Introduction
Jodhpur is also known by the name of “BLUE CITY” & “SUN CITY” which was built in 1158, with exquisitely carved ancient structures. There are a number of things to do but I have discussed about the 10 best places in Jodhpur to visit which you can’t miss when in blue city of India.
Jodhpur is famous for many palaces, museums and old structures such as Mehrangarh fort, Mandor Gardens, Umaid Bahwan palace and many more.
In addition to these famous sites, it is also well known for its delicious food items and shopping.
It is the 2nd biggest city of Rajasthan after Jaipur and was the former capital of the Marwar Empire.
This city is quite busy and you will find hustle and bustle but not noisy. Rather it is a vibrant city and here you can feel the real vibe of Rajasthani culture & traditions.
I made a visit to this city in the month of December and going to share with you my journey and the 10 best Places in Jodhpur to Visit which you should not miss in order to completely Explore the Blue City.
To make things easily understandable and navigable, I have designed this article in FAQ format.
Table of Contents
Where Jodhpur is located?
Jodhpur is situated in the middle of the Golden Triangle Route and is in the Rajasthan state of North-western India.
Why Jodhpur is called as Blue City?
It is known by the name of Blue city for the 2 reasons which a local told me.
- Jodhpur is located very close to the Thar desert which makes the climate hot all year round. Therefore, people paint their houses blue to make it cooler and more pleasant.
- It is suggested that it is related to Balamonism and it was once a city cursed by priests, so King Rao Jodha rebuilt the city in the hope of a fresher colour by painting it blue as a colour of hope.
But nowadays people are bored with blue colour and most of them have pained and renovated their house with modern architecture and different colours.
But still, you would be able to notice significant houses with blue when viewing from the top of the famous Mehrangarh fort.
How to reach Jodhpur?
There are a number of ways to reach jodhpur depending on the place from where you coming. It is well connected with three modes of transportation.
By Road: Jodhpur is well connected with roads to the major cities like Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur and Ahmedabad. You can reach here by booking a cab/taxi or bus. Roads are beautifully built and wide (4-laned). You can also reach here on the bike if you love bike-riding and this experience is wonderful.
By Air: The nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport which is well connected with major cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur. Domestic flights operate from these cities to Jodhpur on regular basis.
By Train: India has an extensive network of trains and is the cheapest way to travel. You can easily book your train journey via using any online platform like Makemytrip.com, ixigo app.
I travelled by train in AC 2-tier and my journey was smooth and relaxing. I board from the Bathinda Junction (Punjab) to Jodhpur Junction via Jammu Tawi Express train.
Jodhpur Railway station is one of the beautiful and cleanest stations in India.
Which is the best time to visit Jodhpur?
The best time to visit Jodhpur is from October to March as the weather remains pleasant during this period of time. Other months of the year are hot and scorchy and this area is much hotter due to its close proximity to the Thar Desert.
What are the 10 Best places in Jodhpur to visit?
There are a number of things to do in Jodhpur but I will discuss only the top 10 best places in Jodhpur to visit:
- Visit Mehrangarh Fort
- Visit Jaswant Thada
- Visit Umaid Bhawan Palace
- Visit Mandore Gardens
- Visit Toorji ka Jhalra (Step Well)
- Visit Clock Tower & Sardar Market
- Try the hot Kullad Tea
- Enjoy Rajasthani traditional Food
- Explore the Streets of old Jodhpur City (Blue Houses)
- Shopping
Read in detail about the 10 Best Places in Jodhpur to Visit below:
Visit Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh is the main attraction of Jodhpur and is visited by every tourist. It is one of the largest forts in India and it stands a beautiful 400 feet above the city overlooking the beautiful blue houses.
It is easily visible from the main parts of the city.
This fort has been shown in many Hollywood and Bollywood movies. It became internationally famous when pictured in “The Dark Knight Rises” movie.
This fort was built by Rao Jodha in 1459 and has a number of fascinating rooms, galleries, museums, royal apartments, and balconies. I will not go deep into the history of this fort as you can easily google it or can take an audio-guide tour whenever you visit this place.
Ticket Price: The entry ticket fee for visitors is as below:
Per Person Entry Ticket: 200 INR
For Students: 100 INR
You can also book a guide which will cost you 500 INR for 1 to 4 persons.
You can also take an audio guide at the cost of 180 INR.
Timings: The timings to visit Mehrangarh Fort are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and it remains open for all days of the week.
Keep the entry ticket with you carefully as it could be checked at any time inside the fort.
There are many palace rooms that have been preserved to look like they did when they were in use by the royalty of Jodhpur which you should not miss at any cost:
- Phool Mahal
- Sheesh Mahal
- Takht Villas
Apart from the above, you should visit Daulatkhana to explore the lifestyle of the Kings of that time.
From the windows of the fort walls, you get the perfect picture of the blue city.
There is an area where ancient cannons are placed and you can have a panoramic view of the Jodhpur city from this portion.
You can see the pigeons flock off together in one mass movement around the fort which is pretty cool for photographing. However, watch they don’t poop on your head.
