Historically, Jodhpur was once the capital city of the old Kingdom of Marwar which ruled the area from 1229 to 1818. Afterward, the city became a princely state under British rule. It is one of the biggest in the country and the second biggest in the state of Rajasthan. Jodhpur has been around for a very long time and is one of the biggest cities in India for tourists to frequent due to their landscape of many intricately designed temples, forts, and palaces that dot the cityscape. Because of the city’s central location, Jodhpur is perfect as a jumping-off point for exploring Rajasthan. One of the many landmarks in the city is the iconic clock tower or Ghanta Ghar in the local language. The clock tower was built during the British rule and remains a lively landmark due to its looming position over the landscape and the market below. If you’re in the city, here is a guide to Clock Tower, Jodhpur.
Things to do
Ghanta Ghar dominates the landscapes that surround the area and is not only an architectural delight to behold but it is also a symbolic landmark in the city, designating the spot where “Old Jodhpur” begins. The clock tower was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh roughly over two centuries ago and is not only an iconic landmark in the city but for all of Rajasthan as well. The tower looms over the landscapes where the people below bustle through the old streets and narrow alleyways and explore the market down below shopping for food, spices and a host of other interesting souvenirs.
Head up the clock tower
If you’re looking to get one of the best sights in the city then, of course, heading up the clock tower is the way to go. Although technically you can’t go all the way up, the highest you can go is to the balcony where you’ll be greeted with an amazing view of the market below and the bustling streets in the distance. Entrance to the clock tower is free and while this is good for a traveler on a budget, be aware that it will be a little crowded at times. If you’re going to head up, make sure to plan your trip at the top of the hour so you can hear the bells chime. Although entrance to the tower is free, there are also tours available for guests with prices that range from 200 INR (2.80 USD) to 600 INR (8.50 USD) and are offered in both local and English languages.
Buy some souvenirs at Sardar Market
Named after the king who designed the clock tower, Sardar Market is half of the experience of checking out the clock tower. People from all walks of life head to the market and is the most popular market place in the whole city attracting people from all over India and tourists from around the world. If you’re looking to pick up some local goods and a few souvenirs, there are luxurious silks and jewelry available as well as things like marble and pottery and a wide variety of spices, grains, and vegetables. And if you’re hungry, there is a wide variety of ready-to-eat food vendors here as well where you can experience the most authentic Rajasthani food around.
Travelers tips
Dress appropriately
Although Jodhpur is a fairly safe city and doesn’t have strict rules concerning what is “appropriate” clothes to wear, many visitors would fare better in the city by dressing a little more modestly. You’ll avoid getting leered at and having rude comments thrown towards you if you avoid shorts and short skirts.
Watch out for pickpockets
In tight crowded spaces such as the Sardar Market or the alleyways around the clock tower, make sure to keep any valuables with you in a spot that is hard to grab. Pickpockets are not very common but tight areas make it easy for people to grab something off of you without you even noticing.
How to get there
Taxi
Suncity Cabs provide the cab service in the city and are pretty reliable and fair with their prices. The cabs are always metered and have attached apps to them as well known as “Meri Cab”, so you can order straight from your phone.
Uber
Uber is a popular option for getting around town as well as Ola. Both apps are always full of drivers so you’ll never be waiting too long for a ride.
Auto-rickshaws
The auto-rickshaw is an authentic and popular way to go about town and is also probably one of the most popular methods of public transport in the city. They are however unmetered and will require you to negotiate a price beforehand. They are pretty much always readily available no matter where you are in the city.
Tongas
For a more “traditional” way of going around town, tongas are horse-driven carriages. Although they are really more of a tourist gimmick they are available in the area of Old Jodhpur and around the clock tower.
How to book tickets
Tickets to access the clock tower are free but only available on-site when you arrive. For guests looking to get a little more out of their visit can book an informational tour offered in a variety of languages.
Clock Tower information
Clock Tower
Address: Clock Tower Rd., Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342001, India
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Cost: Free entry
Department of tourism: Visit Jodhpur
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
A Guide To Hawa Mahal, Jaipur - Updated 2024Priyanjali -
Create an account to