The second largest city of Rajasthan also called the blue city it is an epitome of majestic streets and Rajpur architecture. It is also called the sun city as the sun is always shining here, sometimes a little too brightly!

This extraordinary city is steeped in culture, history, and royalty. Few attractions like the Umaid Bhavan Palacwereas and still is home to the royal family of Jodhpur but is also a luxury hotel and a museum now attracting tourists from all over the world.

Jodhpur Travel Guide

Located near the edge of the Thar desert, it has along with the beauty of a desert area the charm of a fully hustling and bustling city. You can enjoy walking the streets of the old city watching the sunset near the Mehrangarh Fort.

Here in Jodhpur, locals love their morning cuppa. Steaming pots of tea made with milk, cardamom, cloves, sugar, ginger, and tea leaves are everywhere to be seen.

Mehrangarh Fort

Rising perpendicular and impregnable from a rocky hill that itself stands 120m above Jodhpur’s skyline, Mehrangarh is one of the most magnificent forts in India. This magnificent fort which is surprisingly still a private property is a must visit when in the city.

The view of the fort during the night form the old city with all its lights lit up is surreal.

Umaid Bhavan Palace

Steeped in culture, history, and royalty the Umaid Bhavan Palace is home to Maharaja Gaj Singh and the royal family of Jodhpur. This magnificent palace was the last palace to be built in India.

This palace basks in the glory of it’s one of a kind museum which has an unbelievable collection of vintage clocks and cars.

Jaswant Thada

This happens to be a gorgeous marble cenotaph around a kilometer Northeast of Mehrangarh Fort. It offers a peaceful backdrop just perfectly away from the city center.

Filled with an array of whimsical domes with beautifully carved marble lattice screens, the play of morning and evening sunrays on these screens make these domes come alive with light and shadow display.

Clock Tower/ Ghanta Ghar

Ghanta Gar is the Old City’s famous landmark, stands at the heart of it and it’s still working! The narrow, winding lanes of the old city spread out in all directions from here.

Definitely stop here to just get in all the chaos around you infused with the smell of street food and the noise from the traffic

Rai Ka Bag Palace

Rai Ka Bag Palace was constructed in the year 1663 by one of the royal queens. The intricacies of the palace are an evidence of the great architectural abilities of ancient times.

It is also believed that this palace was, the then king, Raja Jaswant Singh’s favorite spot and would spend a maximum of his time in this palace.

Osian Desert

Osian Desert is renowned for its intricately carved Jain and Hindu Temples, such as Surya Temple and Sachiya Mata Temple.

Other than that, the desert served as an important trading center on the Silk Route between the 8th and 12th centuries. Opting for camel-safari is one of the best things you can do here.

Nature

This desert city has its shares of lakes and nature. Though most of it is dry during the summer, there are nice gardens to relax and spend your evenings while watching the sunset.

Mandore Garden

Mandore Gardens is one of the best parks to visit to relax on any given day. Mandore has a history dated back to the times of 6th century, even before Jodhpur was established. It hosts a museum, a ‘Hall of Heroes’ and a temple dedicated to the 33 crore Gods.

Sardar Samand Lake

This lake is situated close to the city and offers great environs to its visitors. The lake and nearby areas are known for accommodating exotic species of migratory birds which enhances the beauty of the lake. It is hence a home for great bird watching activity.

Umed Garden Zoo

One can explore and witness migratory birds, relax amidst the greens and spot animals at this abode. The migratory birds that are accommodated at this Garden zoo are believed to be from African and Australia.

This location is hence of great educational values and is perfect to visit with children.

Kalyan Lake

A manmade lake built by Pratap Singh in 1872, it spreads over an area of 84 square kilometers and a maximum depth of 50 feet. Winter times are the best for bird enthusiasts to visit the lake to spot some rare birds like the Siberian Crane.

Chand Baori

Built by King Chanda somewhere around the 9th Century, Chand Bawri is a stepwell built in the Abhaneri Village nearby Jodhpur. It is amongst the largest stepwell of the world and also the most beautiful ones. This makes is one of the popular places to visit in Jodhpur.

Jaswant Sagar Dam

The dam was constructed in the year 1892 by Maharaja Jaswant Singh and is hence named after him. Evenings are the best time to explore this location as it is quite popular for the picturesque sunset.

Balsamand Lake

Balsamand Lake is a lake situated 5 km from Jodhpur on Jodhpur-Mandore Road. This lake is a popular picnic spot, built in 1159 AD by Gurjara-Pratihara rulers. It is surrounded with lush greenery that adds to the existing charm of the place. It is decorated with a charismatic royal pathway which enhances the natural beauty of the lake.

