Known as the “Blue City,” Jodhpur is the official metropolitan city in the state of Rajasthan, India. As you take a walk around the city, you’ll see stunning old buildings that are painted in a light blue shade. If you want to get the best views of the city’s calming blue paintings, head to Meherangarh Fort’s battlements. Jodhpur is a huge city filled with magnificent temples, forts, and palaces. Numerous bazaars also abound the city so you’ll never run out of stuff to buy for your souvenirs. If these descriptions don’t pique your interest just yet, read through our list of top things Jodhpur is famous for.
Good to know:
- According to Rajasthan Tourism, summers in Rajasthan are hot. So the best time to visit is in winter when the weather is pleasant, or during monsoon.
What to look forward to:
- Foodies will be in heaven when they visit Jodhpur, thanks to the numerous delicacies available to try here. Incredible India, the country's official tourism website, has a list of must-try foods in Jodhpur that you can follow.
1. Mehrangarh Fort and Museum
One of the largest forts in India, Mehrangarh Fort should be on your itinerary when you explore Jodhpur. Several palaces inside this fort will surely impress you because these palaces have artistic and detailed carvings.
Here, you can go on a museum tour as well and admire the collection of paintings, arms and armors, textiles, and various decorative arts. To enter the museums and shops, one must pay the entrance fee, which for foreigners is 500 INR (6 USD) and 100 INR (1.50 USD) for locals. If you want a keepsake of your visit to Mehrangarh Fort when you go back home, you can purchase some at the museum shop inside the said fort. There are also coffee shops here, so you can unwind after touring this historical site.
There are many things that you can enjoy at Mehrangarh Fort, like The Flying Fox, which is famous for zip lining. This beautiful fort is home to a few temples like Chamunda Mataji Temple and Nagnechi Temple. For a better view, make your way to the top of the fort by 3:30 pm, as this is when they feed the wild kites and eagles, which is an ancestral tradition.
Mehrangarh Fort and Museum
Address: P.B # 165, The, Fort Rd, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006, India
Website: Mehrangarh Fort and Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 5:30pm (daily)
2. Umaid Bhawan Palace
Located in Circuit House Road, Umaid Bhawan Palace is dubbed one of the largest private residences and was built in 1944. The appearance of this lovely palace is a combination of Western and Eastern architecture. The palace has 64 rooms and suites that have bathtubs and shower. It has cool amenities such as an indoor and outdoor pool, spa, and world-class fitness facilities. If you’re running out of ideas, book a room now and be one of the thousands of travelers who have experienced a luxurious stay here.
You can still find a royal family who occupies a section of it and you can find a stunning vintage car collection, a clock collection. It is also popular for destination weddings, as it is stepped in flair and grandeur, adding to the festivity of any affair.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Address: Circuit House Rd, Cantt Area, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006, India
Website: Umaid Bhawan Palace
3. Blue Buildings
Since Jodhpur is called the Blue City, your trip here would not be complete without taking a walk to see the blue buildings. Book this exciting Blue City walking tour and enjoy the views and structures. In this tour, you’ll also have the time to dig deeper into Jodhpur’s rich culture. Unlike other tours, this won’t get you bored as the approach is infotainment style, wherein the guide walks you through the city while delivering info about it in an entertaining manner. Be sure to book this tour first as you will also learn the tricks of saving money while exploring Jodhpur.
You can also check out this other walking experience.
Book Tours : Jodhpur: Blue City Walking Tour
4. Ghanta Ghar
Ghanta Ghar or Clock Tower is one of the most interesting and popular attractions in Jodphur. The tower was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh during his rule between 1880 and 1911. Aside from the picturesque view of the said tower, the area is also a great place to shop for spices, handicrafts, vegetables, textiles, and a lot more. Also, while exploring this area, you could also feast at Jodhpur’s local restaurants in the area. Order some tasty and crispy shahi samosa and creamy makhania lassi.