You can also go for shopping at Crafts Bazaar nestled in the fort where you can purchase local and traditional items such as Lac Bangles, Durries (Special kind of Cloth), Handicrafts, Books and Literature.
There are a number of places to eat here such as Mehran Terrace, Palki Cafe to quench your hunger thrust.
It requires a minimum of 3 hours to explore this fort completely.
Visit Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada is situated near the Mehrangarh fort and is a distance of 1.5 KM from the main entrance gate of the fort.
You can access it either on foot or by hiring an autorickshaw (tuk-tuk). You could also try Ghora-Tanga Rickshaw (Horse Cart).
Jaswant Thada is a beautiful full white marble memorial built-in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. It is a great example of Marvellous architecture. The main memorial is built like a temple, featuring finely carved sculptures and lovely domes.
The grounds surrounding Jaswant Thada feature carved gazebos, a tiered garden, and a small lake, as well as monuments for other members of the royal family.
In addition, you can walk around a natural lake in the middle of arid land creating a harmonious scene between human hands and nature.
Entry Ticket Price: 50 INR per person.
You can also book a guide at an additional cost of 150 INR for a maximum of 4 persons.
Timings are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
It’s worth bringing your camera as the views from here are breathtaking of the fort and beyond.
You can spend 2 to 3 hours here enjoying the scenic beauty of this site.
CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE IMAGES OF JODHPUR CITY
Visit Umaid Bhawan Palace
Umaid Bhawan Palace is situated at a distance of approximately 8 KM from the Mehrangarh fort. You can reach here either by taxi or autorickshaw which would cost you around 150 to 200 INR.
It is one of the largest palaces where you can stay also. But it is quite costly to live here. The condition of this palace is very good because it was the last royal palace built in India before independence.
It’s the youngest palace of India and it’s truly an architectural splendour and a truly royal experience.
It has a museum which is open for all visitors which costs you around 30 INR per person for entry. This museum exhibits the lifestyle and other items related to the current Maharaja Gaj Singh II.
There is a car gallery here where you can see the ancient royal cars owned by the royal families of Jodhpur.
It requires a maximum of 1 hour to explore this place completely.
Visit Mandore Gardens
Mandore gardens are located on the outskirts of the main city and at a distance of about 10 KM from the main city.
Actually, the structures here are abandoned and it is not that beautiful. However, the renovation work was in progress during my visit.
Mandore was the old capital city of Jodhpur kings which makes it interesting but after that Kings moved to main Jodhpur city.
You can visit a museum here which costs you 20 INR per person. In this museum, there are art, picture and painting galleries of the 5th to 17th centuries.
Apart from this museum, you can visit the cremation sites of the Jodhpur kings.
The garden is lush green and has a number of beautifully designed architectural structures which you can photograph.
There is a Hindu temple of Shree Bhairo ji where people visit to pay their homage.
It requires 2 hours to completely explore this garden.
I would recommend tasting a delicious food item “DILKHUSHAL” Chakki Churma from Swadesi Sweet Shop near the main entrance of this garden. It is made up of Desi ghee, Jaggery and Besan. The taste is awesome.
Visit Toorji ka Jhalra (Step Well)
This place is located at a 5-minute walk from the famous clock tower.
This step well was built by Toorji, wife of Maharaja Abhey Singh in 1740. This was mainly built for the ladies for daily use. Females had to do a lot of domestic chores with water which they take from this well.
It is an example of a great architectural structure and is 200 feet deep.
You should take utmost care while visiting this place as it could be dangerous if your foot slips away. Rather I would suggest taking pictures from the upper side without going downstairs.
Locals told me that this well is closed for visitors as there are a number of chances of mishappening have been occurred here. In past, some persons tried to suicide by jumping from a height.
It requires only half an hour to explore this place.
Visit Clock Tower & Sardar Market
The clock tower is one of the most popular landmarks in the old city of Jodhpur.
Leading from the clock tower is the Sadar market which is perfect if you want to wander and pick up Indian sweets, spices, textiles and much more.
There are approximately 7,000 shops in this area which is amazing.
This market remains busy all the time of day and you will find people wandering here and there.
You can try different local delicious snacks here and do shopping. There is a famous shop known by the name of SHAHI SAMOSA where you can try Samosa (Indian Dish) and Mirchi Vada (Local Rajasthani Snack). You will find a rush on this shop for the whole time of the day.
Besides Shahi Samosa, there is another eatery point “ARORA CHAT” which is famous for its Dahi Vada (Cur dishes) , papri and Chaat.
Try the hot Kullad Tea
If you come to Rajasthan and have not tried Kullad tea then your trip is not complete. Tea is a famous drink in India which is consumed by almost every person on daily basis.
There are a number of tea shops on the gates of Sardar Market. You can try the different flavours of Kullad tea like Cardamom, Ginger, Garam Masala and so on. Kullad is an earthen pot in which tea is served. The smell of earthen pot makes the taste of tea amazing.
You must try this tea to feel the proper Rajasthani vibe.