Shop for

Shopping is amongst everybody’s utmost favorite things to do in Jodhpur. A trip to Jodhpur wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the bustling Old City laden with shops selling artifacts, spices, and saris.

Sardar Market consists of the labyrinth of shops and retains a traditional bazaar feel, it’s beautifully chaotic and colorful. Here, you can buy handicrafts, locally made embroidered cloth, local attire, spices, Jodhpuri shoes, scarves, carpets and lots more.

Visit the National Handloom market which is strategically situated right next to the heavily frequented Janta Sweet Home. Here the items are all at a fixed price and you can’t bargain for your price. Be prepared to be tempted as Jodhpur offers gorgeous brightly colored clothes as well as unique silver jewelry with tribal accents.

Tripolia Market in Jodhpur is the business sector offering grouped and an exhibit of products from conventional antiques to wooden handiworks.

Batik sarees, high-quality papers, metal things, metal furniture and souvenirs, marble statues and models, beautiful array and fabrics, silver gems, well-known compositions of Rajasthani floor coverings are availabe here.

Temples

There are numerous temples in the city, though the city is more famous for its forts and museums. Some of the noted ones are

• Chamunda Mataji Temple. Tucked away at the far end of the battlements, this temple is devoted to Rao Jodha’s favorite goddess and remains a local favorite to this day.
• Baba Ramdev Temple, Masuria Hills.
• Ganesh Temple, Ratanada.
• Mahamandir Temple, Mahamandir Chauraha.
• Pal Balaji Temple, Pal Gaon.
• Santoshi Mata Temple, Lal Sagar.
• Isqkiya Gajanan Ji Temple, Juni Mandi.

Sports Activities

This city is a good place for all the sports enthusiast to gather and feel the air.

• Overlander Safari: Exploring the little-known hamlets and hutments of rural Rajasthan with Overlander Safaris is nothing like a typical desert safari – there are no sand-dunes or touristy destinations in sight.
• Amal Sabha: The Amal Sabha, a traditional Opium ceremony, is said to be over a 1000 years old. Filtered opiate is watered and first offered to Lord Shiva. Following this, all visitors drink opiate from the palm of the eldest member of the gathering.
• Cycling Tour: Enjoy cycling through the best roads, alleys around the houses and the historic sites. Learn about the lifestyle of the people which plays a vital role in designing the culture as you continue your tour.
• Paragliding joy ride adventure sport is being offered to tourists since 2014 by a very experienced pilot in Jodhpur. There are early morning and sunset flights.
• Desert Camping: A night camp experience, touring a Rajasthani village, watching the sunset over the sand dunes, drive over the undulating landscape and visiting the homes of two ethnic communities – all this is packed into the 3 day Desert Experience Camp.
• Farm Tour: Experience the serenity and tranquility of Rajasthan with a farm picnic lunch in this colorful state.

Local cuisine

The most essential dishes which you must taste when in the city are

• Makhaniya Lassi — lassi (yogurt drink) spiced up with cardamom and butter.
• Mishrilal at the Clock Tower possibly serves the best lassi in town.
• Mawa Kachori (Sweet)
• Panchkuta (dry curry)
• Dal Bati Churma (meal with baked bread dipped in curry, Churma is separate sweet served alongside)
• Gatte ka saag (curry)
• Kabuli (a rice specialty)
• Mirchi Bada / Samosa/ Pyaz Ki Kachori (spicy snacks are usually taken with evening tea)
• Kaju Draksh ki Sabji (curry made of cashew and raisins)
• Malai Kulfi (milk ice cream)
• Doodh Jalebi (sweet dipped in milk)
• Head to Janta Sweets, few meters off the Clock Tower toward the rail station, for excellent sweets and snacks.

Getting Around

You can enter the city via the airport which had daily flights from Mumbai and Delhi.The airport is just 5km from the city center so it doesn’t take much time to reach the city on arrival.

Jodhpur is an important division of the North Western zone of the Indian Rail network. It is well connected by direct trains from all metros and major cities in India.

If you want comfort, hire a cab or taxi. You can do so with the help of the Ola or Uber app.

Best Time to Visit

October marks the onset of peak season in Jodhpur with the weather turning pleasant. From October all the way to March is the best season to visit the city. Summers like all cities of Rajasthan are terribly hot and you have many chances of dehydration and sunburn.

Where to stay

The city has numerous places to stay. It has places to suit all budgets, from 5-star hotels to budget hostels. Airbnb also is a good option in the city. 

Depending on your budget you can check in on online sights like Make my trip or Yatra or Trivago to get the best deal.

November 6, 2018 9:04 am Published by Art Of Travel