Clock Tower
Address: Nai Sarak, Ghantaghar Market, Jodhpur 342001, India
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Jodhpur Tour Guide
Narender Singh
I'm Narender Singh, working as a professional tour guide since 2012. I am a hard-working and driven individual who isn't afraid to face a challenge. I'm passionate about my work and I know how to get the job done. I would describe myself as an open and honest person who doesn't believe in misleading other people and tries to be fair in everything I do.
5. Adventurous activities (paragliding)
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, Jodhpur is the place for you. This city is home to numerous adventure sports including paragliding. In case this adventurous activity is something you have not tried yet, paragliding entails a canopy that looks like a parachute being attached to your body and is being manned by a pilot for safety. Paragliding lets you enjoy stunning views of Jodhpur from a bird’s eye perspective. SkyVentures is one of the most booked paragliding experiences in the city because they have proven that flying with them is safe and their pilots are friendly. You’ll fly within their adventure park where you can see the habitat of animals and birds.
6. Jaswant Thada
Built in the 19th century, this historical cenotaph is definitely a stunner. Jaswant Thada is a white marbled structure that features a small lake, carved gazebos, paintings, and portraits of the Maharajas and rulers of Jodphur. You can stroll the grounds to appreciate this iconic architecture, or you can take numerous pictures that serve as your souvenir. If architectural wonders inspire you, don’t forget to drop by at this memorial.
Jaswant Thada
Address: Lawaran PB# 65, c/o Mehrangarh Fort, Mehrangarh Museum Trust, Rajasthan 342001, India
Website: Jaswant Thada
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Visited this place?
7. Jodhpur street food
Jodhpur is not just home to captivating historical buildings and adventure sports. It also boasts mouthwatering street food every tourist should experience. In the alleys of Blue city, you’ll find a variety of sweets, spicy treats, creamy drinks, a variety of omelets, and many more. The most popular places where you’ll find the street food here are Sardar Market and Jodhpur Railway Station. Laal maans is one of the most popular street food in the city, and your street food trip here will not be complete if you won’t try it. It is a delectable mutton curry recipe infused with hot spices.
8. Mandore
If you want to see more eye-catching monuments in Jodhpur, visit Mandore. Mandore was the capital of the Marwar region before Jodhpur was founded.
Head north of Jodhpur to explore this town filled with fine pieces of architecture. Mandore is the site of Mandore Gardens, a historical monument where you’ll find charming cenotaphs of ancient Jodhpur’s rulers and gorgeous natural sceneries. It houses a temple to 33 crore Gods and a “Hall of Heroes”. There is an old fort, as well as an eclectic collection of temples and cenotaphs here too.
Additionally, you can also go museum hopping in Mandore by heading to Government Museum. Mandore also hosts entertaining festivals such as The Rao Festival and Hariyali Amavasya, so if you’ve visited the town while these events are ongoing, you’ll be able to interact and have fun with the locals.
Mandore
Address: Jodhpur, State of Rājasthān, India
Tip from tour guide
Abandoned since 1459 CE, the ancient town of Mandore is just five-and-a-half miles away from the tourist haven of Jodhpur, ideal for a day trip. In the 6th century CE, Mandore was the principal seat of authority of Pratiharas of Mandavyapura. The princess of the Pratiharas dynasty married King Rao Chunda of Rathore dynasty, who received the Mandore’s Junagarh Fort as a dowry at the wedding.Visited this place?
9. Camel Safari
Have you ever wanted to experience riding a camel? Then, book this self-guided full-day Camel Safari tour and witness the sunset in the Thar Desert. Your tour will begin from Osian all the way from Jodhpur. Also, you’ll get a chance to visit Sachiya Mata Temple, a hilltop temple frequented by tourists in Osian. Other tour inclusions are jeep safari, dinner, and hotel or airport pickup.