Apart from this, there is a famous shop “Shri Mishrilal Hotel” where you can taste different flavours of Lassi, Hot Milk and Sweets (Doodh-Jalebi).
Enjoy Rajasthani Tradtional food
Your tour to a unique place is always incomplete if you don’t try the traditional local food of that place. So, to taste the Rajasthani food, you may try “GYPSY RESTAURANT” which is in the Sardarpura market.
This restaurant is famous for Rajasthani Thali in which different Rajasthani dishes are served in a single plate. You must try this Thali to know about the taste of Rajasthani food.
I tried a smaller version of Rajasthani Thali in which I was served with Dal Bati Churma (Rajasthani Food), Sabzi (Vegetables), Sweets, Jaggery and Namkeen Lassi. Everything was cooked in desi ghee.
You can reach here by taxi or autorickshaw from the fort and is at a distance of approximately 5 KM from the Mehrangarh fort.
Explore the streets of old Jodhpur city
Jodhpur is an old city and you can wander through the old city gullies (Streets).
The area around Mehrangarh fort is quite congested and people dwell in small houses with small entrance gates.
You may find blue houses decorated with beautiful paintings. The streets are not very wide and not plain.
One should make a single visit to the street of the city to know more about the local lifestyle.
Shopping
Jodhpur is famous for its textiles, handicrafts and spices.
You can do shopping here for quality products. There is a famous shop “BABA ART EMPORIUM” which has 15 shops inside. From here you can shop for clothes, 100 gm blankets, bedsheets, leather jackets, purses and shoes.
Alongside Baba Art Emporium, there is a famous Shoe shop “ISHA SILK” where you can buy leather shoes and other clothing stuff.
Jodhpur is known for its Red chilli. You can purchase raw red chillies of different types as well as powder forms. Wholesale shops are near the clock tower.
Apart from this, you can also go for handcrafted items and the famous shop is “LAL JI HANDICRAFTS” near Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Other less known tourist attraction points
Besides above mentioned 10 places, you may explore other tourist attractions in Jodhpur if you have some extra time.
- Om Vanna Temple: At a distance of 58 KM from Jodhpur city and is famous for a unique kind of temple where a “Bullet” motorbike is being worshipped.
- Kaylana Lake: 84 KM long lake to spend some relaxing moments in the lap of nature.
- Shastri Circle
- Flying Fox: High fly tour with ropes in Mehrangarh fort (Adventure activity).
- Pali Village tour.
- Bishnoi Village Safari tour
Where to stay in Jodhpur?
Hotels of all price range exist in Jodhpur city. You can pick any hotel based on your interest and budget.
You will find traditional old-styled havelies near Mehrangarh fort which will provide you a royal feel.
I stayed at “SINGHVI’s HAVELI” situated just 500m from Mehrangarh fort. My stay was comfortable and the rooms were equipped with all modern facilities. But this haveli is 500 years old and is maintained as such in its original form.
Moreover, the Mehrangarh fort is at a distance of just a 5-minute walk and Sardar Market is a 15-minute walk. I enjoyed my stay here and it has a roof-top view of Mehrangarh fort and city.
What’s the best way to get around Jodhpur?
You can explore Jodhpur city on its own with the help of google in taxis and autorickshaws. Or you may book a complete holiday package with famous tour planners like Makemytrip.com, Yatra.com, and so on.
You can easily visit all the famous tourist attractions in 2 days maximum. Otherwise, 1 day is sufficient to visit the main places like Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Clock tower, Jaswant Thada and Toorji ka Jhalra.
How was my experience?
The experience to explore the Best Places in Jodhpur to visit was awesome and memorable. I spend full 2 days in Jodhpur and explored almost all the famous parts of this city. This city is budgeted in all aspects such as stay, eating and travelling. You can easily explore this city in 5,000 INR including all expenses.
The best part is the Mehrangarh fort and the Clock tower area. You can actually feel the original Rajasthani vibes here. I tried different local food items here.
Jodhpur Railway station is the cleanest and beautiful station in India. It is well maintained. I did some shopping also. I think one full day is sufficient to explore this city.
Final words about Best Places In Jodhpur to Visit
I hope this information will be helpful for you. These are the 10 best places in Jodhpur to visit. If you have any queries related to the Jodhpur trip then feel free to ask by posting a comment in the comment box. I will be glad to answer your query.
CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE IMAGES OF JODHPUR CITY.
TO READ THIS ARTICLE IN PUNJABI, CLICK THE LINK BELOW:
EXPLORE OTHER CITIES OF RAJASTHAN
PIN “BEST PLACES IN JODHPUR TO VISIT” FOR LATER READ
Pingback: Punjab to Jaisalmer - Planning, Tips & Things to do (in 2022) in Sun City of Rajasthan. - Travel Blog
Pingback: JAIPUR TRAVEL GUIDE - 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN PINK CITY
Pingback: BEST THINGS TO DO IN UDAIPUR IN 2 DAYS; ROMANTIC CITY INDIA
jodhpur is really vwer worderfull place i booked my sightseen from Jodhpur Taxi Booking and got amazing and comfy service by them.