is $100.

  1. Jodhpur’s Chamunda Mata Temple

Chamunda Mata Temple, located on the southern side of Jodhpur’s iconic fort, is one of the city’s most popular sites of devotion. Rao Jodha brought a black stone image of Mother Chamunda from Mandore in 1460 and placed it in the sanctum sanctorum. People of all castes and creeds come here to pray to their guardian deity and the Isht Devi of the Jodhpur royals. The Navaratri ceremonies at this temple are pretty impressive.

5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

  1. Jodhpur Government Museum 

Another fantastic venue to learn about Jodhpur’s magnificent past is the Government Museum of Jodhpur. The museum, located in the centre of Umaid Garden, houses a large collection of miniature paintings and portraits of rulers, textiles, weaponry, and local art and crafts, as well as manuscripts and pictures of Jain Tirthankaras and other relics. Also see: August Vacation Spots

Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; closed on Fridays

Entry Fee: 5 rupees for Indians, 50 rupees for foreign tourists

Travel Tip: If you are travelling with youngsters, spend some time at the nearby zoo 

  1. Jodhpur’s Mahamandir Temple

The Mahamandir Temple, located on the outskirts of the city, is a sacred site devoted to Lord Shiva. This ancient temple, built in 1812, is supported by 84 finely carved pillars with complex decorations and figures illustrating various Yoga positions. Climbing the twisting lanes leading up to this temple may be a difficult process, but the beauty of the location and its quaint atmosphere are enough to calm your anxiety.

Hours: 5:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

 

Experience luxurious desert camping with cultural immersion at Jaisalmer desert camp.