Book Tours : Desert Camel Safari & Jeep Safari Tour From Jodhpur
10. Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park was developed in the year of 2006, with the aim of restoring the natural ecology of a large rocky wasteland area next to the fort. More than 80 native plant species from the famous Thar Desert were grown. The 200-acre (81 hectare) park is situated at the Mehrangarh Fort, and reflects the hard work and dedication of the ecologists who spared no efforts to make the place green.
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
Address: Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Website: Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
11. Kaylana Lake
Kaylana Lake is located to the west of Jodhpur, spanning about 8 kilometers (5 miles).This is yet another artificial lake which was built in the year 1872 by Pratap Singh. Today, the lake has turned into one of the city’s most popular picnic spots. There is nothing very significant to see here, but there is no better place in the city to catch the beautiful sunset. If you want to take some more exciting photographs, you can sail a boat.
Kaylana Lake
Address: Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Website: Kaylana Lake
12. Balsamand Lake
The beautiful lake was man-made and constructed in 1159 AD by Balak Rao Parihar, with the intention to provide water to the city of Mandore. The lush greenery around the lake has many mango groves, guava groves, papaya groves and pomegranate. The lake was also intended to serve as a summer resort for the royal family of Jodhpur. The location is exquisite and you will find this garden has birds and peacocks finding their homes here. If you want to stay here, then a perfect place to explore Rajasthan style is the heritage hotel, which was built of red sandstone.
Balsamand Lake
Address: Jodhpur, Rajasthan
13. Spice Paradise
Spice Paradise is a spice shop that is run by a kind hearted husband and wife team. They usually conduct Indian cooking classes which are highly popular. Along with the delicious cuisine, you will get to meet a lovely family and you can get great insight into Indian culture. Their masala chai has been perfected over the years and is highly recommended. It is advisable to book in advance as classes are often full.
Spice Paradise
Address: Clock Tower Rd, Manak Chowk, Girdi Kote, Amar Chowk, Kandoi Bazar, Rawaton Ka Bass, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Website: Spice Paradise
14. Markets and shops of Jodhpur
Jodhpur’s main area of commerce is the iconic clock tower. Named Sardar Market, it’s a full-on market that’s never quiet with a vast amount of shoppers flitting from table to table checking out the various goods available from spices, textiles, handicrafts and souvenirs.
It may not be very well-made, but as everyone is open to bargaining, you can find a souvenir or spices for cheap here at a very, very low cost. Further away from Sardar Market is Nai Sadak, a small neighbourhood lined mostly with sari and shoe shops, but here you will find the tucked away gems that you’ll find yourself spending hours in.
Be prepared to spend an hour or so talking with the owners over a cup of chai, and don’t be afraid to say no to a lot of the owners as they’ll turn their store upside down in their hospitable manner just to show you their products. The best store in Nai Sadak for textiles would be Om Ganesh handicrafts, which has had several celebrities come through and makes fabrics for world-famous designer labels.
Across the street is Suncity spices, an institution in Jodhpur as it’s been around for decades.
15. Jodhpur's popular restaurants and cafes
Jodhpur’s main area to relax in the shade and have a bite to eat and a drink is where the iconic blue roofs of the city exist. Also called the Blue City due to a lot of its old houses and Havelis having blue roofs, Jodhpur’s restaurants and cafes are all well-priced and serve delicious options.
Some of the better choices are Dagley’s The Lounge, which, despite its low online rating, has some of the best food and drinks in the city with one of the best views of Mehrangarh Fort. The Curry’s Restaurant comes highly recommended as well, but ensure you go there early, as the later you go in the night, the worse the food gets as they seem to just reheat the dishes.
Across from The Curry’s, near the stepwell, you’ll find several restaurants that you can flit in and out of that are highly recommended: Ravla and Jhankar Choti Haveli are our top choices.
Discover all the things that make Jodhpur a wonderful city
We hope that you are able to finalize your itinerary in Rajasthan, now that you’ve read about the things Jodhpur is famous for. Aside from these, you may look for nearby destinations and learn more about this Indian state.
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